Page 108 - 2003 - Atlantic Islands

They did a couple of little running steps and then took off into the air. We also saw

several Southern Giant Petrels, Skuas, Sooty Albatross, and Common Diving Petrels.

Though it continued to rain on our heads, we were out on the deck with Roger,

Meryl, Marco, and Patricia trying to identify the many birds enjoying the updrafts

created by the ship so that they could soar and dip and hover without any energy

cost, according to Marco.

At dinner tonight we ate only the appetizer and soup so that we were not at the meal

for 2 ½ hours. We ate with Roger and Meryl since that’s all they wanted as well.

Others are getting tired of the huge suppers that take so long to be served and

consumed. It is not through lack of efficiency on the galley’s part, but simply that so

many people have to be fed 4 complete courses and it just takes time to get it all

done and eaten.

FOUR DAYS AT SEA

Day 1 (S 40 25 & W16 17) Beaufort 5-6, sea state 5, 59F air, 55F sea

Sea day today with a light chop but not enough to upset anyone. They are warning us

that this afternoon and tomorrow will be the worst days of the crossing. We decided

just to take the day to ourselves, except that we would do our penguin studies for

sketch class.

Stretch class was more fun than usual because it was interrupted every few minutes

by a marvelous wandering albatross who played with us. She would swoop out from

the rear of the ship and then just hang over our little class as though amused by the

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