R/V (Research Vessel) Blue Heron in the Grand Marais Harbor. The ship was originally used as a fishing trawler in the Grand Banks.
This is "Triaxus" a remotely operated sampler that manuevers from 5 m to 50 m deep, collecting environmental data such as temperature, oxygen, flourescence (a measure of productivity, or how much algae are in the water column), and counting zooplankton with an OPC (optical plankton counter).
Triaxus is submerged and ready to be deployed. It is hauled from an A-frame, about 165 m behind the R/V Blue Heron. 
This is the hydroacoustic towfish that carries the 430 kHz and 120 kHz transducers. The higher frequency records the backscatter from small organisms like zooplankton and the lower frequency transducer records the backscatter from fish populations. 
Pretty sunset the evening of 8/28/06. 
We were chased off the lake on Monday night, 8/28 and Tuesday, 8/29 when 25 mph northeast winds caused 8' waves (these waves are only 3-4')! We took refuge in the Grand Marais Harbor. 
The R/V Blue Heron crew removes the dingy so we can have some fun in Grand Marais while we are taking refuge from the waves.
This is the dry lab, formerly the fish hold. My acoustic computer is set up here in the lower deck.
The galley of the Blue Heron. The crew consisted of a captain, a first mate, two research assistants, a cook, and an engineer. There were also two scientists and an undergraduate aboard...that makes a total of nine people sharing one bathroom and one eating area (obviously we ate in shifts). 
Chef Roseanne preparing dinner in the galley...she makes fabulous meals. We had steak, whitefish, lake trout, stuffed pork chops, and roast beef while on board. Not to mention lots of yummy desserts. I don't know how she manages to avoid cutting off her fingers when preparing meals in high seas.
Chef Roseanne preparing dinner in the galley...she makes fabulous meals. We had steak, whitefish, lake trout, stuffed pork chops, and roast beef while on board. Not to mention lots of yummy desserts. I don't know how she manages to avoid cutting off her fingers when preparing meals in high seas.
This is the berthing. There are two berthings (each sleeps 4 people)--the captain has his own stateroom.
This is my bunk...a room with a view!!
Here's a picture of Beth hauling zooplankton nets.
Zooplankton sample. You can think about all these animals occupying the water column next time you accidentally swallow lake water.
Ore boat steaming out of the Duluth Harbor.
Under the Aerial Lift Bridge.
Looking back through the Duluth Harbor entrance.
Home at last!!
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