Coming back

Archive image: Polarstern off Spitsbergen. Photo: Sebastian Menze

By Rafael Lazo Perez |

The glaciers of Spitzbergen say goodbye to us while we departure slowly from this magnificent archipelago. The waves splash around the ship and make wet the deck, where we are having our final BBQ. A familiar feeling floats in the atmosphere. After four weeks of hard work it is time to come back to Tromsø to start analysing our samples but the happy faces of the people show that this cruise has already been a success. We have finished our main scientific program but some people will still be part of a litter survey on our way back to understand better the amount of litter floating around in the ocean. On our last days, we still have to pack all our equipment and clean the labs so next cruise (starting a couple of days after we are back) is able to work in the same spaces.

Working together to do research during four intense weeks has constructed strong bounds among us at least this is case for me and the people working with the CTD. We have been sampling during different moments of the day, collecting water and ensuring that everybody gets his/her samples. After so many samplings there is a close feeling between all of us. Likewise it has happened in other working teams.

Looking at Spitzbergen I think about the amazing opportunity that I had during this cruise. I have been part of scientific sampling, seeing incredible landscapes and experienced life on a research vessel. I have to be thankful for all of that and I have to thanks to everyone that made this possible, especially to Ingo Schewe, the chief scientist and the captain Stefan Schwarze. I want to mention all the Polarstern crew as well, who ensure that our stay was as comfortable as possible. And as well thanks to Maria Scheel and Nadine Gerlach, who have translated this blog to German making possible to offer all of you to have a glimpse about Arctic life. Thank you as well for following me during the last four weeks!

Readers comments (1)

  1. Alberto Enriquez

    Rafa!!! Ya por fin he leido tu blog, más vale tarde que nunca!! Me ha traido buenos recuerdos a la memoria y eso que ha sido hace cuatro días!
    Espero verte en otros cruceros o tomando algo por Bremen. Un saludo!

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