Going on a State of Possession Sound (SOPS) cruise at least once a month from January to November, showed me the true range in field weather year round. I have sampled in both sunny, smooth waters, as well as, rainy, choppy conditions, maintaing sampling protocol and ship safety.

Through the Deep Green Wilderness program, I sailed on the Orion, a 64' wooden yawl for two weeks. We set out in search of marine mammals to make observations and design our own projects while on the boat. With limited scientific sampling equipment and minimal technology on board, I created a map of the San Juans, recording spatial marine mammal data. 

I experienced close knit living with 5 other students and  crew, learning how to sail as a team through San Juan waters and navigate interpersonal relationships while always being within 64' of each other. This trip was the beginning of my birding, learning how to ID birds by both sound and sight.