Out in the Bay!

And we’re off! Today is an early start 6am from the Park Service housing we’ve been staying in to head to Bartlett Cove and out on the boat. No, I didn’t get up super early to write this, I actually cheated just a little and wrote a blog for today and tomorrow that will post while we’re out. When we’re on the boat you see we’ll be totally cut off – no phone, no internet and even radio cover is patchy in places – when’s the last time you were totally out of touch? It’s quite refreshing, no disturbances and you can really concentrate on the science, fun!

Down at the docks, this sign welcomes the thousands of cruise ships, sail boats and kayakers heading out in the waters of Glacier Bay National Park.

Our home for the next two days (well, our work station. Our home is going to be a floating bunkhouse up in the West Arm, but you’ll have to wait until we get back to see that!). Stian checks out the RV Capelin.

Flying the research flag. There are many places in the park where motorized boats are not allowed to go, so the science boats fly this yellow research flag that tells everyone they are special, and can work in those areas. The flag doesn’t let you stay in those areas though, as soon as you’re done you have to get out of there! The reason motorized boats are not allowed in certain places is because the bay is home to many species of marine mammals and birds (over 200 species!) that nest and live on the shores of some of the many islands here. Motorized boats make lots of noise and can disturb these animals, so the park carefully regulates where they can and cannot go – and the places sometimes change every year.

That’s it for today, think of us as we’re out on the water, collecting seafloor images and water chemistry using the CTD, I hope the weather stays as great as it has been!