2012 Maritime Heritage Expedition Log by Etta Karth – July 5, 2012

The sun and clouds in the sky encourage us as we begin our three day voyage to Kanemilohaʻi. Credit: Etta Karth/NOAA

Departure

The anticipation of the entire boat is inimitable. It is evident on all of our faces. We are ready. The boat latter is pulled up by crane and crew – there are a few last minute concerns to attend to, but at last, we depart on the expedition through the NWHI on NOAA's Hiʻialakai.

The day is striking. The sun and clouds in the sky encourage us as we begin our three day voyage to Kanemilohaʻi. It seems to take a lifetime before civilization (Oʻahu) is out of sight and out of mind.

We go through basic training and introductions with the boat and crew today. Safety is a top priority. The boat crew are extremely professional yet light hearted. They want us to be safe, but also enjoy this unique experience

Introductions, explanations and safety gear assignments continue until dinner time at 17:00 hours (5PM) sharp. There are only 28 chairs in the Galley (dining room) for 48 people on the boat and the kitchen stays open for only one hour – I had to eat quickly as not to disrupt the tranquility of the Galley crew - the golden rule.

As the sun sets over the horizon, everyone takes the time to relax and catch up on sleep for the upcoming events.

Jason Raupp (PMNM Maritime Heritage, Finders University South Australia) smiles as the crew begin small boat safety overviews with project participants. Credit: Etta Karth/NOAA

Scott Jones(Able Body Seaman, AB) and Drew Barth (Junior Engineer, JUE) arrive before the crowd in the Galley. Credit: Etta Karth/NOAA