October 31, 2001

Wednesday, October 31, 2001

Posted by Dr. Craig Cary, University of Delaware marine biologist and Chief Scientist of the Extreme 2001 expedition.

There is a great deal of anticipation on the ship this morning. As we make through our last few miles of open sea to Manzanillo, Mexico, where we will disembark. Everyone is up early putting the final finishes to packing in the hope that when we do tie up they will be able to quickly feel the shore beneath their feet. For many shore is a blessing, a comfort they have not felt in over 15 days. For me, however, it is different. After so much preparation (over a year) and anticipation for what might be accomplished during the voyage, the adventure draws to a close but I am really not quite ready. This is not an uncommon feeling to me; in fact it’s one I feel each time I go to sea. It is just that I forgot and find myself unprepared (as usual) to deal with the disappointment of it all ending.

This has been my 23rd Alvin cruise, and over the years I have grown to not only appreciate the capabilities of those that really make what we do happen but to depend on them. The Atlantis and her crew and the Alvin Group are a unique group of individuals that strive to make the often impossible, actually happen. It is so easy for us ashore to visualize doing something on the ship that will enable us to reach some objective, but it is these guys that make it happen. To me, in many ways, Extreme 2001
was no different. We came on board just about 15 days ago with dreams of discovery and success and now will walk ashore with coolers filled with that promise — samples from the deep that may just answer those questions that brought us out here but maybe not. What if in this brief moment we were given we were unable to accomplish the task, is that failure? Not in my mind because no matter what happens we learned more about the system we work in, more about the process of science, and most importantly more about ourselves. These together are invaluable and will certainly provide the
new incentive to accomplish the task next time. This is what I believe science is all about, building an intuition on what strategy to use to get to the answer.

It is customary when leaving the ship that the Chief Scientist writes a letter thanking the Crew and Alvin group for all of their efforts to make the cruise a success [see below]. This letter is posted in the Galley area for all to read. While is often hard to acknowledge each individual’s efforts, this general letter tries to bring the point up front that we (the science) know that our success is the direct result of everyone’s efforts.

I would like to thank each of you out there who has dialed into our expedition though the Web. I hope that this small experience has informed you, enlightened you about the possibilities, and for some,
opened a new door to discover science for yourselves.

Dr. Craig Cary
Chief Scientist, Extreme 2001

Posted in the Galley Area of the R/V Atlantis

To: The crew of the Atlantis and The Alvin Group
From: The Science Participants of EXTREME 2001

On behalf of all the participants of Extreme 2001 we would like to thank you all for on outstanding cruise. After sailing with many of you for so many years, my expectations of any cruise aboard the Atlantis are always very high. I try to explain to those new to the ship that there is a spirit out here that drives a common philosophy: if it can be done, it will be done. I have never been disappointed. Once again from the deck to the mess, from the bridge and engine room to SSSGs and sub operations, the program went as expected — flawless. It never ceases to amaze me how much we can achieve under such an enthusiastic and collaborative atmosphere.

This voyage was unique in my experience in that the majority of the participants had not only never been on an Atlantis/Alvin cruise before but had never been to sea. When I was originally given this time
slot and the opportunity to have the ship to ourselves (in itself unique), I decided I would take the opportunity to invite a diverse group of investigators that I felt would not only benefit from the experience but had the energy and passion to see the opportunity to develop a vent-related research direction in their own labs. Having so many new scientists on board is always a challenge for the crew, but I knew that if this idea was to be successful, the only ship in the fleet I could count on was the Atlantis. I personally cannot thank you enough for being so receptive and encouraging to the science party. I know that I speak for everyone in saying that their experience was truly exceptional, and I am
sure will be the standard to which all of their future sea-going experiences will be measured.

Unlike most cruises, our successes out here were not only in the research arena but transcended solidly into education and outreach. The “Extreme 2001: A Deep-Sea Odyssey” Program and “Phone Calls to the Deep” were a resounding success. I know for a fact that during just the first few days, the University of Delaware Web site had over 100,000 visitors. I am confident that if it follows our early Extreme 2000 success, we will meet or exceed 1 million hits. We touched many people, especially those kids in classrooms coast-to-coast and overseas who had the opportunity to dial into our adventure and taste the discovery. We are all grateful for all of your enthusiastic support to make this component of Extreme 2001 such a success.

My only regret, as always, is that it was way too short. There will be a next time, November 2002, and I know that many are already looking forward the opportunity to be back on board. So, as we all depart, the Science of Extreme 2001 want to thank each and every one of you for making the cruise such a success. Your reputation for professionalism, enthusiasm, and hospitality is so well deserved.

Craig Cary, and the Participants of Extreme 2001