Day 7: Yup, it happens...

11/12/2015

Ok, so I have been avoiding this topic because, frankly, if you acknowledge the nausea it gets worse! However, this is the number one question I have received and the number one fear of some onboard. As a first time cruiser, I am among the handful that has been blessed with a surefire way to lose some weight--seasickness. Though, I do not recommend this route.

Let’s face it, for 26 days, we will be tossed around like ping-pong balls at the hands of two rookie players. November, in the North-Atlantic sea, isn’t exactly smooth sailing.

Good thing we came prepared. Before we left the docks I applied one of the recommended motion-sickness patches. I am sure they work wonders, for your typical user, but your average person isn’t exposing themselves to 15-20 foot waves for a month. Here is where several of us hit a learning curve face-first. My first clue was when someone mentioned, in passing, that the “patch is no picnic.”

Then came the dry mouth, the blurry vision, and the wild dreams. At that point, I was thinking it was a trade-off. I was avoiding a full-blown case of SS but I really didn’t want to eat. Which is a shame, because the food onboard is EXCELLENT! I know right! I was surprised by that too.

I think the patch did do its job, but by day four when people started opening up, I heard recollections of the hallucinations that set in if you wear it for too long. For some reason, people often “see” furry animals?! Though it would be nice to have some four-legged friends onboard, I prefer they have actual heart beats. This conversation was followed by a mad dash to the bathroom where the remainder of us took those patches OFF.

Though it will impact everyone in a different way, you just have to accept that you probably won’t feel 100 percent. So, why do they do it? Well, there is passion that fuels every scientist onboard. I mean, come on, they are discovering awesome ocean stuff. As for me, I like a good challenge. If I can master the showering at sea thing I will consider the trip well worth it.

Word of advice, stick to ginger chews and avoid computer work at all costs.

Good thing I started this blog, eh? =)

1 Comment

Author

Nicole Estaphan

I love surprises, they give us the opportunity to dive into the unknown with unquenchable curiosity. Two years ago, I made the decision to leave my job as an Atlanta television reporter. I moved home to Massachusetts and found myself on Cape Cod with no job and no idea of what was next, no idea about the pure magic that was about to enter my life. A friend of mine called and asked me to do a favor for a small radio station where she had just taken a job. All I had to do was go to Woods Hole, MA and interview a scientist about a mission called the NASA_NAAMES project. That scientist would end up changing my life and perspective in ways I am still trying to find the words to fully explain. After a discussion about their impending journey at sea--an invitation to join them. Though, Mike Behrenfeld and I still disagree on who asked who we DO agree on the result--a fantastic partnership was born. With less than twenty four hours notice I was on a ship headed to parts of the North Atlantic that few ever see in winter AND for good reason!! The conditions can be intense! At the time, given the challenges at sea and my video equipment being limited to one tiny little camera .
(RE: 24 hours notice) this blog became a way for me to communicate with the family members whose loved ones were so far away. Giving them an onboard look at the fascinating work at the hands of those they call family. Fast forward we are at it again!! This time as the scientists dive deeper into all that is unseen in our oceans--we will dive deeper into their research, the incredible sacrifices that come with that and the love that fuels their mission of discovery. The journey continues March 20th.....

L. Boutiette

11/12/2015 04:58:21 pm

Thanks Nicole for the authentic account of this journey. It may well be that in some way we will all benefit from the data gathered by these men and women but this blog makes the trip and their work "human" and real to us.

For the parents/loved ones it is a connection that is precious for the rest of us it is a reminder that it is hard work and sacrifice for the good of others!

Become one with the roll of the ship (advice from my husband and friends at Mass Maritime Academy). So proud of you!

JOURNALIST AT SEA