Homeward Bound

Happy Easter!

After our dive today, we began our journey back to port in Manzanillo, Mexico.

The ALVIN was stripped of its side panels so it could be completely washed. We had a big "wash party" where we soaped it completely down - kind of like washing your car - before we put it in the hangar for good.

Look at all the electronics that goes into this machine - amazing! All of the electronics are inside compartments that are saturated with Johnson's Baby Oil. The Oil is non-conductive and keeps the electronics away from the salt water and acts as a pressure barrier.

After the cleaning, we settled down to cleanups of our own. Lab areas that are done can start the long process of packing everything. The titanium major samplers have to be completely acid-washed, cleaned, dried and put away. I also had to show some of the science people how to "shuck" the mussels that we collected.

Not for eating, but for studying. One of Dr. Luther's associates requested mussel tissue samples along with shell samples. I also cleaned a lot for other research!

The inside of the shells are very pearl-like. This is because they live in very acid conditions and have to continually repair their shells, secreting material similar to the pearl found in oysters.

I also have to clean the vent chimney for Cape tonight. By cleaning, I mean removal of all the once living material around the vent - worm tubes and such.

Sorry its upside down in the picture! It is about 3 feet high and will look great on display in our school library - once it is cleaned up.

After watching another beautiful sunset, its back to work. Heading home at 11 knots. Talk to you tomorrow!

Still no green flash...................................... Maybe tomorrow.