For the last few days, our ship has been escorted through the Chatham Rise
by constantly circling albatross. These birds, whose wingspans can be
greater than six feet, glide over the ocean’s surface with an elegance that
I envy as I stumble across the deck with each swell. The albatross are often
referred to as “wanderers” since they spend nearly their whole lives at sea,
returning to land only to mate.

In a way, I think we, too, are wanderers. We have so much technology to
guide us, but it’s still hard not to feel a little bit lost. We’re
surrounded on all sides by water. Looking up, I can see small bits of sky
peeking through the thick cloud cover. Where am I? How did I get here?

In the literal sense, I got here via two very long plane rides, a bus and 3
days on a boat, but really what has brought me to this moment are all the
times I’ve felt lost and then found my way again. I have kept putting one
foot in front of the other until the way became clear.

So in these first few days, when it’s still hard to believe where I am, I’ll
take some advice from the albatross: Take it one moment at a time and never
fear the next gust of wind. It just might propel you forward.

To my family: I’m doing epic science, pulling on a lot of lines that do
things, and I’m so thrilled to be on this adventure. Happy belated birthday
Dad! Congrats on leveling up. Love you all.

Squawk cheep cheep cheep squawk,

Elaina