A beautifully calm sea greeted us this morning aboard National Geographic Orion, honey-coloured popcorn-billowed clouds, peppering the horizon. Moving forward through time zones overnight and recently arrived guests from around the world combined for a large number of early risers. Before dawn, people could found sipping coffee in the observation lounge, pacing the decks in the moist air to the sights and sounds of the sea, and even a pre-dawn workout in our gym-with-a–view for some focused souls, doing their best to balance great food with staying in shape. We carried memories with us from exotic Zanzibar as we travelled, stories of slave trading, Arab merchants, sights of beautifully dressed African women, experiences of red colobus monkeys, welcome tastes of cinnamon and cloves, and the sweet scents of jasmine and ylang ylang, as we steamed east towards the Seychelles.
Our wellness specialist Kim welcomed us for early morning stretches on the open deck to greet the new day and wake the body and soul in a most relaxed way. Freshly brewed coffee, colourful fruits and hot breakfast drew a pilgrimage of people from all corners of the ship to socialize and indulge in the Outdoor Café under umbrellas enjoying a cool breeze.
Our expedition photography skills were enhanced this morning as our day’s programme of presentations opened up with David & Bob’s introduction to teach us some of the tricks of the trade that would help us to get the most from the many photographic opportunities ahead, drawing a grateful crowd to the lounge. Tom chimed in with an excellent presentation showcasing an overview of the Seychelles, ‘Paradise on Earth,’ all of us eager to learn more of the places we would visit and creatures we might see, whetting our appetite for the islands awaiting us over the coming days.
After a scrumptious lunch overlooking the gorgeous blue of the open Indian Ocean, we smuggled indoors for an important Zodiac and snorkel briefing, then took some time to fit flippers and masks for our use for the expedition’s duration. No sooner had the word “flipper” been spoken, then a pod of spinner dolphins leapt from the surface on cue, spinning on their axis in flight, several times in what appeared total delight of being able to do so.
Following afternoon tea, some chose siestas, reading on sun deck, soaking in the spa as ways of enjoying the wonderfully calm sea conditions that swept us along. Flying fish burst from beneath the waves, alerted by our movement through the water, much to the delight of red-footed boobies, appearing on the wing to take the chance for their own version of afternoon tea.
Bob Krist shared more of his invaluable tips and techniques, particularly focused on photographing people. Again Bob got a big crowd of those interested in gleaning more valuable knowledge from an expert in his field. This flowed into an evening recap of things seen and experienced by the expedition team naturalists, and a preview of tomorrow at Assumption Island by our expedition leader Tim.
A wonderfully spoiling seafood buffet on the outside deck was the perfect way to celebrate the closing of a most relaxed and enjoyable day at sea.
