26 January 2007
First night at sea
Posted by Dave, on the Esperanza
The Esperanza leaving Auckland
© Greenpeace/Beltra
So, we're off. With a mixture of relief, anticipation and emotion, we watched the mooring lines drop into the water, and the thrusters push the Esperanza away from Prince's Wharf. Dozens of people were on quayside to see us off, including, as Sara has written about - John, the man with the sign. We're off to intercept the Japanese whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean - and to hinder their attempts to kill hundreds of whales.
As the ship threaded its way out past Devonport and towards Rangitoto island, two of the Greenpeace New Zealand inflatables kept pace with us, before Hughie swooped in the controls of Tweety the helicopter, to get the photograph you now see.
Goodbye land, hello ocean.
Later:
It's dark now. I've just been on deck with Sara and Helena, admiring the night sky and the long tail of Comet McNaught. The most beautiful night skies I have ever seen (so far) have been in the seas around New Zealand.
Tweety is now stowed in the hanger for the long trip south, and we're pushing through calm seas. Earlier, we passed by the dramatic landscapes of Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel peninsula. We're making the best of it the calm conditions - things will get rough enough in the coming days. Now we don't want you guys to get seasick by reading this blog, but we do need you to get come with us. Go to whales.greenpeace.org and get involved!
And don't forget to meet our crew and say hello!
The Esperanza leaving Auckland
© Greenpeace/Beltra
(l-r) Sara, Melanie and Karli
© Greenpeace/Walsh
Waving goodbye
© Greenpeace/Walsh
Left behind on shore - but joining us on whales.greenpeace.org
© Greenpeace/Walsh
Comments
Dear crew of the Esperanza,
you are there in our names to remind people whales of the southern ocean in trouble and you will be in between whales and harpoons to protect them for next generations. There are still lots of things to discover about whales and oceans. Whales were there before human beings appear on earth. Now clever ??? perfect human beings the biggest threat to whales and life on earth. This time with the power of the ocean lowers from all over the world we can remind people to respect to all forms of life and our unique planet. I am proud of you and know you will do your best.
take good care of yourself, i wish you fair winds, good luck. Part of my heart will be with you....
peace & solidarity
canan
Posted by: canan at January 26, 2007 8:10 PM
Obrigado,
Que DEUS os abençoe ,proteja e guie.
Muita sorte nesta nova missão,porque o povo do nosso planeta esta precisando.
Acompanherei cada dia de vocês.
Juliana Brasileira
Posted by: Juliana at January 27, 2007 4:02 PM
Keep up the good work guys!! We need more crews like you guys to go out there and stop those irresponsible and greedy humans from destroying the ocean and everything in it. Even if we are not onboard with you guys, you will always have us in spirit all the way!!Take care and stop those whalers!! THANK YOU!!
Posted by: DanLee at January 28, 2007 10:37 AM
All updates from the Southern Ocean whaling 2007 leg »
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Avast ye land lubbers! The ocean critters need your help!
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