In Search of Giant Squid
March 9, 1997 - Ingrid
The Panorama Motel is our headquarters during the expedition.
This particular place was chosen for its location next to the
marine
laboratory as well as the access to the wharf where we set out each morning
aboard the Tanekaha.
Each room also happens to have a perfect view of the
bay and the high snow-covered mountains beyond the water in the distance.
The owners have had many strange requests from this crew of scientists
who invaded their peace and quiet. They have fielded each request with a
cheery, "can-do" smile. We have the unlimited use of their two resident
bicycles, two kayaks for exploring the bay, and whenever we need it, the
use of their "ute" (pick-up truck), for transporting heavy equipment. The
most difficult request was the installation of an analogue telephone line
for laptop users to reach the internet and to maintain contact with our
home bases via e-mail. Within 4 days we were hooked up, thanks to their
efforts.
We quickly established a good relationship with these fun-loving
people. Pauline, Anne and Malcolm made us feel at home. At different
times, spontaneously, Pauline made whitebait pikelets (small pancakes made
of tiny smelt-like fish), or sausage rolls or sweets, and then invited in
any of the crew who happened to be around for coffee or something to drink.
Anne somehow keeeps the books and bookings straight and does her best to
accommodate any of the last minute changes in room reservations we managed
to conjure up. Malcolm, who was laundry master and jack of all trades,
fields all the technical questions.
One day, Clyde, after struggling with
an uncooperative toilet paper dispenser in our room, shared his frustration
with Malcolm. With a sly grin, he claimed he had a perfect solution for
our problem. A short time later, he arrived at our door with a plastic,
radio-tissue dispenser hanging around his neck. Needless to say, we had a
good laugh over his hilarious solution to our problem.
Smithsonian Giant Squid Overview Page
gene carl feldman / gene@seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov