Here's a list of additional info and a few packing suggestions that will answer
some of the questions that first-time visitors aboard R/V GYRE might have about
life at sea:

* Gyre has very low freeboard so bring Wellington or other waterproof boots to
wear on deck, or bring two pairs of shoes/sneakers w closed toes to wear on deck.
One or both pairs may get wet, so bring at least one other pair to wear inside in
labs/galley. NO OPEN TOE SHOES ON DECK!!! This means no sandals or flip-flops on
deck. Bring a pair of flip-flops to wear in the shower, though: there can be all
sorts of microbial life in a shower stall!

* Some Gyre deck areas can be rusty/greasy, so don't wear your best clothes on
deck. But use common sense: change out of your sweaty field clothes and shower if
necessary before you come into the galley for meals. 

* Gyre has 2 washers and 2 dryers aboard. You can plan to be able to do laundry
at least once a week.

* Bring a light weight rain slicker, if you have one. It may rain in summertime
in the coastal northern Gulf.

* It may be cool at night and/or in some of the lab spaces. Bring a sweater to
wear at night and/or in the labs.

* It may be COLD in your room. A/C works very well in most areas of the ship.
Bring sweats to sleep in, if needed.

* Bring your personal (i.e. w earphones) CD/tape player if you want music in
your room.

* It will be hot and humid on deck during the day. There will be a canvas tarp to
shade visual observers on the Flying Bridge, but bring loose comfortable clothing
to wear on deck, if you elect to sit outside when you're off watch. Bring sun
screen lotion and a hat! There is an area of the 02 deck with picnic table and 
beach chairs for those off watch who are inclined to tan or sunburn.

* Gyre does not carry serve-yourself anti-motion medication. Go to pharmacy or 
grocery store and buy a 12-pack of marezine, or bonine, or another brand of 
tablets. Most people take 1/2 tablet 4 h before ship sails, and another 1/2 tablet
before going to bed on the first night out, and 1/2 tablet the next morning. Half
a tablet at a time is generally enough to medicate a 300 pound linebacker, but you
may find you'll want to take less or more.

* Gyre is a DRY and DRUG-FREE ship. Zero tolerance for alcohol or recreational
drugs aboard ship. This is University policy which the Master will enforce. You 
can think of your trip as a 4 week experience at the Betty Ford Clinic.

* Ship provides sheets, towels, and soap but not shampoo, toothpaste, or similar
personal items.  Ladies, BYO fem hygiene supplies. Ship provides munchies and an
endless supply of Blue Bell ice cream.

* If we stop to do CTD casts at night, small blackfin tuna or other 1-2 pound size
pelagics may be attracted to vessel lights. Bring light-tackle fishing rod and lures
to cast, if you enjoy cast fishing.  Best to BYO nekton samplers. If you own a squid
jig, you might enjoy jigging for squid attracted to the lights, as well.

* BigEye Binoculars will likely be in constant use by the visual team, so best to
bring your own pair of binoculars, should you want to be able to see whales, birds,
etc, when you're off watch.