At Sea - Northern Mozambique Channel
A day at sea is not necessarily a day of complete relaxation and resting. However, it is a day when one can recover from long airplane flights and waiting in airports required to get to the actual beginning of the voyage.
Our busy day yesterday in Zanzibar was a great way to begin the voyage and today we could reflect on the sites and sounds as well as review the multitude of photos. A few people were up early enough to see a bright double rainbow that formed after a passing rain squall. But for most, the day started earlier than expected when it was announced that Richard White had spotted, through the Bistro windows, a small group of short-finned pilot whales. The Bridge responded quickly and maneuvered the ship so we could attempt to get better looks. The small group of about 10 or so animals were a little shy but many were able to see the characteristic dorsal fin shape of a large male and then smaller falcate fins of younger individuals. Having gotten our looks and photos we returned to our course southeastward.
In the morning we learned from Tom Ritchie about the general geology, general ecology, and some historical aspects of this continent, which is the second largest. Before lunch Mike Greenfelder and National Geographic Photographer, Michael Melford, introduced digital photography and some of the techniques for capturing images of the experiences we will have during the voyage. The afternoon was occupied in preparing for the days ahead of snorkeling and scuba diving. Interspersed throughout the day many people visited the Bridge to find out what had been seen over or in the water and also to get familiar with the “command central” and best view of the ship.
A few flocks of Sooty Terns passed in the distance, but flying fish were the most aerial organisms as they leapt from the water to escape our passing vessel. The day ended with a very mellow sunset behind a bank of tall cumulus clouds just as the Welcome Cocktail party began.
Tomorrow we reach a new country and look forward to more new and interesting experiences along the eastern coast of central Africa.
A day at sea is not necessarily a day of complete relaxation and resting. However, it is a day when one can recover from long airplane flights and waiting in airports required to get to the actual beginning of the voyage.
Our busy day yesterday in Zanzibar was a great way to begin the voyage and today we could reflect on the sites and sounds as well as review the multitude of photos. A few people were up early enough to see a bright double rainbow that formed after a passing rain squall. But for most, the day started earlier than expected when it was announced that Richard White had spotted, through the Bistro windows, a small group of short-finned pilot whales. The Bridge responded quickly and maneuvered the ship so we could attempt to get better looks. The small group of about 10 or so animals were a little shy but many were able to see the characteristic dorsal fin shape of a large male and then smaller falcate fins of younger individuals. Having gotten our looks and photos we returned to our course southeastward.
In the morning we learned from Tom Ritchie about the general geology, general ecology, and some historical aspects of this continent, which is the second largest. Before lunch Mike Greenfelder and National Geographic Photographer, Michael Melford, introduced digital photography and some of the techniques for capturing images of the experiences we will have during the voyage. The afternoon was occupied in preparing for the days ahead of snorkeling and scuba diving. Interspersed throughout the day many people visited the Bridge to find out what had been seen over or in the water and also to get familiar with the “command central” and best view of the ship.
A few flocks of Sooty Terns passed in the distance, but flying fish were the most aerial organisms as they leapt from the water to escape our passing vessel. The day ended with a very mellow sunset behind a bank of tall cumulus clouds just as the Welcome Cocktail party began.
Tomorrow we reach a new country and look forward to more new and interesting experiences along the eastern coast of central Africa.
