No drift, but maybe some positive views. Having thought about this search for a while, I concluded that it is another stepping stone to a larger story. No journey is without setbacks, if you want to call this that. I recall the space race very well. I liken this to that, in some ways. Without some of the problems in the early days of that adventure, we may not have gotten to the moon, and beyond. We perserverred.
When TIGHAR went on this expedition, there were great hopes of finding stuff. They may have, and we just dont know it. We do have a greater understanding of the underwater features around Niku, and how man-made things interact with it. That will be very important to a follow up expedition with submirsibles (maybe?). Like sending the unmanned vehicles to the moon in search of a good landing spot. Great idea, but not without some minor tweeking on the actual landing. So, this is similiar. Ric & Co now has some very hard data on what obstacles may be there. I think it will make sending a deep dive submirsible a little less intimidating.
I feel confident of a return to Niku, with all of our partners on board. I, for one, have a new found respect for Ric. Glad he is at the helm of TIGHAR. Pat------keep him straight.