This morning I woke up floating above my bed. Within the next few seconds I hit the matress again as the boat cascaded back downwards creating a splash loud enough to be heard from inside the galley. This amusement park ride continued for around 20 minutes before I could fall back asleep. I don't know how long it was in total, because I fell asleep still bouncing up and down. My experience on the Weatherbird so far has been very similar to this moment. I've been put out of my comfort zone, but always managed to keep my head and continue helping the scientific processes. A flare launched in the air seemed like a UFO at first, and caused us a detour. I have no landmarks to help me understand my position on this planet, yet a pod of dolphins swimming in the boat's wake and the shining moon remind me why I am here. One thing is for certain. I will forever have a much greater appreciation for the research papers that I read. Seeing just a sliver of the planning, preparation, and action that oceanographic research involves has given me a new perspective, and I can't wait for what else is in store on this trip.