I have been very impressed with the folks from NURC who run this program. They really have been the key to our smooth start. We are especially appreciative of Mark and Paul for their detailed training program last week and their patience and thoroughness in getting the "outer space" crowd ready for "inner space." I am convinced that things have gone so well these first two days because of their dedication.

The pace of life in Aquarius is a lot like being in space. It is a continuous sprint to stay on the schedule and get everything done. The scheduled dives take up most of the day, especially when you count the time it takes to plan and brief the dive, get the equipment ready before and put away after, and sort through and organize the data from the dive. There are also mission objectives inside the habitat, coordination conferences with the topside team, along with the normal activities of eating meals, hygiene and the like.

Speaking of.... it's time to sign off for the evening and get ready for sleep. But first, the highlight of the day... Jonathan and I were on our way back from the northeast work area when a 3 foot sea turtle crossed our path. Unfortunately, we were in a hurry and so was the turtle so there was no time to get acquainted. ...maybe tomorrow.