Location: Underway to Devils island
The second night of watch team season two went down well. Watch team three (myself, Nicole, Cecily, Isaac, Darien, and Olympus) welcome Benny and Zac back for the majority of our 20:00 – 00:00 shift last night. The doldrums have brought calm weather and stifling heat to Argo over the past week or so. However, the clear skies and new moon have allowed the most beautiful starry skies to appear night after night. Darien has been pointing out some famous constellations like Vela, Scorpio, Leo, and the Southern Cross.
The equator is getting ever closer. As day 40 turned into day 41 and the trip log ticked over to 4000nm, we were only 2 degrees, 20 minutes away, which would roughly take us 2 days. There has been talk since day one amongst the students and staff about giving something back to the ocean, for those that it is their first time crossing. Stay stunned to see these plans unfold.
Isaac spotted a large school of skipjack tuna off the bow today. They were accompanied by diving boobies, both of which are likely after the same food. Eli optimistically set two lines of the stern in the hope of catching one for dinner but had no luck. Sylver also identified some dragonflies flying alongside the boat, which came as a surprise, considering we are ~200 miles offshore. They were welcome company, and it is not unknown for these animals to migrate long distances offshore.
Calum has been cheffing today. He cooked up a lovely quiche for lunch, which was enjoyed by us all in the small patches of shade in the cockpit and then filled us all up with a pasta bake at dinner time.
Today, Nicole and I were teaching leadership and marine biology, respectively. Seeing as it is fast approaching the halfway mark of the semester, the crew did some reflecting with a Sea|mester tradition, the black and white card session. Everyone selected two cards that resonated with a positive trait and something they are working on personally. Afterward, the Argo Arms opened its doors for a pub quiz-style review session in preparation for the second marine biology exam. Cold drinks were served, games were played, and Isaac sang a special song to Benny.
Eli, Benny, Cecily, and Darien chose to spend the rest of their afternoon chilling out on the bow sprit, while the rest of the crew decided to take naps or do some work for their classes. Isaac decided to take me, Kackie, and Nicole on at Monopoly Deal.
Fingers crossed for some more stars tonight and for us not getting too wet. We have had a depression (low pressure) form over us throughout today and we are therefore expecting some heavy rains!
See you in the Caribbean!
Ben