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we are packing up the Lachat, battening down the helium channels, and finishing up our data entry around 70S, 105W.  No official word has been made as to the suspension of all things science-related on board (maybe keeping us on our toes), but I feel safe in saying that most of our work is done out here.  there will be time for reflections and more thoughts over the next week or so, but I received an email from Karl, our MPC (head honcho), which I thought should be relayed as we approach if not the Drake Passage, the wilds of the Southern Ocean.

"though we know the sea to be an everlasting terra incognita, ... though, by vast odds, the most terrific of all mortal disasters have immemorially and indiscriminately befallen tens and hundreds of thousands of those who have gone upon the waters; though but a moment's consideration will teach, that however baby man may brag of his science and skill, and however much, in a flattering future, that science and skill may augment; yet for ever and for ever, to the crack of doom, the sea will insult and murder him, and pulverize the stateliest, stiffest frigate he can make; ... man has lost that sense of the full awfulness of the sea which aboriginally belongs to it."

- Herman Melville, Moby Dick

a light-hearted reminder to secure our belongings, huh? 

i'm going to put a positive spin on this, and paint this warning as an opportunity to try out some of my new knots.  hopefully they will knot be tested!

finally, before i reflect, i'd like to re-iterate an earlier solicitation for comments and questions -- my email quota is not in danger of being used up, so if you want to write me, please do, chris.little@nbp.usap.gov.  Otherwise, I'll keep you posted with whatever pops into my head, as usual.  And also thanks for reading so far!

Chris