What's Happening Today - May 19

Today's dive was the second one for Ken Macdonald and Rachel Haymon. They continued their observations and sampling to investigate off-axis hydrothermal activity ~30km west of the East Pacific Rise axis.

It was hot and humid again today, but the pool provides some relief. The pool is Pat Hickey's wonderful contribution to rest & relaxation time here on the ship. Ping pong, reading and watching videos are the other main sources of pastime on the ship.

As Ken and Rachel are diving, 30 kilometers away, ABE is running north-south tracklines spaced about 60 meters apart at an altitude of 40m above the seafloor. The map that ABE makes will help Hans, Maurice and Dan understand how young volcanic seafloor is created here at the East Pacific Rise, and it will greatly complement the mapping that was done last November.

After a successful dive, Atlantis steamed northeast to pick up ABE. As we approached the area Al Bradley heard the radio beacon that ABE sends out so we knew it was on the surface. With ABE safely on deck, Dana quickly downloaded some of the initial data that told us the dive was very successful and that it had left the bottom only a few hours earlier than planned. Pat Hickey then released the two transponders ABE was using to navigate and the ship's crew homed in on them and recovered them. By about 10pm, 2200 hours, we were headed south towards the Galápagos Islands.

More tomorrow on the results of the dives. But there is very distressing news-- there are POLYWOGS on R/V Atlantis! Polywogs are low-life creatures that have never crossed the Equator on a ship. Not to worry- we'll root them out and be rid of them before we cross into King Neptune's realm.

Best Regards,

Dan

Captain Silva wishes his daughter Mariah a VERY HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY and sends his love to her and his family.

Wayne Bailey, the Bosun working on a new safety line for the Avon. The right photo shows some of Rachel Haymon's sulfide samples drying. Fred, Dan's chicken, is helping to incubate them!

Jerry Graham, one of the Able Seamen, taking a break on the fantail by the pool. Naomi Ward and Jeff Blasius practicing in preparation for the ping-pong tournament that will start soon.

The Killer White Rabbit on the attack again. This time it's John Heidelberg who is the victim. Dan working on the battery chargers for the towed camera system.

Rhian Waller has been experimenting with the best way to coat the corer heads with surfboard wax (left). Steve Liberatore works on one of the towed camera/corer system coring winches. Steve and Andy Billings did extensive testing today and found the problem with the grounds. They successfully triggered the winches today every time while the camera was taking pictures. Bravo!

Jeff Blasius looking at the approaching rain squall. Phil Forte, one of the Alvin pilots and Pat Hickey, the Expedition Leaders, taking care of the post-dive checkout of the sub.

Ken Macdonald and Rachel Haymon after a successful dive today.

Rhian Waller and Rod Catanach take care of removing one of the slurp pumps from the Alvin basket after today's dive.