With a little over a week to go on Expedition 341, I thought I would reflect on my favorite spots on the ship. The JR has been our home for the past two months, and there are many things on this ship that I’m thankful for (the espresso maker & treadmill, to name a few!), but the following have been a highlight of this experience.

Runner up: Cloud holes. We’ve had a lot of cloudy days here in the Gulf of Alaska, which has been a big change from the TX weather I’ve grown accusotmed to. I’ve definitely learned to embrace the clouds, and the Sun shining through cloud holes in the distance has become one of my favorite sights.

Top 5 (in no particular order):

1. The Core Lab: This is the best place to be on this ship, especially if you like to look at mud and sediments. Also the place to be if you’re looking for a great conversation about sedimentary processes. A great collection of great minds, and sediments that have been buried beneath the ocean for thousands to millions of years being viewed for the first time here. It really doesn’t get much better than that.

(Image credit: John Beck, IODP)

2. The Picnic Tables: My favorite place to take a break, and the location of BBQs when the weather cooperates. This is an especially nice place to hang out on a sunny day. We were fortunate to have a clear view of Mt. St. Elias during our BBQ last Sunday. It was a beautiful sight.

(Image credit: John Beck, IODP)

3. The Catwalk! The most exciting place to be when there’s a “CORE ON DECK!” Why? It’s THE first place to see a core when it arrives on the ship. Pretty awesome.

4. The Pet Wall: Located in the stairwell on the core deck. I stop to admire it every time I walk past. We all miss our furry creatures!

 

5. Steel Beach: The best views of the land and sea are from the top deck of the ship, and it’s the perfect place to relax on a nice day. Carol and I wait patiently for the Alaskan sunset, which requires staying up way past our bedtime after our 6 am – 6pm shift!

And that’s just a taste of it. There’s a lot to appreciate on this ship, and we have 8 more days to take it in!