26.07.2014
Raising this CTD has proven to be difficult. Our most beloved scientific instrument got caught in a rogue long fishing line which also entangled the ship and the propeller. Some cuts here and there by the crew of RV Sonne solved the problem and our CTD could serve us another round of “fresh” water from the abyss of the Indian Ocean. On a ship it is always suspicious to be asked:” Can you help me? … Just a little?” These words were used by Henning to express his need for help to carry down a 3 meter, 40 kg crazy top-notch spectrometer from the uppermost corner deep in to the belly of the ship. Steffen, Sinnika, Henning, Frank and Reno juiced up their packs and took the lead in Arnold Schwarzenegger style. Of course the instrument had to be back, 3 hours later. Hasta la vista baby!
27-07 high noon
We are proud to announce the end of the first 26 hour station (hanging loose at one spot to make detailed measurements in the same water mass). We are again sailing now northwards, with the nice trade winds from south east and swell from the same direction. To stress all maritime stereotypes and kitsch one has to mention the German music group: Santiano. “Wir sind frei, frei wie der Wind…” “Es gibt nur Wasser, Wasser, Wasser überall,…” That’s somehow expressing our feelings.

Today with a selfie from the two blog writers (Alex Zavarsky and Steffen Fuhlbrügge, at the top), always at your service.