We are steaming north at 12 knots and are about a day and a half away from San Diego. The science party is finishing up experiments and packing up our boxes. The Atlantis will spend two weeks in San Diego before heading back out to work off the coasts of California and Oregon with a new batch of scientists.

The Atlantis can not have all the equipment needed by each group of scientists on board the ship. Some generic pieces of equipment are available but each new science party shows up with boxes and boxes of equipment to be used while at sea. I "only" have seven boxes, including one that is large enough for me to sit comfortably inside with lid closed. One of the unwritten requirements of a scientist is that she or he can become quickly versed in the different methods of shipping gear, freight companies, and the like.

In addition to packing, we are all writing up reports on the successes and failures of the cruise. Some people have begun planning for other cruises or are brainstorming for future experiments based on what we have learned on this cruise. There will be a party when we get to San Diego to celebrate and then we will all scatter to our respective research institutions across the country.