As I said in my last post we have reached our site and cemented in the first of two CORKs. Right now we have moved over to the second site and the positioning officer is now trying to stab the drill string into the opening. Every time I stop and really look at what we are trying to do I am amazed. We are attempting to put the end of a 5-½ inch pipe into a 9-inch hole. No problem you might say. Well the end of the 5-½ inch pipe is at the end of a drill string over 2 ½ kilometers long. That is 1.55 miles. Now consider this. The upper end of this pipe is attached to a ship floating on the Pacific Ocean. As we watch the underwater camera the end is tantalizing close to the opening in to which it must go. The PO (positioning officer) is moving the ship in such a way as to gently move the string of pipe.  He has to take into account the fact that after he moves the ship it will take a moment for the pipe to move and he has to anticipate what the currents will do to the pipe as it moves. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the second CORK will be serviced.

In the short time I have been on the JR I have developed enormous respect for the scientists and crew that sail on her. Every one of them is a true and dedicated professional. They take each mission personally, as though the fate of the world hangs in the balance. What would the world be like if we all did the same in our own lives. It does not matter if you have a degree, are still in school or have never finished school. Take pride in what you do and do it to the very best of your ability. Don’t try to do it. Do it.

Later