We’re nearly two weeks into our 14-month adventure aboard One Ocean, and both crew and vessel seem to be settling into a good rhythm. The research is well underway and, frankly, intense. So far, we've studied three kelp beds, observed a pod of about a dozen orcas, and begun collecting data for the Applied Physics Lab. Grace has been working non-stop, and the rest of us, acting as her assistants, have been just as busy. So busy, in fact, that I’ve struggled to keep up with both the project and the writing!
We’ve logged nearly 212 nautical miles — much of it under motor — so a big thank you to Tim, Mike, and Matt for keeping the engine in great shape.
Today, we’re anchored in the Octopus Islands, just a few miles north of Seymour Narrows. I hope you can spot our position on our website tracker. Yesterday, we spent hours studying two kelp beds. Just as we wrapped up our final quadrat drop, disaster struck — the GoPro popped off and sank to the bottom. I was stunned. I couldn’t even make eye contact with Grace, who had been working so hard all day — and now, some of her precious data was lost. But, true to form, she was incredibly kind. Everyone was.
Mike, Grace, and I noted the location and depth, then raced back to the boat to get into our wetsuits. Grace and I snorkeled the area in hopes of recovering the GoPro. But it was like searching for a needle in a kelp bed. The seabed was rocky, visibility was worsening, and the GoPro — black in a clear case — was nearly impossible to spot. We saw some impressive marine life (including a seal that swam beneath us!), but no sign of the camera. It was a sobering reminder that the ocean doesn’t always offer second chances.
Back on the boat, we peeled off our gear and took hot showers. As always, we reflected as a team on what we could do better next time. I’m surrounded by brainiacs — and then there’s me! But it’s one of the things I love about this experience: we’re always trying to improve.
Looking back on the week, the worst of the gastrointestinal virus that swept through the crew seems behind us. It hit hard and had us down for several days. Despite that, we’ve kept to a rigorous schedule — waking around 5 a.m., underway by 6, covering good distances daily. Our port stops are quick — mainly to restock food or visit hardware stores. We’ve said our farewells to Victoria and Mill Bay, and our final goodbye to my parents in Deep Bay, north of Nanaimo.
Meal duties rotate, and after being sick — and unable to restock in Victoria — I was craving fruits and vegetables like never before. Fortunately, Mill Bay came through as a great provisioning stop, and meals on board have been spectacular.
We’re not quite in our full routine yet, but we’re getting close. Projects to improve efficiency, comfort, and functionality are ongoing. Huge thanks to Mike for keeping us civilized with water, electricity, and heat!
Between skipper duties, research, meetings, writing, and cooking, I collapse into bed each night completely exhausted — but grateful.
One last exciting note: our first live classroom event is coming up! Tune in on May 21 at 10 a.m. via our website. It’s hosted through Exploring By the Seat of Your Pants, and we’re all thrilled about it.