Day 12: Adapt

Let’s talk about adaptability, it is the essential ingredient needed to make work at sea possible.  I don’t care if you grew up on the water, have been published all over the world or have the sexiest sea legs in town.  If you can’t adapt--forget it.  The sea is moody, smooth as glass one minute and churning like a Vitamix blender the next.  Tools that work on land decide to take a vacation at sea, can ya' blame em’?  Theories fall apart, tested ideas don’t play out as planned, and equipment WILL break.  I have seen challenges arise that the best think tank in the world would have missed.  All of this, after, you begin your day by adjusting your walk to the ever changing motion.  


If I sound like I am complaining, let me clarify.  I am amazed. From my few dances with science I found it to be exempt from the flaws of other crafts.  Everything is always perfectly measured out, perfectly fit, perfectly…flawed.  You don’t know what you will find out here.  My own equipment has kept me from the journalism that I take comfort in.  I know images and sound, without a properly functioning microphone, I have had to focus on this evolving blog.  I have had to ask for help…gasp! 


Last night, the aerosol team, found their lab infiltrated by salty waters from a stormy night. The main lab is kept at a chilly 50 degrees to keep the integrity of samples alive.  Scientists work in full winter gear for sixteen hours a day.
​  

​The internet is SLOW-but a blessing to have.  Imagine preparing your dinner tonight while riding a seesaw!  The chef, onboard, does it everyday.  
​

There is no place for frustration, it just prolongs the path to a solution.  Everyday, every hour, is about adapting.  The excitement on the other end, of a problem solved, is worth every minute.  


Oh, and that rainbow!

​

---