The Ultimate Waterbed

Move over, Ikea, there's a new kid in town! It's called the Survival Suit - try one out today and you can put your old waterbed in the attic.  Simply lay down, lean your head back, relax, and look at the clouds... Wait a minute, did I forget to mention it is to be used in the water?  Well, maybe it's not for everyone, but it totally rocks.  You may still be asking yourselves what in the world I was doing in the water... don't hold your breath, we were only practicing our boating skills and man-overboard drills.  People don't usually fall out unless the seas are rough, so no worries!  (Haha, only kidding, mom).  This survival gear is completely air-tight and keeps the wearer afloat, as in horizontal - it sure is hard to keep your feet under you!  These suits are not part of our usual boating attire but are used in emergencies on larger ships such as the Gould.

      After our boat training, we are free to roam within a two mile radius around the station.  On our very first day here, just when my amazement was at a complete maximum and I thought that the scenery couldn't be any more beautiful, we got in the boats.  Actually being on the water is a whole different experience entirely; somehow you are even more intimately experiencing the environment when the wind is stinging your face while you're bumping up and down with the swell.  Having cold hands is another (less enjoyable) reality of playing and working on the boats.  Brr.  Some people describe the water here as icy fire, especially when you're still trying to figure out the merits of the seven different pairs of gloves we were issued.  (Turns out I brought the best pair from home!  Thanks, Santa!).  In summary, being in the boats is great and I can't wait until I have the chance to just spend the day out on the water, doing nothing.