Eastern Indian Ocean Blue Whale Survey 2015 Commences (Nov 15, 2015)
With another before 5am start, it was the early pink light that had me up and going to make final preparations for departure by consolidating items in the fridge and the pantry. We have done well with our victuals thus far, with only one re-supply of fresh fruit and veggies at Christmas Island while being away for over a month and having served over 700 meals. I am thoroughly enjoying not going to the conventional grocery store – instead, I do like going shopping in my pantry and fridge!
Blue Lagoon. With the sunshine, the colours of the lagoon intensify.
At 0745 Whale Song’s anchor was lifted from a beautiful sandy, anchoring spot near Direction Island and between Direction and Horsburgh Islands, we slipped. The lagoon was starting to take on its’ endearing blue hues with the rising sun. It was hard to leave.
Curt and I are deeply honoured to carry The Explorers Museum (TEM) Pennant 2 on this voyage. Proudly TEM Pennant flew from our mast as we began the Eastern Indian Ocean Blue Whale Survey 2015 exiting the turquoise lagoon of the Cocos Keeling Islands. Across the Indian Ocean we will trundle, looking and listening for cetaceans while returning to our home, Fremantle in Western Australia.
TEM Pennant 2. With great honour and pride Curt and I carry TEM Pennant 2 on this Eastern Indian Ocean Blue Whale Survey 2015.
Despite being a modern ship we are taking an old route, one that was perfected by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 1500’s and the British in the 1800’s. Sailing the Indian Ocean by circling the edge of High Pressure Systems was efficient and the only way to sail with the wind on a broad reach and the current behind, aboard vessels such as Duyken, Tryal and Eendtract. We can continue to learn lessons from the Masters and Commanders of several centuries previous.
Wahoo! Because that¹s what you do when you get one!
Circling the islands in a clockwise manner, we travelled down the eastern side of Home Island marvelling at the reef and the beautiful palm trees from the other side of the islands. This was the wild side compared with the tame side, being the inside edge of the lagoon. By 10am we bade Cocos a fond farewell. A most beautiful and intriguingly interesting place biologically, historically and culturally, to visit.
Reflection Time. Time to reflect on the day and be thankful for all we have.
As we set our sights afar, it was not long before the call came from Dale, ‘Curt, slow down, we’ve got a fish!’ Sure enough, a 7-8 kg wahoo was on the line! Dale hauled it aboard with help from Resty, making sure this prize did not get away! Curt expertly filleted and translated the beautiful flesh into small pieces for Resty’s kinilau and medallions for pan-frying. Our mouths were watering at the prospect of at least two delicious dinners ahead.
I was sad to leave Cocos but excited to get going as well. Adventuring is all about these juxtapositions.
Explorers never get too comfortable.
Stay safe.
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