Tuesday 3 November 2009

South!

This morning found us at the mouth of the mighty Rio de la Plata, which drains about one fifth of the area of South America and is the widest river in the world. In the early morning we were greeted with a spectacular sunrise, which we hope does not bode bad weather ("Red sky in the morning, sailor's warning, red sky at night, sailors delight!").

Today was what we call a "sea day" as we sail south to the Falkland Islands, out of the sight of land. We can't help but remember the famous line from Coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner "Water water everywhere and nor any drop to drink"!

We had a fantastic seabird watching day with species such as Black-browed, Grey-headed and Yellow-nosed Albatross, White-chinned Petrel, Giant Petrel, South American Tern, skua, and storm-petrels circling and following the vessel. Even though we were sailing far offshore of South America we even observed some Magellanic Penguins, which was a real thrill for many of us as it was our first penguins of the season, and for some, the first of their lifetimes!

This wonderful and memorable first day at sea in the South Atlantic Ocean ended as it began with the sun projecting reds and oranges onto the clouds above us.