At Sea
Last evening when the sun set there were lovely shades of pastel colors highlighting the cliffs of Brava Island, the easternmost of the Cape Verde Islands. This would be the last significant piece of land in our view for 6 days. Ahead lies the open Atlantic Ocean – for miles and miles. To most on board the National Geographic Endeavour this was a crossing that would be relaxing and very enjoyable. But to the early explorers it was a time of trials and testing of man against the ocean and all of its elements.
Our course would follow the route taken by many ships in the days before mechanical power. From the last of the north Atlantic islands sailing vessels would catch the trade winds. Like them we set a course that would fill our “sails” driving us not due east like many might think when one crosses the Atlantic but instead we were on a course only slightly east of due south. This is the shortest route to the New World.
During these days to come we would see a change in the ocean surface as the winds and currents shift as we progress across the Equator. We would also be keeping a sharp watch from the bridge for any marine animals of interest. Over this vast expanse of water there are marine birds adapted to coursing back and forth flying low over the surface in search for small scattered bits of food or small fish. Amazing that these ocean wanderers, the seabirds are able to find enough to eat in an area of the ocean that is relatively very unproductive – essentially a marine desert in regards to biological production. During this passage on our ship we would learn not only about these birds, about photography, about the marine environment, and many other subjects from the ship’s staff but we would also be entertained and become friends with all of the people enjoying the slow roll of a comfortable modern expedition ship traversing the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
Last evening when the sun set there were lovely shades of pastel colors highlighting the cliffs of Brava Island, the easternmost of the Cape Verde Islands. This would be the last significant piece of land in our view for 6 days. Ahead lies the open Atlantic Ocean – for miles and miles. To most on board the National Geographic Endeavour this was a crossing that would be relaxing and very enjoyable. But to the early explorers it was a time of trials and testing of man against the ocean and all of its elements.
Our course would follow the route taken by many ships in the days before mechanical power. From the last of the north Atlantic islands sailing vessels would catch the trade winds. Like them we set a course that would fill our “sails” driving us not due east like many might think when one crosses the Atlantic but instead we were on a course only slightly east of due south. This is the shortest route to the New World.
During these days to come we would see a change in the ocean surface as the winds and currents shift as we progress across the Equator. We would also be keeping a sharp watch from the bridge for any marine animals of interest. Over this vast expanse of water there are marine birds adapted to coursing back and forth flying low over the surface in search for small scattered bits of food or small fish. Amazing that these ocean wanderers, the seabirds are able to find enough to eat in an area of the ocean that is relatively very unproductive – essentially a marine desert in regards to biological production. During this passage on our ship we would learn not only about these birds, about photography, about the marine environment, and many other subjects from the ship’s staff but we would also be entertained and become friends with all of the people enjoying the slow roll of a comfortable modern expedition ship traversing the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
