By Ally Nobels – Guest Crew Hello from off the Northern Coast of the Dominican Republic! We are now half way to our final destination of Key West, Florida from the mesmerizing St Lucia. We’ve got a sturdy crew of eight, four men and four women, led by the latter! […]
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Writing at Sea – Days 1 & 2: Bahamas and Nonsense
What does one write about when there’s only sea and sky?
Strokes and dots of whites and greys to distinguish the horizon. Miniature crests peak and disappear just as the fleeting flying fish do, while we quietly invade their infinite schools below the surface, gliding along above and through.
Thoughts on tourism by Captain Eric Loss
I’ve enjoyed our visit to the Dominican Republic, but there is a definite feeling that tourism is an industrial thing here – that as foreigners we should be staying in an all inclusive resort, wearing a wristband, feeding at the buffet trough and going on package tours. Outside of the tourist enclaves the country is vibrant, dirty, beautiful, full of energy, but it seems like most visitors are content to stay in the cocoons designed for them by the tourism industry. I’ll be glad to get back to sea again this weekend.
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Even the mundane is touched by the whales: Reflections by Captain Eric Loss
Even the mundane is touched by the whales – yesterday while cleaning the bilges Shanley was surprised to hear them singing to her, the noise resonating through Sea Dragon’s steel skin. This is truly one of the most spectacular places I have ever been.
Read MoreHumpback whales: Silver Banks, Dominican Republic
We’ve successfully made it out onto the silver banks, navigating a minefield of coral heads with a lookout up the mast, snorkelled with whales while trying to find a place to anchor, had what appeared to be a mild whale-fight happen just feet in front of the boat, then got the film crew in the water filming an 2-3 day old newborn humpback and its mother…
Read MoreExploration Science: Leaving the mothership
We would like to thank Megan, Shanley, Keene Haywood, and E-money for never giving up on us, teaching us the ways of the big blue, and opening our eyes to the magical world of exploration of land, sea, and caves.
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Exploration Science: A captain’s reflections on adventure
I wonder how to recapture a bit of the rush that Julia felt when a particularly big wave loomed overhead then harmlessly passed away – instead of chortling with joy, I merely shield my face in case a bit of spray comes aboard.
Sometimes, though, excitement comes to you.
Read MoreExploration Science: Marine Protected Area at La Caleta, Dominican Republic
Today was a first for the Marine Protected Area (MPA) here in La Caleta. We met with Dr. Rubin Torres again and conducted the first plankton tow in the park. A plankton tow consists of towing a cone-shaped mesh net alongside the boat. The mesh net is really fine, so that the plankton can be trapped and funneled into a plastic bottle.
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