Tuesday morning finds us with 5-6 ft swells, similar to yesterday, but with a significant wind kicked up. We all gathered on deck this morning after a noisy and bumpy night. It seemed clear that small boat (and hence, diving) ops were not a safe option for now. The conditions yesterday were marginal for getting in and out of the small boats since we have to climb up/down a 'Jacobs ladder' while the small boat is bouncing beside the ship. We had a few bumps and buises yesterday so for now we are standing by. It also seems unlikely that the Haitian fishermen will be venturing accross in these conditions.To a large extent the success of one's efforts, no matter how carefully planned and prepared, is beyond one's control, at the whim of the weather. This is a major aspect of being a field scientist that is very much like farming. On a long, remote trip such as this one, the risk is even greater that the productive work can get completely blown out. Nearer to home, we are usually huddled around a weather radio, wondering if/when conditions might improve. In a remote place such as Navassa, the resolution of the weather forecasts is not very informative, so we are mostly just waiting and hoping for calmer conditions.
Photo Abel Valdivia
-Margaret
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