15 March 2006
Dolphins and Butterflies (how hippy-sounding is that?)
by Dave, onboard the Esperanza
Shunning the comfort of bunks, several of the Esperanza's complement took their bedding to the foredeck last night, to sleep under the full moon and stars. Waking up with the sunrise on a calm sea, I felt somewhat privileged, and happy to be on board.Over coffee, Alex and I watched strange things washing past the bow - they looked like translucent Cornish pasties with a pink seam. Very odd. Turns out they were Portuguese Man-O-War, or Physalia physalia, a kind of siphonophore. Until the heat of the day kicked in, they appeared by the ship every two minutes or so, just drifting by.
Around 9am, there was an eruption of animal activity - dozens of dolphins started catapulting themselves through the stern wave, doing flips and rolls. Pierre managed to get some spectacular photographs. Meanwhile, some beautiful exotic butterflies arrived from Nowheresville, strangely attracted to the grey paint that was being applied to the bridge deck. Ed was running around, rescuing them from being stuck, while I just took pictures!
Later, Sara insisted I name one of Pierre's dolphins 'Karen' after our our intrepid political adviser who will be at the Convention on Biological Diversity - stay tuned for more on the convention.
The day wore on - and a weird weather day it was- overcast and sticky, but with the occasional visit by a brisk breeze. Visibility was poor, but after lunch, the cry went up 'whales' - a pod of pilot whales had been spotted off the starboard side, and one apparently cleared the water altogether.
Now it's late. The campaign office is rather sticky, and I must away to my bed. Under the stars again. maybe?
- Dave


©Greenpeace/Gleizes

Sara insisted I named this one 'Karen' after our our intrepid political adviser who will be at the Convention on Biological Diversity
©Greenpeace/Gleizes

©Greenpeace/Walsh

©Greenpeace/Walsh
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Comments
Thanks for the pictures guys! It sounds so amazing there...
Posted by: Abri at March 16, 2006 3:53 AM
Hi,
u guyz r doing an amazing job! i wish i was there to view those beautiful butterflies and the call of the dolphins... those were really beautiful pictures..
Thanks
Sushma
Posted by: sushma bhat at March 16, 2006 5:51 AM
Fantastic photographs!
Posted by: Angela at March 16, 2006 11:25 AM
Hi Sara and Dave,
What a way to be reminded about what we are all working for! I hope the dolphin liked its new name of the moment. I am just getting ready to leave for Brazil and what we are calling 'the Summit for Life on earth' -- will be inspired by the pic of the dolphin and send through some thoughts on what the decision-makers are up (or not which is more likely) as soon as we touch down. We'll be working closely with our colleagues in the Greenpeace forest team, so look out for lots of news over the next 2 weeks. Here's a 'life on the planet' fact for the day -- did you know, that manta rays can travel over 2200km at speeds of 11 knots and dive to depths of 450m!
Karen
Posted by: Karen at March 16, 2006 12:25 PM
Ah, Karen, you look beautiful with the water bouncing off the end of your nose like that, but I'm not sure about that outfit for the political meetings, probably best to stick to skirt and shirt and leave the flippers at home.
Good luck at the "Summit for Life on Earth" - not exactly a small task to set yourselves! We are looking forward to hearing from you and telling a few stories about what is going on.
cheers
Sara
Posted by: Sara at March 16, 2006 1:11 PM
Dave - had the photo of the two dolphins been yours - you'd have 2 beers owed to you... but since it's not yours I am holding onto my beer money. :op
L.
Posted by: Lisa at March 22, 2006 5:05 AM
Damn, I should have claimed them...
Posted by: Dave - Webbie on the Esperanza at March 22, 2006 9:40 AM
do you have any more information on dolphins and butterflies besides pictures
Posted by: stephanie at April 22, 2006 6:31 PM
what kind of information, Stephanie?
Posted by: Dave at April 22, 2006 8:39 PM
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