From the view port near my bunk, fish dart frantically to and fro while jellyfish ride the current past. I'm not sure if I will ever get used to looking outside and seeing these sights. A quick breakfast (we're all getting more used to the Aquarius friendly food, and so our meals are getting more elaborate, and taking up more time) and we've got a 10 minute commute to our research site. Typically there is a strong current going against us, making my arms strain as I move along the excursion line, as frustrating as a traffic jam.

The day passed rapidly, filled with construction details. Remarkably, it's easy to get lost in the work … hammer, hammer, cable tie, and snip; then, a small, brash damsel fish will jet over to nip your leg for loitering in its tailored algae garden, immersing you right back to the reef. I think it is crazy how quickly we've habituated. 9 hours on the reef becomes normal.

Still my favorite parts of our dives occur at night. Last night while returning to Aquarius, our dive lights set some hand-size fish off into a hypnotic frenzy. Darting and swirling the little dervishes ricocheted three times off my head as we swam. Surreal. Only through Aquarius could I get whacked in the head by a living fish, more than once.