6 March 2007
Last birthday of the trip!
Posted by Dave, on the Esperanza
Viktor's birthday cake
© Greenpeace/Beltra
Hello from the Tasman Sea. As predicted - we're now out of the roaring forties, and into warm, easier seas. It's actually hot on the Esperanza today - for the first time since we left Auckland in January, people have been actually commenting on the heat (but not complaining!). The sun was shining today, and the rough seas are disappearing - no more thunderous banging of the anchor as the ship pitches. After the hatches being battened down for the last week, it seemed odd to be free to stroll down to the heli-hanger without worrying about the cold, or the sea conditions.
All around the Esperanza, royal albatross and other small birds are keeping vigil, skimming the waves, still failing to believe that we're not a fishing boat. Late this afternoon, we had a brief visit from a small pod of common dolphins, who played awhile in the bow wave.
Today was Viktor's 50th birthday - how does that man manage to look so youthful? It's the last birthday of the trip - and between the cooks and Slava, there was an incredibly rich chocolate cake manufactured, along with a little metal man sitting on a torpedoe - Viktor used to work on Russian submarines!
- Dave
Comments
Hi Dave, ...and all, ...and HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIKTOR!!! Must feel great, breaking out the t-shirts. I've got 0°f here this morning with the wind howling. But if some of you are already feeling nostalgic for the polar regions, ...just a few hours drive from here to the summit of Mt Washington, New Hampshire, ...the weather station there at the moment is reporting minus 34°f with a wind speed of 86 mph, ...gusting to 102 - http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/conditions.php
...About the colossal squid, and the bump in the night, ...the answer is obvious. The squid did in fact attack, and had wrapped his tentacles completely around the Esperanza, ...intending to consume everyone inside. When he broke through the glass with his beak, ...he saw you Sara. Struck with awe, after seeing your exquisite charm and beauty, ...he fainted and fell back down to the bottom of the ocean, ...never to be seen again. I don't see any other explanation.
...Anyway, the real reason I'm blogging in here is to try and offer my appreciation as best I can, in the way of a tribute I've made up for you all, and have on my website. As always, I trusted to my heart to where the pieces (photos), seemed to fit. I thought the pieces fit well, ...especially for you Dave, Captain Frank, ...etc, ...and certainly for you Karli. I wanted to put you there standing in the Light, ...because I can clearly see that is where you are, ...and I know it is where you are meant to be. Thank you all for being the Light of the world, ...may you always feel these things inside you, ...and hoping you enjoy this song and page that is meant for you - http://www.gratefulchild.org/projects/gcweb/gc/html/onward/ ...GC
p.s. I know I probably left someone out. I only had the crewblog photos to work with. I can always add someone in if I can get access to a photo. ...I should probably tell you, that on my site last month, I had 110 visiting countries. Thank you for being the perfect example of what this world needs to see
Posted by: Grateful Child at March 6, 2007 3:18 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIKTOR!!! Big fat hugs to you. I agree with Dave, you could pass for 49 ;)
Posted by: Irene B at March 6, 2007 6:55 PM
I can't believe it's nearly over :(
Oh well. Happy Birthday Victor
Posted by: Josh Smith at March 6, 2007 9:15 PM
I saw your page, Grateful Child, and I must say AWESOME JOB! A fantastic tribute to the crew indeed, with moving music inset... that had to involve some work!
Yes, Happy Birthday to Victor, I hope all the wonderful crew was in a celebratory mood as Sydney approaches.
Posted by: Eric at March 6, 2007 11:31 PM
Looks like a VERY yummy cake! Enjoy the celebration and the sunny weather! :-)
Posted by: Autumn at March 7, 2007 2:47 AM
Hi Eric, ...and thanks, ...but you know, ...it's 70° in here and the floor is not moving. It was shear pleasure ...and by chance, privilage for me to be able to do this. ...And of course the page is meant for all you too that blog in here to support our real life heroes. Without you, ...there would be no hope at all
Posted by: Grateful Child at March 7, 2007 2:09 PM
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