Office of Marine Programs
University of Rhode Island
Narragansett Bay Campus
Narragansett, RI 02882-1197
Phone: 401-874-6211
Fax: 401-874-6486
Email: OMP@gso.uri.edu
Comparison of Carbon Flux
Port La Nouvelle, France
Thursday, May 5, 2005
7:49pm local time (EDT +6 hrs)
Weather: partly cloudy, rain in the morning, windy in PLN, about 55 deg. F
Finally arrived Port La Nouvelle (PLN) after a 25-hour travel marathon involving two flights (Boston to Paris to Toulouse), two trains (Toulouse to Narbonne to PLN), taxi, busses, and lots of walking. The Basque region of France is remarkable. PLN is like a postcard with stucco facade buildings with shutters and ceramic tile roofs, palm trees, and fishing boats. During the train ride from Toulouse saw lots of vineyards and farms. Wind energy is also big in this part of France. When thinking of PLN, think Galilee on a larger scale, complete with main ship channel. You see PLN is basically a summer destination; the town is currently rolled up and like a ghost town. Arrived at the train station this afternoon and it was deserted. My traveling companion and I walked about a mile to find Endeavor tied up at the main port. After arriving, eating dinner, meeting the crew, etc. I find that I am really tired and realized that I have only had about two hours sleep in the past 30 hours. We are waiting for two Greek scientists that will complete the scientific party for this cruise. When they arrive later this evening, we will have a science meeting to discuss specific objectives for each day. Tomorrow at 0900 Endeavor will steam to its farthest point on the cruise (about 18 hours at 10 knots). We will begin science activities on Saturday, May 7. I will fill you in as I learn more. Lets hope I don't get seasick.
I miss all of my students and I hope you make some progress while I am away. Mr. Benoist will do his best to present some new information and will inform you of a project that I have in mind for both my chemistry and biology students. Some notes to keep in mind: Callie leave Cory alone! John and Sofi focus on your work, Kenny show up to class on time. Jon, in France they do not know your champion bagger brother!
Best regards,
Mr. Vincelette
