Isha - Cook | Home | Rick - Boat Mechanic/Driver

I have been working on Greenpeace ships for about six or seven years. It all started when I spent six months working in a ship yard on the conversion of the Esperanza. The first time I ever went to sea was on her maiden voyage, sea trials in fact. It was in the North Sea, and there was a storm. I was sick as a dog. Since then I have managed to find some sea legs, which came in handy on last years trip down south, when we went though some pretty horrific, yet awesome seas. The Southern Ocean is an incredible place to go, nature in its least diluted form. Violent and without mercy, yet full of life and beauty. Its also a fair price to pay to lay eyes on the wonder of Antarctica.

A lot of my childhood inspiration for ecology came from early campaigns against whaling. Its such an emotive issue after all. But it does seem strange, and very sad, that at the age of 30 I have to journey so far to try and protect creatures and areas that my parents generation were already trying to save right back in the day. I hope my kids don t have the same situation with climate change, although i can't say I'm too optimistic.

On board I work in the engine room and like to give a hand fixing up the inflatables. I have great colleagues, all of us from different countries and cultures. This is the only job i ever had that made me want to get out of bed in the morning, (although I don t see why it has to be quite so early!). No two days are ever the same down below, always something to fix or improve, or some crisis to avert in the nick of time. I also get out and about in the boats when the need arises, and know my way around deck because I used to sail as a deckhand.

Going to sea is an amazing experience, one that changes your perspective on life and the earth. Its completely addictive, and yet so hard to verbalize to those who haven't had the opportunity. I just wish that we were here to document amazing advances in marine conservation, rather than having to fight for the very concept. - Luke

Hi there ship-mate!
I am not there in body this time, but you know I know what it is like, and I am thinking of you and wishing you a safe and effective trip.
Good luck with all,
John (about to camp in the Hebrides for a week) x

hi john!

pity your not here again this year buddy, we still need the japanese lessons, and someone to keep Hans in check!
the weather hasnt been too bad on the way down this time, thankfully.
you ok? still at keele?
im eng4 if you want to drop an email.
take care, luke

Hey Luke!

You're looking very Spanish lately. Good to see you're on board. I was just having lunch with someone here at GPI and she has just come back from where you live outside Barcelona! Small world eh?

Give the Espy a kiss from me! The Sunrise has been here in Amsterdam for while with Wally, Chris, Bob and Robin on board. I had lunch with Tom from Belgium yesterday.

Good luck out there and stay safe!

Lisa