Friday – Sea Day – first sightings
I still haven’t got used to not having a class in the morning, and having the whole morning to myself. After a leisurely breakfast, we took a short walk around the deck and headed into Scotts Bar to listen to Doreen, the Storyteller, who we enjoyed so much the last sea day.
After Doreen, we went outside again, watching the sea go by and catching a vegetable carving demonstration on the aft deck. We stood for quite a long time at the front of the ship, watching the waves; we’ve heard that Killer Whales are a regular inhabitant of these seas. Apparently, someone did see a couple of whales later on, but it wasn’t going to happen for us.
I had a hurried lunch before headed for the Conference Room for my next two classes. Today’s lesson was a tonal study of Brikstal Glacier.
This evening, there have been two ‘Bing-Bongs’. By the time everyone has scratted around getting togged up (cos there’s a blisteringly cold wind out there…), they’ve faded… This time, however, they were described as a Force 2/3, so; that’s progress of a sorts (I’ve still to see anything…).
Update…..
Whilst sitting in the Captain’s Club, between shows (updating the blog), the call came again. This time, we were prepared (coat-wise), and joined the hordes out upon deck. I’m pleased to say… finally… we’ve seen The Northern Lights! The colours weren’t coming through strongly, yet, but stretched out, right across the front of the ship, as we head North, towards the Artic Circle (which we’re due to cross in the next hour), the aurora was unmistakable. In the short time we spent out there (short because it’s excruciatingly cold and windy on deck), the lights changed; brightening as spectres, then waning slowly. The vertical lights were clearly visible, and one of them appeared almost directly above us… stunning!
