Our first full day aboard National Geographic Orion was spent voyaging east through the Lesser Sunda Islands, headed for Komodo Island. It was a day for getting acquainted – or re-acquainted – with our wonderful ship in between a full schedule of briefings and presentations. Photo Instructor Tanish Peelgrane revealed the full potential of our cellphones with her talk, “Smartphone Photography”. Naturalist Ron Liedich gave a whirlwind introduction to the biology, biogeography, paleontology, and anthropology of the Wallacea region of Indonesia. Cultural Specialist Julia Esteve capped off the presentations with, “Indonesian Music and Dance.” Meanwhile, a group of brown boobies followed the ship and put on an entertaining show of their own, pursuing the flying fish disturbed by the ship’s passage. The captain’s welcome cocktail party capped the end of a relaxing and educational day at sea.
7/4/2024
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National Geographic Orion
Satonda
This morning, we woke to high winds and a considerable swell from the south. As ever, Expedition Leader Lucho ventured to find us more sheltered water. We settled on the northern side of Satonda Island, a large crater island with a fully enclosed saltwater lake. After a successful scouting trip, we lowered the Zodiacs for a snorkelling session on the shallow reef that fringes the coastline. Those in the water were treated to sights of anemone fish, moray eels, and large schools of varying reef fish. Once snorkelling was complete, we ventured out to the island of Sumbawa for a cultural visit. Here we got to witness the fantastic dance and musical talents of the local community. We also watched a local custom which involves children attempting to climb a greased pole to reach the prizes suspended at the top. It was another great day aboard National Geographic Orion .
