I have made it to the NOAA Ship Hi'ialakai (the HI), based out of Honolulu, by some stroke of luck. The survey tech here left, and they asked me to fill in, for at least a few months, likely for the entire season. There is also the possibility that I may be hired here permanently, keeping my fingers crossed! I arrived Jan.11. So far, I love it out here. I like the ship, the people, the science that takes place, the places they go, and of course, our homeport! We left for our current cruise Jan.21 and we do not return to Honolulu until April 25th. However after that, we are in and out of Honolulu for 20-30 day cruises, so I will get to have a lot of time in Honolulu. The first leg of this cruise (there are three legs) consists of coral reef habitat assessment around Johnston, Howland, and Baker Islands. We pull into American Samoa on Feb.12. The scientists on this cruise are awesome. To liven up the time, they have started a biggest loser challenge and for some reason deemed me a coach. Each team also has a heckler, naturally. Most of the scientists work for NOAA, and many are staying on for the 2nd and 3rd legs. I am working at night, usually from about 1600-0400. I am doing CTD casts, to assess the water column from the surface to about 500m, while they sleep after a long day of diving on the reefs. The HI needs to stay close to them while they are diving, so I can't do my water sampling until night. Right now we are rockin and rollin, but otherwise seas have been fine. I will try to post pics of the ship and life on it later in the cruise. For now, Aloha and I hope you all are well. Life is wonderful for me out here, I am truly happy and smiling! Love, Lauren
