Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 07/20/2008 - 08:03

I have enjoyed reading about your voyage and viewing your photo gallery. Another aspect that I have found to be most interesting is the (almost) live photos taken by the ship's web camera from the bridge or mast of the Healy. It appears as though much of your trip thus far has been shrouded in fog with quite a bit of rain, or maybe ocean spray, based on the web cam photos. Is that typical for this time of year? Has the apparent lack of sunshine, coupled with the absence of natural light inside the Healy, had any psychological influence on the science team or the ship's crew, such as a form of Seasonal Adjustment Disorder? 

Also, did the Captain order that the web cam be turned off for a particular reason? New images have been unavailable since 07/18 at 2301. Are there security issues which would require the discontinuation of the web cam photos? 

Lastly, how close were the whales to the ship and were you aboard the Healy or in one of the small boats when you saw them? 

Thanks,

Kevin

 

Jillian Worssam

Hello Kevin,
Thanks for reading along.  Funny that you should mention the forward web cam.  I was just up there, we have about seven food swells, 25 knot winds and some glorious spray breaking over the bow.  I must have stood outside for an hour shivering while just enjoying the view.  I am not sure why the camera is down, and will cehck into it.  For sure no security issues.
From talking with regular summer travelers to the Bering Sea fog is a stable component,as well as the rain.  I love it, makes me fel alive when the weather kicks up.  Not sure on the rest of the crew.  So far everyone still appears to be happy and having a blast.  The fun thing is that even in the fog we have really long daylight days, just a bit shrouded.
And the whales, close enough for me to hear their breath as they surfaced. I wish I could have captured some better photographic pictures, my mind will just have to fill in the details.
Thanks for reading!
Jillian 

Jillian Worssam

Hi Kevin,
I just checked, the camera is down to do server issues on land.  Bummer.  Let me know when you need a wether update.  Fog, and possibly rain!   =)

Anonymous

I followed you guys all year last year. First thing I did every morning after finding the web site was check your link to see the picture and your position. Wonderful way to start my very busy days. The web cam has not been reporting since january 27 2011 and stopped reporting you position last year after returning from the north. Has the web link changed or are you just not going to report going forward. I have really missed keeping up with you guys. Clyde