The elapsed time since we left Tromsø is now about 4 million seconds. Four million seconds is approximately the length of Leg 1 of SWERUS-C3. Four million seconds on the Arctic Ocean. A lot, or not so much? It went by quickly; but today I've started to feel that it was a very long time.

I realized the elapsed time because Jorien asked today about the x-axis on the real-time atmospheric methane display in our lab. It’s now over 3 million seconds (the display is not at 4 million because the instrument was restarted once during the cruise).

We’re offshore of Barrow, Alaska now, and will go ashore tomorrow. A refueling barge met Oden today. Some scientists and crew who will soon board Oden for Leg 2 (part 2) of SWERUS-C3 have been visiting Oden today; there were many handover discussions to be had. This was especially important for those of us who have equipment that will continuing running during Leg 2 of SWERUS-C3. It seems strange to see other faces around, after seeing the same ones for 3 million seconds.

That’s all for now; for leg 2 we will continue with the atmospheric methane observations with a (nearly) fully automated system. There may yet be more to say!