Today was the second day at sea as we cover the 520 nautical miles from the Asmat to Thursday Island, Australia. As we left the Asmat we entered the Aru Sea yesterday and today were sailing the Arafura Sea. These are shallow seas, and during the last ice age when sea levels were over 100 metres lower than they are today, this region would have been a land bridge between Australia and New Guinea. 

Our time was filled with presentations or spent on deck to relax in clear, sunny, conditions. Occasional groups of dolphins were seen, and several schools of small tuna. Patches of sargassum weed drifted past and at one point we passed a conspicuous plankton bloom staining the sea surface. Seabirds were scarce, but on a few occasions passing groups of ducks and shorebirds hinted at the large scale migration that is underway at this season as birds depart the northern hemisphere and head south to avoid the onset of winter. 

This is our last day in Indonesia. We are preparing to make a transition, leaving Indonesia behind us and heading for our entry into Australia. This transition marks the end of twelve eventful days in Indonesia since we began the voyage in Bali. So much has happened since then; days filled with memories of buffalo racing, an erupting volcano, blue whales and memorable encounters with the diverse cultures of the region. Ahead of us lie the riches of the Great Barrier Reef where we will spend the next few days before our expedition ends in Cairns.