We sail tomorrow. Went aboard this morning at about 9.30am. Have spent today going through all the various duties on board; including handling ropes, climbing afloat,watches and manning the helm. Yes they entrust the helm to each of us for about an hour each day during our watch.I am in Solander’s cabin which he shared with another. Could not possibly have been at the same time. Solander was one of the artists who drew the botany and animals discovered on the voyage. He died on the way back to England from dysentery in Batavia (now Jakarta). I have decided not to go aloft at this stage as there is a fair bit of climbing where you take big steps sideways and the need at times to squat as you move which is not very comfortable for the knee! I will have a go towards the end of the trip. Have seen lots of whales during the day, some breaching and others just cruising past. apparently, we will see plenty of them on the way south.

We go out of internet range so this will be my last blog until Geraldton in about 10 days. You can follow along on the ship’s blog which works via satellite. See blog roll below for link.