At Sea Journal of Matt MacGregor, February 5, 2013

 

R/V Weatherbird II Departing Tampa Bay

Morning

Our first day at sea started at the USF’s College of Marine Sciences where we met the R/V Weatherbird II at 7:00 A.M.  We had a brief meeting and a survival suit drill. I guess there’s a first time for everything.  I can say that I’ve never put on a survival suit before; but, I’m glad to have tried in case the real occasion should arise.  It was a beautiful day to go out and I made a point of making any last cell phone calls before exiting Tampa Bay.  It’s been many years since I have been in a “cellular dead zone” the size of the Gulf of Mexico!  I’m down below right now and can start to feel the difference in the swell. It is time to go on deck so that I can see the land disappear on the horizon.

Lunchtime

Our first lunch on board was a true morale booster, not that morale is bad.  I just know that sometimes the quality of the
food on a long journey at sea can be a huge deal when you really need it.

 

Scientists enjoy a wholesome meal while at Sea.