At Sea en route to St. Helena Island
Our third day at sea since leaving the Tristan da Cunha group of islands. We have entered a completely new biological arena. The sea has warmed by over 10 degrees Celsius, the winds are light easterly Trades, and each of the past few days has been sunny, warm and calm. The swimming pool is full and a light lunch on deck is available as an alternative to the dining room. Today just before noon we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn, 23 degrees 26 minutes South latitude, with 450 miles to goto St. Helena. Tonight we will enjoy our second special dinner on deck!
We look forward to St. Helena, yet we also look back on our adventures at Tristan. Three days ago we were able to land at one of the most unique islands in the world - Nightingale. Pictured here are two nearly fledged Yellow-nosed Albatross at Nightingale Island. At over 18 million years, this is by far the oldest of the Tristan group, and it is home to millions of birds. The lush tussock grass, over 8 feet tall in most places, dominates the island and provides nesting habitat not only for Rockhopper penguins, but also innumerable Greater shearwaters, Gray petrels, prions and albatross. Walking through the tussock jungle we were glad to have guides from Tristan with us as the green maze wound over hill and dale and mysterious, unseen birds scurried to and fro. Occasionally the path widened to reveal some ofthese characters perched on mud and grass thrones.
A lifelong bond with Nightingale
These two Yellow-nosed albatross chicks are surprised to see us and ready to defend themselves in a most unpleasant manner - by regurgitating their last meal on any intruder that gets too close. Eggs are laid in early September and incubated for over two months. Upon hatching in November, chicks are fed at the nest for another four months before fledging. These neighbors are nearly ready to begin their pelagic life, roaming the southern oceans in search of fish and squid. If they survive the hazards of a life at sea, they will return to this very island to begin breeding sometime in the next five to ten years. They have an unshakable, lifelong bond with Nightingale.
Although we were only there for a few hours, we understand why.
Our third day at sea since leaving the Tristan da Cunha group of islands. We have entered a completely new biological arena. The sea has warmed by over 10 degrees Celsius, the winds are light easterly Trades, and each of the past few days has been sunny, warm and calm. The swimming pool is full and a light lunch on deck is available as an alternative to the dining room. Today just before noon we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn, 23 degrees 26 minutes South latitude, with 450 miles to goto St. Helena. Tonight we will enjoy our second special dinner on deck!
We look forward to St. Helena, yet we also look back on our adventures at Tristan. Three days ago we were able to land at one of the most unique islands in the world - Nightingale. Pictured here are two nearly fledged Yellow-nosed Albatross at Nightingale Island. At over 18 million years, this is by far the oldest of the Tristan group, and it is home to millions of birds. The lush tussock grass, over 8 feet tall in most places, dominates the island and provides nesting habitat not only for Rockhopper penguins, but also innumerable Greater shearwaters, Gray petrels, prions and albatross. Walking through the tussock jungle we were glad to have guides from Tristan with us as the green maze wound over hill and dale and mysterious, unseen birds scurried to and fro. Occasionally the path widened to reveal some ofthese characters perched on mud and grass thrones.
A lifelong bond with Nightingale
These two Yellow-nosed albatross chicks are surprised to see us and ready to defend themselves in a most unpleasant manner - by regurgitating their last meal on any intruder that gets too close. Eggs are laid in early September and incubated for over two months. Upon hatching in November, chicks are fed at the nest for another four months before fledging. These neighbors are nearly ready to begin their pelagic life, roaming the southern oceans in search of fish and squid. If they survive the hazards of a life at sea, they will return to this very island to begin breeding sometime in the next five to ten years. They have an unshakable, lifelong bond with Nightingale.
Although we were only there for a few hours, we understand why.
