6 December 2005
Are we having fun yet?
by Lally, onboard the Arctic Sunrise
©Greenpeace/Davison
Ever forward.
Andy on the Arctic Sunrise at around 04:00, 05/12/05
The last twenty-four hours onboard the Arctic Sunrise have been a bit of a nightmare. On Sunday afternoon, after two beautiful days of fair weather sailing the sea started to get a bit frisky and by the evening it was obvious we were in for some pretty nasty swells. But it wasnt until 04:00 that we fell into a hole in the ocean and achieved our first 70-degree roll.
From my cabin in the hold it sounded like the contents of the ship had exploded. The exact moment it happened, despite my alarm clock having hit the wall and ejected it's batteries a couple of hours earlier, was earmarked by every single item in my cabin leaping in the air and flying towards the door followed by a huge crash as everything in the ship did the same. I actually laughed out loud. Or maybe it was hysteria.
When I emerged it looked like wed been burgled. The contents of the galley had set themselves free and in the lounge several shelves of books were happily sliding back and forth across the floor. The hold, once cleared of its own debris was transformed into a network of rope handrails so you could make it from one side to the other without falling. An inspired idea.
Later I made a few half-hearted attempts at writing a web log but the third time my laptop and I literally hit the wall I called it a day.
For now things have calmed down slightly and the ships new rolling technique is random up-and-down circles, which have a loop-the-loop rollercoaster effect. I feel like I'm on a permanent funfair ride with the disadvantage of not being able to get off and have some candy floss.
Comments
on the photos the boats look so very very small and the ocean so huge - plus, you are so very far away from anything solid. i am amazed that throughout the journey you are managing to keep a sense of humour and continue to focus on what you are doing. with that, my greatest respect and admiration to all of you. i think kai is glad that he did not play the stow-away game and hopes that after all of this there will still be an AS and espy to go and visit... safe journeys and good luck.
Posted by: kirsten at December 6, 2005 4:40 PM
> When I emerged it looked like wed been burgled
Ha, are you sure it wasn't the Espy crew getting their revenge for a former raid?
Glad Kate wasn't out shooting when you did your 70 degree roll (she wasn't, was she?) -- I guess "Hang in there" would be the appropriate wish here.
--b
Posted by: Brianfit![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://weblog.greenpeace.org/oceandefenders/nav-commenters.gif)
at December 7, 2005 5:45 AM
People really don't understand how fragile our world and our oceans are. If we proportionally reduced the earth and the ocean down to an 8 foot (2.5 meter), in diameter sphere, ...the ocean would be .03 inches, or .75 cm in depth. Not much more really than a slick on the surface. A different perspective than from the bow of the Arctic Sunrise. So formidable and huge in one sense, ...but in another, ...how really fragile it is. Thanks for giving it your all, ...and well, ...hang on. Much Love to you all - Wes/GC
Posted by: Grateful Child at December 7, 2005 5:57 PM
In contrast, yesterday (7th), we were definitely having fun. Flat seas, icebergs, lots of birds and other wildlife, even sunshine. Picture pretty day!
Posted by: sojo at December 8, 2005 8:04 AM
I know it must have been terribly frightening but, it sounds awesome!!! If it wasn't in the middle of the ocean etc etc
Posted by: Tehrahn at December 8, 2005 10:24 AM
All the very best to evryone supporting this Amazing Journey.Bless you all!
What an Extraordinary, Brave, and extreamly Rewarding thing to do!
You have my admiration and total support. Keep up the Work, and know there are thousands of people that are with you in spirit, and hope.
Merry X-Mas also. May this new year bring us what we all have strived to achieve and especially those of you that have given up so much of yourselves to work for our Great Mother Earth.Bless you!!!!
Aggie.
From down under
Posted by: Agnieszka at December 20, 2005 10:43 PM
Hi Aggie
Thankyou for your encouragement and kind words. Hearing that we have the love and support of so many people from around the world means so much when you are so far from anywhere. It helps us remember that we are nothing without this support and our efforts will be a mere drop in the ocean without you and everyone else.
I´ve just seen a pod of around 15 orkas swim by and I said hi to them for you.
lots of love
lally x
Posted by: Lally at December 21, 2005 4:16 PM
merry xmas guys your doing a great job, all the way out there, keep it up the world needs you
Posted by: Lee W at December 23, 2005 5:56 PM
All updates from the Southern Ocean whaling 2007 leg »
All updates from the Pacific transit »
All updates from the Mexico leg »
All updates from the Hawaii leg »
All updates from the Pacific leg »
All updates from the Philippines leg »
All updates from the India leg »
All updates from the Red Sea leg »
All updates from the Mediterranean leg »
All updates from the Azores leg »
All updates from the Pirate Fishing/Africa leg »
All updates from the Southern Ocean »
Avast ye land lubbers! The ocean critters need your help!
Take action today!
