15 August 2008 Steaming South

Journal

After sampling at 72.36N, 144.42W, the LSSL began a 16-hour 293 km steam south to meet a refueling barge. This break in the science work gave everyone time to take breath after the frenetic pace of the past weeks.

Even though we are now receiving satellite TV and are enjoying the Olympics, we decided that we need to stage an event ourselves.

Presenting the LSSL Intergalactic Olympics- The Heli Deck High Dive. The object was to drop a Diver (a small test tube) from the Bridge deck into a red bucket on the flight deck.

High Dive Demo — Linda White demonstrates the art of Heli Deck High Diving. The object was to drop your Diver into the red bucket below.

Spirit — These guys are getting psyched up prior to the competition.

Judges — Heli Deck High Dive competition was judged by some tough characters: Chief Officer Stan Nunn, Kenny Scozzafava and Jim Dunn.

Heli High Five — Third Engineer Wayne Barter checks with the judge before attempting the Heli High Dive.

All Hands — Waldek Walczowski shows off his High Diver before the competition.

The Try-Athelon competition included a clever timed Pandora's Box competition: objects that had to be put together to match the picture on the lid. One person could actually do the assembling but could receive any verbal instructions.

Number One — The Chief Engineer directed Kelly Young to victory in Pandora's Box.

Belugas — Teams resorted to a variety of techniques to show their spirit.

The co-pilot seat belt in the helicopter is quite a challenge. Under field conditions, getting in the helicopter requires focus and concentration. The blades are spinning making speech impossible, so it is important that you know what you are doing. Correctly putting on the lifejacket, seat belt and headset is essential. Our truly wonderful helicopter pilot Chris Swannell has seemingly endless patience with us.