Fremantle and Beyond
Due to a slight delay, Melissa Miller and some of the other scientists had a chance to explore Fremantle and the surrounding area
Underway at last!
After a slight delay, I09N is underway! All lab gear is onboard and secured for sea and the groups will be ready for science by the time the ship reaches its first station. While there was plenty to do during the load period of the ship, everyone was also able to make some time for fun activities in and around the port of Fremantle, Australia. There’s a lot to do and see!
As more and more people started arriving in Fremantle, evening social events were in full swing. The city is full of great restaurants and breweries and it’s always fun to chat with fellow scientists over a good meal and a few drinks.
Scientists gather at a local pub in Fremantle
Many people made it out to Rottnest Island, a 30-minute ferry from Fremantle. Spending a day there includes biking, swimming and snorkeling in crystal blue waters, and hanging out with the local quokka – an absolutely adorable marsupial endemic to Western Australia and prolific on the island.
Once it was clear that the cruise would be a few days delayed, groups of scientists and crew members headed out for day trips from Fremantle. About a two and a half hour drive north lies Nambung National Park, a mysterious desert with limestone towers that science hasn’t yet explained. Jason and Laura from the BIO GO-SHIP group and I had an awesome day hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing before heading back to Fremantle.
Melissa Miller and Megan Roadman headed to Rottnest Island, where the baby quokka were emerging from their mom’s pouches
Laura, Melissa, and Jason at The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park
On my last day in Australia, I had enough time to head up to the Swan Valley wine country before heading to the airport. We hit up local wineries, breweries, and a cidery – even a chocolate shop! We also made a detour to the nearby city park where we heard kangaroos hang out. Sure enough, we saw a big group lounging, munching on grass, and hopping around. It was a great day.
Star, Megan, Andrew, Jason, and Melissa enjoy some wine tasting in Swan Valley
Bon voyage to the crew and scientists aboard R/V Thompson!
~Melissa Miller, program manager for GO-BGC
About the Author—Melissa Miller is a staff member in the GO-BGC and SOCCOM float programs who has deployed dozens of floats in her years at Scripps Oceanography and is also a freelance science writer who organizes science panels at pop culture conventions.