Drake Passage Initial Interpretations paper published in PLoS ONE - Link - just in time for some serious preparation for the full cruise!

Aloha!
Dr. W.

The Darling Marine Center

It's been a little over two weeks since I started to get settled at the Darling Marine Center, and I realised it's about time I updated on here! So much has been happening in the last few weeks, it's all been a bit of a blur. Here are some photos to recap and update you all on progress - we're moving forward with several exciting things and have some great projects getting going soon - from Alaska to Antarctica - so stay tuned!

Aloha
Dr. W.

First off, there has been rather a lot of snow! Our lab mascot palm tree went out for a wander while technican  Christian was here to help unload and take part in a diving course. 

The Flowing Seawater Laboratory, home to the new Waller Laboratory after last weeks snow storm - a good 2ft came down in less than 24hrs! 

Friend of the lab Kate Buckman came down from New Hampshire to give some much needed unloading help! This is my new office, and storage area for all the lab gear until the lab next door is ready - it's undergoing some renovations at the moment. 

The POD container came and went - everything inside arrived safe and sound (aside from the odd Hawaiian cockroach that crept in there that didn't fair so well!)

Last week saw myself start an AAUS diving course (so I can dive in Alaska in March) and technician Christian take his drysuit certification (so he can also dive in Alaska in March). We're not crazy honest, it's actually quite toasty once you have all the gear on. 

The Polar Bear dive team - Diving Safety Officer Chris, Christian and myself. 

I'm getting used to the lack of geckos, cockroaches and mosquitos and having somewhat larger "friends" around instead. I have yet to see this creature around the Darling Marine Center grounds, but it has sure made a lot of tracks in the snow!