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.

The Endeavour waiting for her crew

A Whale Shark by the road

Well I have arrived in Exmouth to join the Endeavour on the sail down to Geraldton.This is a bit under 1000 km and will take about 10 days. In Exmouth I am staying at the Ningaloo Lodge. Exmouth is the base for the Ningaloo Reef  fanatics and the spot you can go  diving and swimming  along with the Whale Shark amongst others such as Manta Rays and Hump Back whales and the like. Crystal blue seas and clear skies. Spent the afternoon at the Exmouth Game Fishing Club overlooking the Exmouth Gulf with the Endeavour laying offshore. HMAS Wollongong is also here and a few of the crew are also at the Club, interesting characters about 10 blokes and one lady. Look a lot like the crew from that TV show Patrol Boat. Looking out across the Exmouth Gulf you are actually looking east with the sun setting behind you, seems odd over here  in the west! Will try to post daily blogs but may not be able to because of internet availabilty, you can also follow the ships blog but using the link on the side here in the blog role.