Posted by graduate student Alison Sipe, University of Delaware College of Marine Studies.

The cruise is winding down. We are now steaming at 13 knots toward our port stop in Manzanillo. Most people have completed their research on the boat, except those people who are growing bacteria and will continue to do so until the last minute when they must leave the ship. Most other people spent the day organizing their science gear so that it fit neatly into the bright red and blue shipping crates for their travels back to their universities. Others took the time to enjoy the warm sun and mingle on the bow of the ship.

The cruise ping-pong tournament is in full swing. The table is nestled in the main lab, just in front of a computer work station where Susan Humphries and Dan Fornari have front row seats to the games and at the same time work around the clock on their Dive and Discover educational Web site (http://science.whoi.edu/DiveDiscover ). There is just enough room around the table for an intense game of ping-pong to be played.

Ping-pong is a real hit on the ship. The double elimination tournament consists of both champion and consolation rounds. The matches have proceeded throughout the cruise, depending on when people can pull away from their labwork or have completed their four-hour watch on the bridge. The championship game will have to be completed tomorrow before we dock. Watch out for graduate student Luis Hurtado’s serve.

Tonight was also the cruise cook-out on the fantail. Our cook, Jay, served up grilled shrimp, ribs, chicken, salads, corn, jello, and bread pudding. It was a great opportunity for the scientists and crew to chat about the great experiences they have had at sea. There was a sense of accomplishment for a well-designed and productive research cruise. At the same time, people are looking forward to getting back on land. We will stay in Manzanillo for one night, although I wish it were longer. Manzanillo is sunny with palm trees, savory food, and welcoming people. One of the fabulous aspects of being involved in field research is that you are lucky enough to see many interesting places in the world. These are some of my most cherished memories.