Bruce:
John called about 4:40 EST yesterday. Everybody made it to Anchorage on time. The conditions at Adak were not definitive. Do not know if they were going to try to make it to Adak last night or not. Have not heard from him since then. The lodging that we stayed in last year at Adak did not have internet access so they may be there unable to communicate until they find internet access. We have been well aware that Adak is difficult to get to which is why we have allowed 1.5 days for tries.
Pavlof: From Alaskan Volcano Observatory August 19: An AVO field party yesterday reported seeing a vigorous eruption of lava at Pavlof Volcano before clouds moved in. Activity did not exceed 10,000 ft. above sea level.
I had asked Kinsi and Tanner, Kale’s two youngsters, to give their view of life aboard a crab boat involved a rather extraordinary project. Here is Kensi’s reply:
Aug. 14 2007
We are making 9.2 knots across the Gulf of Alaska and are surrounded by dense fog; we have been since yesterday. The waves are mild, only 3-6 feet. Ahead of us, the cargo ship Global Triumph is headed for Chiba, Japan. And behind us, heading north to Valdez is an approximately 900ft long Tanker, Polar Endeavor. The fog is so thick I bet they can’t even see the end of their deck!
Aug. 18 2007
OK, I am thoroughly DONE with the swells being taller than most houses. I haven’t gotten sick yet, but I blame that on staying in bed whenever I can. If the swells were in some organized pattern that I could get used to, things would be better. But no, leave it to the sea to be utterly chaotic. It’s obnoxious. Gnarly swells are fine for a day, but it’s been a week now, and I do believe I’ve earned my way to land, thank you very much.
It is nice to not be surrounded by fog anymore. Last night we actually SAW STARS!!! YAY!!! Today we have low clouds and wind. The wheelhouse door is open; the Aleutian air coming in is making my fingers cold.
Aug. 19 2007
Tonight will be my last watch before we get to Adak; everyone is working as hard as they can to get things ready for town. My mom and I are supposed to scrub out the staterooms, but I doubt it will get done by tonight because of the seas. Right now we are working on little “Welcome aboard the Aquila” gift bags. They are very cool.
Toshi, from the Oceaneering crew, has been helping my brother Tanner with his ROV. They filled his thruster housing with hydraulic oil before dinner. I’m anxious to see how it turns out.
~Kinsi~