The ultimate goal of our California road trip six years ago was to meet up with Squiddy as she put back into port after her week-long excursion, exploring and sampling 
the mysteries of the deep ocean off the coast, as resident marine biologist, at the invitation of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and this was the day. 
We drove amid heavy traffic and unremarkable scenery from San Francisco to Castroville—which, by the way, is generally claimed to be the artichoke capital 
of the world. The research vessel Western Flyer docked at Moss Landing at around 6:30 pm and we were there to welcome her back ashore. She gave us a full tour of this most
amazing ship before we all went out to dinner at a great local Thai restaurant that was recommended by the skipper (no artichokes though, we were saving that experience for breakfast tomorrow)—but we did stay at the Artichoke Inn, a mistake we’ll not repeat.
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krikitarts 
I seem to have read your mind: before reaching the last sentences I was already wondering if you had artichokes for supper. We passed through Castroville on our way down Highway 1 four years ago. You may not know that there’s also a Castroville in Texas; it’s a small town west of San Antonio that was founded by Alsatians.
Nope, I didn’t know that. If we’d been on the southern east coast, I would have wondered if it had been named for a certain Cuban.
If you want to know more about the Texas Castroville and its Castro, here’s more info: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/castroville-tx
Squiddy must have a fascinating job.
(BTW in the last photo she looks just like my cousin as she was at the age of 20+ ).
She absolutely loves her job, and she’s just perfect for it.
That must have been a really great experience, seeing your daughter on this impressive ship and learning about their research…and now I think I get the “Squiddy” part. :-)
We are all so proud of her, and yes, I’m sure you get it.
I often run into Galveston Bay Foundation volunteers doing water sampling. They’re more often equipped with buckets, jars, and seine nets, though. That vessel is impressive; what an opportunity for Squiddy. (Now I’m wondering: is her nickname a result of a fondness for squid?)
I’m fascinated by the truly deep sea. After the Deepwater Horizon explosion, a site called The Oil Drum, filled with geologists, engineers, oilmen, etc., set up an IRC (internet relay chat — old school) to follow events live. You could log onto the chat and monitor the professionals’ discussions while watching the live feed from the deep sea ROVs. There are a variety of videos still on YouTube; this one shows some of the deep sea creatures that would cruise around while they were working on the well.
Just watching the ROVs work was fascinating. I saw this little incident live. Despite the serious circumstances, it was pretty darned funny. Oceaneering, the premier manufacturer of ROVs, isn’t too far from my place. It’s so cool that their technology’s used in space as well as in the depths.
It’s much more than just a fondness. She’s a lecturer at the Auckland Institute of Technology, and her specialty is giant and colossal squid.
Wonderful story – and what an interesting boat. :)
You are so right. If I remember correctly, the ROV can dive to well below 1000 meters. Such amazing technology, and what a thrill to be a part of it.
There’s some awesome looking kit on that ship! I love Squiddy’s relaxed demeanour; what an interesting job to have!
She’s very fortunate to be making something that she loves so much a rewarding career. She is now one of the world experts in the biology of the big squid.