Today has been all about preparation.
Preparing for the seas that we were to expect was made much easier thanks to the gentle sea conditions which have been enjoyed throughout the first day of our adventure together. The sun has shone brightly, the clouds high up, giving a sense of depth to the enormous expanse of water stretching out all around us and a gentle breeze pushing along the gentle swells. The rest of the preparation today entailed attending a number of presentations, each with different themes and topics all related to the journey we have just embarked on.
There have been a good number of seabirds following the vessel throughout the day, including the two giants – the wandering and royal albatrosses. These birds have a wingspan up to 12’ and ply these high latitudes their entire lives. They always mesmerize us with the ease with which they master the air currents and masterfully ply these huge expanses. It is also important to not overlook the smallest of these magnificent birds – the storm petrels and diving petrels – and a number were spotted throughout the day.
A little after breakfast we have the opportunity to meet all the expedition staff as well as the National Geographic photographer and Global Perspectives guest speaker.
Just before lunch we attend our first presentation, a photography workshop. Through inspiring images we try to get a better grasp of this remarkable art form and hope that along the voyage these ideas will translate into better captured photographs with our own cameras.
After lunch, and maybe after quick forty winks, we head for the lounge again, this time to learn about the magnificent seabirds that have made these waters their home. Immediately afterwards we head out on to the sundeck to watch birds, learn how to identify them and also make attempts at trying to capture images of them with our cameras.
After tea, and this is an important part of life at sea, we have the chance to become a little better acquainted with some of the history of the Falkland Islands. We rapidly realize that these remarkable islands have had a tortuous history, particularly after the very sad war in 1982.
We end our first day together with a briefing about the activities planned for the next day and how to get in and out of the Zodiacs. We head off to sleep with a deep sense of expectancy and an awareness that we are on a unique and marvelous experience together.
