National Geographic Endeavour continues her journey north. Our scheduled destination, which we are hoping to glimpse sometime tomorrow in the early morning, are the Cape Verde Islands. Today was supposed to be another day at sea, our fifth in a row of gliding through this azure ocean, keeping a careful look out for creatures of all land and sea persuasions. Yet little did we know that today would be extremely special, one of those days you tell your grandchildren about, and their only comment is “Yeah, Right Grandma!”
As the light was just beginning to come over the horizon this morning, our eagle-eyed naturalist Richard gave a shout for dolphins on the bow. Running down to the forecastle, a puzzled look soon spread on his face, these dolphins were like none he had ever seen. As a matter of fact they were not dolphins at all, but rather a group of mermaids enjoying the company of the ship and those guests gaping at them over the side (a side note these were mermaids of the traditional kind, ugly scaly skin, green hair, and voices that make you cover your ears). For Richard and the few people who were up at that hour, they were not sure what to make of it: too little coffee? Too much coffee? Too many days at sea? They thought about keeping to themselves, for fear the doctor might quarantine them, but soon the rumors began to spread, and by mid morning most of the ship was standing diligently on deck searching for any sign of these unimaginable sea creatures.
Without this throng of binoculars, I doubt anyone would believe what we saw next, chalking it up to the sun, or the mind playing tricks. About noon a call went up, there was something? on the horizon. As the ship drew closer, still with thousands of meters of water under her keel, tall pillars, stone houses, and majestic domes began to fill our binoculars, camera frames, and confounded eyes.. What was this place? It took the thoughtful mind of our historian David, who calmly proclaimed that this must be Atlantis (he then promptly fainted of excitement).
In true expedition style, we quickly launched our Zodiacs for a spectacular cruise which took us around part of this island (also called a continent by some) which although pristine, seemed locked in the days of ancient Greek mythology. Beautiful coves with small temples at the beach heads, dotted the coast, while dolphins (and mermaids) surrounded the boats. The harbor master requested that Captain Oliver come in to meet with him, apparently it had been a while since the city had been visited by anything other than a passing pod of sperm whales, or the annoyingly loud mermaids. After several formalities and social graces, we were invited to visit (you should see the passport stamp!), and the rest of the afternoon was spent walking the cobbled streets, and speaking with the slightly befuddled locals (what would you make of us!). Some of us made it out to the countryside where vast gardens spread out before us. Unfortunately, as it was Sunday, none of the shops were open, but were able to attend the church services should we wish.
Leaving before sunset and the closure of the harbor, the grand city of Atlantis faded into the horizon. Many of us commented that it was just another day for us on the National Geographic Endeavour where the incredible happens. But what will the rest of the month bring, as it is only the 1st of April?
