Happy World Oceans Day! Today we celebrate the ocean, and all it does for us. Oceans cover 71% of our planet. They were the birthplace of life. They determine our weather and climate. They feed billions of people. Their chemical composition nearly mirrors that of our blood.Arriving at Baltra, a volcanic cone is visible in … Continue reading World Oceans Day
Tag: Nautilus Live
Into the Wild
The lava pebbles crunched underneath my feet. The air was warm and redolent with the smell of mud and green plants. Birds sang among the trees, and flowers sparkled against the green grass and leaves lining the pathway.The view from the pier at Puerto Ayora.We had caught a cab from Puerto Ayora and taken it … Continue reading Into the Wild
Tortoises, Iguanas, and Finches, Oh My!
Today we weighed anchor and made our way to Santa Cruz Island. Puerto Ayora, the town here, is much larger, and wraps glittering along the shoreline, pastel buildings poking out through green vegetation. The harbor is larger as well, with less fishing boats and more cruise ships and fair-sized yachts bobbing at anchor in the … Continue reading Tortoises, Iguanas, and Finches, Oh My!
Land Ho!
Today started and ended magically. Today was the day we finally arrived at the Galápagos.Just after breakfast it appeared through the clouds in the distance: San Cristóbal Island! This is the first island of the archipelago that Darwin stepped foot on in 1835. It is comprised of several extinct volcanoes linked together, and is a jumble … Continue reading Land Ho!
A Day of Firsts
This morning I had my first live interactions. The very first one was with my daughter’s kindergarten class. What a delightful way to start the day!Practicing our Socktopus banter.They had some awesome questions, and I got to talk with both of my kids. (By the way, for those of you who asked how long it … Continue reading A Day of Firsts
Seasick
Another long day spent in transit. Today, the sea was not as calm as yesterday, and the choppy water has sent confusing messages to my inner ear, resulting in bouts of seasickness. Unfortunately, I lost my breakfast shortly after consuming it. Fortunately, I made it to the bathroom in time.The choppiness of the water did … Continue reading Seasick
To the Galapagos: the day in photos
It is very late here right now, and I've been busy working on my next article for the Ventura County Star series. So today's blog post is mostly visual. Enjoy!The first dolphins I've seen so far!The rack room is crammed with all kinds of equipment.This is during training for the multibeam sonar.Red and yellow is … Continue reading To the Galapagos: the day in photos
Getting Underway
The engine started with a tremendous roar and a thrum.The following is part of a multi-part series . Melissa Baffa, Vice President of Program and Volunteer Services for GSCCC, is part of the Corps of Exploration this year on the adventure of a lifetime. This blog series will chronicle her dive into the Unknown. ¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸> … Continue reading Getting Underway
Sometimes Even the Best-Laid Plans Go Awry
The plan for today was simple: refuel and take on fresh water, offload the garbage, and move out for a hull cleaning at anchor. The following is part of a multi-part series. Melissa Baffa, Vice President of Program and Volunteer Services for GSCCC, is part of the Corps of Exploration this year on the adventure … Continue reading Sometimes Even the Best-Laid Plans Go Awry
Panama
My heart leapt into my throat as I caught my first glimpse of the ship.The following is part of a multi-part series to run over the next few months. Melissa Baffa, Vice President of Program and Volunteer Services for GSCCC, will be joining the Corps of Exploration this year on the adventure of a lifetime. … Continue reading Panama
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