We woke to find ourselves sailing south once more after our brief foray into Indonesian waters late last night and early this morning. The sea state had predictably increased somewhat, the sky showed signs of rain, and humidity cloaked the ship as we glided through foamy waters. All three conditions were relatively new for us on this journey along the Kimberly coast. Until now we have enjoyed extremely calm seas, cloudless skies, and incredibly dry, warm air most every day. Today’s outside conditions were perfectly in sync with the journey’s end as well, for this is our last day of the voyage and the Kimberly Coast now lays in our proverbial wake. We are shifting to a new phase of the journey: for some of us, a brief stint in the Northern Territory’s capital city of Darwin before a long journey homeward; for others, a transition into further exploration of the more tropical “top end” and new adventures overland; and for the vessel, a fond farewell to those of us departing and quick preparations for a new “G’day!” to those who will join for their own voyage tomorrow.
We spent the day enjoying the ship’s excellent services yet again, but also reflecting upon the journey and discussing the state of Australia’s unique ecological condition as well as how best to preserve its future. How can we balance the demand for fish and the urgent need for marine reserves? What can be done about the ever-westward invasion of the infamous cane toad? How do you safeguard the marine turtles when they range so far from the protection Australia can offer? These and other topical questions were posed and pondered by the expedition staff and guests alike. Solutions cannot be made in a day, but they cannot be made at all without the subjects being discussed and considered once we all return home.
Finally, after a photographic journey back through the voyage during our farewell cocktail hour, we joined the staff, officers, and crew for a beautifully prepared dinner. We felt happy for the companionship of our fellow travelers and for the memorable experiences gained on our journey to this remote coast.
