Life at Sea

Life at Sea;
This morning there is no doubt that we have left the Caribbean Sea behind as the color of the ocean waters is now a deep sort of Prussian navy blue. In class this morning we received a lot of information about the formation of the Amazon River Basin from the resident geologist. Last night again found us on a very choppy sea. He jokingly asked if we all experienced the “Ship Tectonics”. A geologists joke I guess. Anyway we are told now that the winter seas are always more “choppy” with lots of wind. Now they tell us! Tomorrow we cross the equator and it will be summer. Yeah, we shall see. Today is lovely though and we are thankful for the wind. Sitting in the sun is just a 1 hour activity unless you have leather skin and do not burn. Not only is the sunshine hot but very strong and clear, sunglasses are a must. I guess it is the same feature of no pollution in the atmosphere.

We are told when we are about 150 miles away tomorrow we will see the color of the Atlantic being changed by the Amazon. Instead of that deep Prussian jewel blue that we've been seeing we will see some green and muddy gold. The flow from the Amazon has so much volume that the fresh water from the mouth, in one day, would provide enough fresh water for New York City for 9 years. Think about that. The salt in the ocean is reduced up to 150 miles just from the fresh water from the river. It is mind-boggling. Here is another thing for thought: We are taking an ocean ship up a river. Well, ok, ocean tankers go up the Mississippi, but as Jack reminds me just past New Orleans not 900 miles. Yes, we will be traveling about 900 miles “up” the River, which runs west to east. So 900 miles up the old “Miss” we have Minnesota and the last 200 miles would have to be by canoe. YIKES!!!
We are anxious to get there not just for smooth water but just to fulfill one of our goals, on what Jack calls our "Bucket List", to see the Amazon and the Rain Forest. I cannot believe Christmas is just 2 days away.
No new photos today on webshots.