MV Greenpeace / PC 8023
Noon Pos: 1 08'N 139 02'E
May 31, 1996
Day 15
On this morning’s watch, our course took us past the Schouten
Islands, strange names like Blupblup Is., Motmot islet and Bam
Is., appropriatly named as it is an active volcano that last
errupted in 1956.
Also we had to be extra alert for floating logs, that I presumed
flow down the Sepik river into the sea.
On the chart the river looks like a worm that is wriggling its'
way over the land. It is the largest river on the northern coast
of PNG. Seven hundred miles long from the mouth to its' source
and up to depths of 60 ft.
Later in the morning when I'd woken again, I was at the computer
when Shaun came in from the deck and said to take a look outside.
It was pouring with rain, waterfalls cascading from the deck
above, the sea a pale stormy blue colour, but so smooth that as
the raindrops landed you could see them bounce. Shauns'
description that it looked like crushed velvet, described it
well.
All in all it was a pretty wet day so could get no painting done.
But there is always something to do. The M.V. is a beautiful old
ship, built in 1959. It is constant work to keep any ship running
and maintained and also it is our lifeline on this `world' of
water. The ship relies on us, as we do on her.
On the 8-12 this morning there were many tuna fishing boats in
the vicinity. They attach radio signal beacons to floating logs
or rafts. the fish gather around these for shade and then the
food chain cycle begins. Soon large schools of tuna have
gathered, around which the fishing boats set their nets.
Bob, our 2nd engineer was the chef today. A good traditional
english meal of chops, mashed potatoe, peas, carrots and gravy.
The galley had a peaceful air about it as he cooked to `the
Dublins' , ballads that he sings and plays just as beautifully
himself,when he picks up a guitar.
Jeannette and I are the only women on board at the moment and are
very impressed with this crew of competent, male cooks. Which
proves the myth that `women are genectically superior' in the
kitchen, a total fallacy.
I think the most happy person yesterday was Ken,on finding a 3kg tin
of baked beans. He seems to have some weird addiction to them
which he prefers to call a predilection. Never before have I
heard someone speak so fervently on the virtues of baked beans
and their goodness per spoonful. If all scientist had spoken as
passionatly against nuclear testing, I'm sure it would never of
begun.
Tanya Popp
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