After leaving the North Island of New Zealand last night, we awoke this morning surrounded by the deep blue sea. We are in a state of transition, leaving behind the green, cold, nutrient-rich waters of New Zealand and heading towards the blue, clear, and warm waters of Norfolk Island and the tropics farther beyond. It was a day to be at sea. A day to have presentations, to catch up on things, and to enjoy being out in the middle of the ocean. It was a day to enjoy the amazing comforts of the National Geographic Orion, and the delicious food. Also, it was a time for seabirds, as they are the residents of this open ocean environment.
With sunny skies, following seas, and light winds, it was a pleasant day to be out on deck. Both breakfast and lunch were enjoyed outside, and there was plenty of time for relaxing and standing on the bow to search for wildlife. Numerous seabirds were spotted, and after a presentation on the seabirds of the South Pacific, we were ready to experience them. Some highlights were white-necked petrel, gray-faced petrel, red-tailed tropicbird, and black-winged petrel. Also, a few flying fish were spotted, a prelude to later on when we will reach warmer waters.
As the sun dipped to the horizon, we all gathered in the lounge for Captain Taylor’s welcome aboard party. After a few nights on board, the National Geographic Orion already feels like home!
