Saturday, 02.07.09

1524: Daily Update
Everything is going well, the teams have the back deck pretty much put back together and the vehicles are being prepped on the dock for wet tests off the ship tomorrow. We are still looking for two critical shipments that are absolutely ‘must-haves’; we are told they are on the island but so far we haven’t tracked them down. I think we will get them in our possession in time to sail, although Greg Packard, Lee Frey and I are a tad tense about this.

We had an ‘all hands’ meeting today and discussed the security arrangements and the individual non-disclosure agreements (NDA’s), salvage waivers and film releases. I’d say that meeting went exceptionally well and there were very few grumblings about our proposal to shut down all communications if successful with the mission. Everyone has signed their paperwork and Liz Smith will hand carry that back to the office. As well, the contractors all signed new agreements, so no worries. The only issue about the NDA’s is that one of the scientists plans to take pictures of species he brings up in his net and share them with a colleague on the beach. We are going to get that colleague to sign an NDA and the scientist on the ship will request permission to share any photos. I think this is no problem. Lee Frey and I will address this with our attorney and Dominique Rissolo on Monday.

Why Pago Pago?

Why we based operations in American Samoa

We are heading off to the local paddler’s club in a little bit for an Umu Feast (local foods prepared in earthen ovens). I’d say morale is very high, everyone is ready to go and extremely positive about our goals. The weather is hot and muggy with the occasional bit of rain but it’s made bearable by a middling breeze. We are certainly attracting attention from the locals but our science plan is satisfying all questions. We are on schedule to depart as soon as provisions are on board Monday morning, assuming we have tracked down our boxes.

Every single person on board has extended their thanks to you, Ted (Waitt) for the gift bags holding a safari shirt, water bottle, hat and t-shirt. We’re looking good so far for a successful start on the dates as planned. Confidence is high.

1554: Fw: Lau Eruption Site Survey
Greg likes the idea of this lava vent place for our trials. It’s a one-day run, actually not that far off our path. It puts us in the same starting place for the run to our grounds, just on a different longitude. They are looking at a plan. We don’t really want to ask the scientists what they want because that will turn into a laundry list. They’re working the numbers and the maps right now and we will have a possible plan for you tomorrow some time. Greg’s enthusiasm about it is infectious.

2140: Talofa! (‘Hello!’ in Samoan)
Well, I’ve made my escape from the Umu Feast. Good time, traditional food served on palm frond plates on the deck of the club right on the water. Don’t think I’ll be looking around San Diego anytime soon for breadfruit, but the rest of the food was pretty good and the team loved the whole scene. About half the guys are wearing lava lavas (the traditional Polynesian men’s skirt) and still cavorting with the locals.

I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere in the world where the people are so welcoming and friendly. This isn’t the prettiest spot in the world, but the way the people live and their society certainly makes it one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. It’s truly amazing. I’m sitting next to a guy who weighs 350 pounds with arms like oak trees, tattoos all over his body and a face like a Maori war mask, thinking to myself this guy could rip me in half, when he turns and starts up the most pleasant, friendly and soft-spoken conversation.

After our team finished eating, I fed everyone else in the joint and you’d think I bought them new cars. We’ve made some friends here for sure, and I think we will always be welcome. These people remember their friends and take care of them.

It was a very positive way to get the team together and get some local culture into the team, although it doesn’t seem like they need much help. There are already four Samoan tattoos on crew members (thinking about one myself when we’re done). Again, literally every person who was there sends their thanks along, Ted. They’re all looking forward to meeting you.

Alright, it’s early but I’m wiped, gonna let them rage tonight and get ‘em back at it before the sun gets too hot tomorrow. More tomorrow on potential plans for shakedowns. Cheers!

2200: Ted Waitt’s Response
Dessner, is that really you? You left the party early? Just want to make sure somebody didn’t knock the real Dessner out and bring in an imposter.