Day 14: Passion

Passion--that little flame that you just can’t seem to put out.  When you come across it, you know, there is no question. We will all feel it in our lifetimes, the lucky ones find a purpose in it and the truly blessed approach everything they do with an equal dose of this powerful energy.  


There is no shortage of passion on this ship.  When you think about it, to devote a month of your life to discovery, you have to love what you do.   The crew can spend up to six months at sea.  I asked the Captain if he misses home while he is “out here” and he told me, “ this is not here, it’s just not there.” Translation-this is his home.  


I ran across a scientist today who was excited about….poop! Yeah, poop.  Turns out it is pretty powerful stuff. Phytoplankton gives off oxygen, Zooplankton eats the Phytoplankton and poops.  In turn, the waste material sucks CO2 out of the air before sinking.  Someday, thousands of years from now, it might mean oil.  Wow-right! Next time you swallow a big gulp of salt water think on that.


Though my fire is fueled by something a bit different from the scientists, I am amazed at the parallels between our crafts.  They are here to discover the unknown; I am here for the untold story. In that, there is sacrifice. There are holidays without family, long hours and moments that test your resilience.  Heck, test your level of passion.  

The sacrifice is shared burden. I was reminded of this after posting pictures of the rough sea today.  At some point, everyone here signed up for this. The support is owned by those that take this journey with us.  The parents, partners and children that worry about our safety, while we embrace the good fortune of finding something we find a calling in.. So, thank you!

After looking at one of the scientists breathtaking photos today, I suggested that he consider a career change.  Without hesitation he said, “not a chance,” and I thought--I know what you mean.

Goodnight!