May 1st, 2003; Leg 5, Day #11

Today the ship is transiting back to port in La Paz. Right now we are passing a rugged landscape of browns and tans that contrasts sharply with the blue sea. We've been admiring the beauty from the windows in the dry lab, a view that has inspired discussions by the geologists about the history and processes reflected in the rocky terrain. 

Most of the science party is staying onboard for the second part of this leg but a few of us are heading home. Port stops are busy times on the boat with the ROV pilots and ship's crew working as hard as when they are at sea. The crew replenishes supplies, refuels the vessel, and readies it for the next cruise. The ROV pilots will be installing new parts on the vehicle, conducting maintenance checks, and working with the scientists to mount instruments and gear that will be used on the next dives. 

This update is one of my final duties before the end of this cruise. It's time now for me to gather my things together and get ready to leave. But I'll be watching the next leg from my office back at MBARI and look forward to reading about next set of adventures on the R/V Western Flyer. 

– Debbie Meyer