For me, this time while the scientists are gone is a good chance to get some of the daily chores out of the way. Jim and I finished the inside portion of our daily checklist and then he went out on his daily dive around the habitat. This is the time we do our outside checks around the habitat and I print the check list for the shore command. While Jim is gone I prepared a breakfast burrito with western style scrambled eggs and ham, sent some e-mails, and read my book “South” by Ernest Shackleton. There is not much personal space down here so it is a nice break to be in here all alone even though the watch desk is ever watchful.

As the days pass I look forward to heading back to the surface and relaxing in the sun, sleeping in my bed, and corresponding with family and friends. The time spent down here with the fish is always looked forward to with much anticipation. After ten days the return home is much anticipated too.