51 minutes and counting now, the science party, technicians, crew and staff are now aboard after lunches and last minute shopping. One or two important shoreside personnel are disembarking down the gangaway and the computer lab is full of people writing home.  The excitement is building; the weather is sunny, windy and warm.  Conditions are clear and bright for pictures and video.  What a splendid day for our departure from Honolulu Pier 29.  We’re headed for the paleo Equatorial Pacific where we’re prepared to core fossil ooze and sediment and work out the stories of Earth’s past climate.  Come join the fun, photos, video and updates about our 60 day expedition.

Time to smear on some sunscreen and get out on deck!

Leslie