Creature Comforts

A few minor luxuries are essential when packing for research cruises. While living for 4 weeks in isolated, Spartan conditions, rewarding yourself at the end of a 16-hr day helps offset burnout. Say, a silk sleeping bag liner to jazz up your bunk's 100-thread count polyester sheets printed with the logo of a Washington HMO. Luxury items are also good for sharing.

There is a Trader Joes within walking distance of the UW dock - at least for the determined. B/c sometimes the galley food just doesn’t cut it, my list covers basic staples - chocolate products, chocolate products, mixed nuts, soap, chocolate products...I plan to talk my way into the kitchen one night and bake up some chocolate chunk scones – will let you know if that happens.

However, I don’t feel that my chocolate proclivities even come close to those of the caffeine-addicts. Take a look at their toys! The espresso machine was purchased the day before we left, when it became obvious that nobody had brought one...