Mozambique Channel
The southeast trade winds have begun. It seems that suddenly the wind started a couple of days ago and the breeze continues. For centuries local people based their trade and commerce throughout the Indian Ocean on the trade winds. Sailing vessels went the direction of the wind and when the wind changed the trade ships went the other direction on favorable winds. Today winds are less important to commerce.
The trade winds also bring clouds which at sunrise is not a bad thing as it creates a lovely beginning to a new day. For the most part today was a day to relax, reflect, and learn. Scattered through the day we heard various presentations given by the vastly knowledgeable naturalist staff.
Some passed by the front deck ahead of the Chart Room or the Bridge to get a report from staff watching over the waves for birds or marine mammals. Occasionally a group of mixed birds including Sooty Terns, noddies, and other tern species were sighted. These birds often feed in the area of fish schools.
Late in the day there was a small group of Spinner Dolphins seen and the Captain turned the ship to get a better look. However, these speedsters were not interested in our movements and they continued on their own mission in life.
As the day began, the day ended. A layer of scattered clouds created a venue for the splash of pigments and pastels to end a relaxing day at sea in the northern Mozambique Channel.
The southeast trade winds have begun. It seems that suddenly the wind started a couple of days ago and the breeze continues. For centuries local people based their trade and commerce throughout the Indian Ocean on the trade winds. Sailing vessels went the direction of the wind and when the wind changed the trade ships went the other direction on favorable winds. Today winds are less important to commerce.
The trade winds also bring clouds which at sunrise is not a bad thing as it creates a lovely beginning to a new day. For the most part today was a day to relax, reflect, and learn. Scattered through the day we heard various presentations given by the vastly knowledgeable naturalist staff.
Some passed by the front deck ahead of the Chart Room or the Bridge to get a report from staff watching over the waves for birds or marine mammals. Occasionally a group of mixed birds including Sooty Terns, noddies, and other tern species were sighted. These birds often feed in the area of fish schools.
Late in the day there was a small group of Spinner Dolphins seen and the Captain turned the ship to get a better look. However, these speedsters were not interested in our movements and they continued on their own mission in life.
As the day began, the day ended. A layer of scattered clouds created a venue for the splash of pigments and pastels to end a relaxing day at sea in the northern Mozambique Channel.
