One day out of Tristan Da Cunha, en route to Saint Helena
The air is steadily growing warmer here on the National Geographic Endeavour. The humidity is rising, the winds are shifting, and the seas are calming. All of which mean that we have to adjust accordingly in order to take advantage of these new developments. We are now spending less time indoors and below decks, for outside is now the place to be as much as possible. Already, and without vocal prompting, we are embracing this new climate to the fullest.
We spend our hours today lounging in the sun chairs; a few of us dozing contentedly, others reading, and some quietly reflecting on the unique visit to Tristan Da Cunha yesterday. At some point, it seems we all make our way to the bridge or the foredeck; maybe to look for a few seabirds scouring the waves, perhaps for the opportunity to spend a few moments spying on some striped dolphins as they hunt for shoaling fish, or just for the chance to feel the headwind as the sun turns in for the day.
Even after the sun bids farewell, we still find ourselves reluctant to leave the decks and head inside. And on this evening at least, we don’t bother. The galley lays out a feast on the pool deck; the music is lively, and the drinks are cool and refreshing. As I look around at the happy faces gazing out at the rising moon and searching for the southern cross, I see a few other changes. The gloves are gone and the hands are now filled with an after dinner drink. The jackets and parkas have vanished, and instead I see floral prints and t-shirts. The pants are getting shorter and the footwear is getting smaller. Yes, there are a few light sweaters still clinging to the past, but they’ll soon disappear as well, for climate change is upon us.
The air is steadily growing warmer here on the National Geographic Endeavour. The humidity is rising, the winds are shifting, and the seas are calming. All of which mean that we have to adjust accordingly in order to take advantage of these new developments. We are now spending less time indoors and below decks, for outside is now the place to be as much as possible. Already, and without vocal prompting, we are embracing this new climate to the fullest.
We spend our hours today lounging in the sun chairs; a few of us dozing contentedly, others reading, and some quietly reflecting on the unique visit to Tristan Da Cunha yesterday. At some point, it seems we all make our way to the bridge or the foredeck; maybe to look for a few seabirds scouring the waves, perhaps for the opportunity to spend a few moments spying on some striped dolphins as they hunt for shoaling fish, or just for the chance to feel the headwind as the sun turns in for the day.
Even after the sun bids farewell, we still find ourselves reluctant to leave the decks and head inside. And on this evening at least, we don’t bother. The galley lays out a feast on the pool deck; the music is lively, and the drinks are cool and refreshing. As I look around at the happy faces gazing out at the rising moon and searching for the southern cross, I see a few other changes. The gloves are gone and the hands are now filled with an after dinner drink. The jackets and parkas have vanished, and instead I see floral prints and t-shirts. The pants are getting shorter and the footwear is getting smaller. Yes, there are a few light sweaters still clinging to the past, but they’ll soon disappear as well, for climate change is upon us.
