The Golden Dragon

We opened today with a sunrise over Caroline Island, which is the most eastern landmass you can find on the “future” side of the International Dateline. The gorgeous sunset gave way to signs of island life (various tropical birds) and a view 4 miles offshore of the island revealed a small sandy beach and lush palm trees (through binoculars). It looked like the tropical island paradise everyone envisions in their dreams! 

Sunrise at the Dateline, ~5:30 a.m.

Sunrise here started around 5 a.m., so some people (like Sarah Nicholas – U Mn) came in pajamas!

Ocean-goers believe crossing the Equator for your first time (when you become a “shellback”) is a right of passage on a ship; similarly, so is crossing of the International Dateline (“Order of the Golden Dragon”). Celebrating is mostly a way to stave off boredom and rejuvenate spirits, although there is definitely a sense of tradition about the whole ordeal. Heading into our last station of the cruise, we definitely needed a morale boost. Although a few curmudgeonly old timers thought our crossing didn’t count (because we’re not at the 180° line), they were quickly outnumbered and overruled. Officially, we have crossed into the future!

The red line is the International Dateline, and we’re at the yellow star just across it.

Chris German (WHOI) points out the “line” as we pass it and Bettina Sohst (Old Dominion University) looks on.

A few crew members and Chris German the co-chief scientist organized a small ceremony for us involving certificates handed out by Captain Russ and a silly photo-shoot (Hollywood style).

 

Yours truly posing in the photo-shoot.

That was followed by a music video screening that Kris the Chief Mate has been working on for the better part of 6 weeks. Inspired by our obsessive cleanroom mannerisms in the lab, it was to the song Can’t Touch This.

Between the Eastern-most Order of the Golden Dragon ceremony and cramming 40+ people into the TV lounge to laughing at ourselves dance in the music video, we are now mentally ready for the final gauntlet (even if our bodies aren’t)!

Almost done!