Mediterranean Sea
One the most rewarding pleasures to be found in cruising, no matter the vessel, is a relaxing day at sea. For those on the Endeavour, today was just such a day. The morning began at an easy pace and many chose to sleep in and have a later breakfast. Some of us took up station on the bridge wings, mugs of coffee in hand while scanning our surroundings for life. Groups of short-beaked common dolphin served as escorts for brief periods while flying fish fled our bow wave. The day remained warm, so cool drinks, shorts and lounge chairs were the theme on deck. There was ample time for reading, or writing postcards home. Sandwiched between naps, the pool was a popular spot for many throughout the afternoon. Refreshingly cool water sloshed fore and aft in the manner of a miniature water park. For many, the bow of the ship was a comfortable vantage point from which to watch for sea turtles, and a number were seen. While resting on the surface, they were often startled by the approach of the ship. After being disturbed they flapped their stubby flippers and dove to azure depths to avoid collision.
A day at sea. The hours pass leisurely, and we relish them. We value this time to turn the pages of the travel books that prepare us for the exciting days ahead or devour the novel we brought along. We spend time with old friends or cement kinship with new shipmates. We visit the bridge to note the steady progress of the vessel across the blue part of the chart. We see few other boats out here and can reflect on our sense of aloneness. Being out of sight of land is profoundly meaningful. This small ship of travelers becomes condensed and solidified in a world often fragmented and chaotic. Shipboard life is one of order and calm. We find our day at sea to be one for rest, thought and fun. And at the end of the day we’re eagerly anticipating the adventure and discoveries that tomorrow will surely bring.
One the most rewarding pleasures to be found in cruising, no matter the vessel, is a relaxing day at sea. For those on the Endeavour, today was just such a day. The morning began at an easy pace and many chose to sleep in and have a later breakfast. Some of us took up station on the bridge wings, mugs of coffee in hand while scanning our surroundings for life. Groups of short-beaked common dolphin served as escorts for brief periods while flying fish fled our bow wave. The day remained warm, so cool drinks, shorts and lounge chairs were the theme on deck. There was ample time for reading, or writing postcards home. Sandwiched between naps, the pool was a popular spot for many throughout the afternoon. Refreshingly cool water sloshed fore and aft in the manner of a miniature water park. For many, the bow of the ship was a comfortable vantage point from which to watch for sea turtles, and a number were seen. While resting on the surface, they were often startled by the approach of the ship. After being disturbed they flapped their stubby flippers and dove to azure depths to avoid collision.
A day at sea. The hours pass leisurely, and we relish them. We value this time to turn the pages of the travel books that prepare us for the exciting days ahead or devour the novel we brought along. We spend time with old friends or cement kinship with new shipmates. We visit the bridge to note the steady progress of the vessel across the blue part of the chart. We see few other boats out here and can reflect on our sense of aloneness. Being out of sight of land is profoundly meaningful. This small ship of travelers becomes condensed and solidified in a world often fragmented and chaotic. Shipboard life is one of order and calm. We find our day at sea to be one for rest, thought and fun. And at the end of the day we’re eagerly anticipating the adventure and discoveries that tomorrow will surely bring.
