Monday, February 22, 2010

My Town Monday: Out To Sea Edition

I recently spent some time crossing the Atlantic ocean which Wikipedia describes as "the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about 106.4 million square kilometres (41.1 million square miles), it covers approximately one-fifth of the Earth's surface and about one-quarter of its water surface area. The first part of its name refers to the Atlas of Greek mythology, making the Atlantic the 'Sea of Atlas'."

After weeks, of tossing n' turning, it was most welcomed when the water became like glass.

I considered asking the captain to head for the pot of gold.

Besides the dolphins, the flying fish put on the greatest show. This poor guy leaped a little to high and landed on deck where he died. Here is a YouTube video clip of these amazing creatures.

Ah, sweet land and a winged creature saying 'hola.'

After many weeks at sea, welcoming site: land (Strait of Gibraltar). Alas, we floated on by. Put two red eyes in my hoodie flying up behind me and you have a Jawa looking over my shoulder.

A very important sign on any ship. Lackluster food is served three times a day with the highlight being ice cream on Sunday afternoons!

And miles to go before I sleep / And miles to go before I sleep.

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36 comments:

Evan Lewis said...

This sounds a lot more fun than being tortured in a pint-sized airline seat. Just how many weeks did it take to cross?

David Cranmer said...

A few weeks with stops.

And you're right about flying. I just did two hours in coach and it was h e double hockey sticks!

Anonymous said...

Fish flying for such distances is amazing to see.

Richard Prosch said...

How cool. Wondering if you saw or experienced any big storms?

Chris said...

That's awesome. It's something I'd like to do, even though the ocean kind of freaks me out.

Naomi Johnson said...

You've just done something I've dreamed about for years. I am so envious. How did you make this happen?

David Cranmer said...

Anonymous, I’ve told people about the flying fish I had seen and even in 2010, some thought I was joking.

Richard, Smooth sailing for the most part. The worst of the high waves originated in a storm many miles away.

Chris, Little d told me: "You know there are a lot of big, big fish under you" and that unsettled me nicely.

Naomi, It’s part of the day job but I’m looking to do it again as relaxation. I think one of our NoirCons or upcoming Boucherons should be held on a cruise.

dMix said...

My international man of adventure, it is good to have you back!

Leah J. Utas said...

Love the flying fish. The crossing itself sounded interesting. Too bad about the food.

Oscar Case said...

It looks like a small freighter. I've heard that's a good way to see the ocean, just a few passengers. Nice post.

David Cranmer said...

dMix, Seeing you at the airport was the greatest. Volim te.

Leah, The flying fish are nothing short of extraordinary. And I have footage of dolphins but I'll be darned if I can figure out how topost it.

Oscar, It was a very enjoyable experience but like anything else there were downsides, like the before mentioned food which was really, really awful.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Nice pics, David. I know I would be seasick for the entire trip. Sometime even a swimming pool is too much.

David Cranmer said...

I had some of those little circulars patches stuck behind my ear working miracles. I still felt off but never came close to losing it.

Don said...

Papa would get a jolt out of some of your adventures.

Kathy Holmes said...

Love the sea!!! Would love to live full-time on the water - like "ResidenSea." Thanks for giving us something different - way cool!

Reb said...

Very cool about the flying fish David. I think the Jawa must have had sunglasses on too :)

Rinkly Rimes said...

The ghostly creature looking over your left shoulder must have been great company!

David Cranmer said...

Don, I'm not sure I equal hanging out with Fidel and Ava but thanks anyway.

Kathy, I'm glad you liked the post. I wasn't sure a My Town Monday made any sense without a town.

Reb, I should have photoshopped some eyes in there.

Rinkly, Actually, I didn't realize he was there until later and was annoyed the pic was ruined. Silly for sure. Hey, thanks for stopping by and I will check out your blog soon.

Hilary Davidson said...

Loved hearing about your amazing adventure, David, and loved the photos, too. Haven't been to Bouchercon or NoirCon yet (hoping to attend both this fall), but think a conference at sea is a fine idea.

The romantic query letter and the happy-ever-after said...

When I was in my 20's I dated a boat/yacht guy who was always dragging me out to Humber Bay to get the bleeding thing seasoned for one weather or another. I tell you it is just silly to have a racing yacht in Canada.
Warm regards,
Simone

Kieran Shea said...

Life in the vast lane.

Dave King said...

Well done, that man! It was on e of my childhood dreams to do that - one I never did realise. Ah, well... I did recently take a cruise and we were hit by a force 9 - and a freak wave. But that was luxury. Yours puts it in the shade, but gives me some small glimmer of what you did.

Anonymous said...

Dave, were you riding a freighter over?

David Cranmer said...

Hilary, Kieran is telling me I need to be at the NoirCon but I somehow always seem to be on the other side of the country or pond when it is happening. Maybe this year. I’m hoping.

Simone, Lots and lots of upkeep. My charmer and I considered living on a houseboat until we saw the mount of work and dinero that goes into it.

Kieran, For sure. You really get a sense ofhow insignificant you are out there.

Dave, And I have always wanted to take a Carnival style cruise and that hasn’t happened yet. Just never seem to have the time.

eviljwinter, Yup, it’s sole purpose is cargo. No luxury liner this.

sertech said...

I've heard of flying fish but that is the first video I've seen. They're something else.

David Barber said...

David, that is a spooky picture of your 'hoody' flying up. That was some trip you had. I've actually had flying fish in Barbados (Or that's what they said it was on the menu) Not much meat on the wings. :-)

Barbara Martin said...

I'm not much for sailing as I tend to go 'green' and would rather fly over the pond.

David Cranmer said...

sertech, They certainly are but I wish I could show the dolphins. At one point, twelve of them were leading the ship for several miles. (But why, I wonder?)

David, You should have been there. We could have caught a few and cooked them right there on deck.

Barbara, Those doctor prescribed patches really do the trick. But I hear you. Flying is a love of mine also and still the fastest, safest way.

Chris said...

Absolutely fascinating. Sounds like one hell of an experience. (And bonus Jawa joke to boot!)

Travis Erwin said...

Can't think of flying fish without thinking of Hemingway.

Sarah Laurence said...

I loved seeing all these photos on your blog for a change. Strong composition in that first image, and I always enjoy a double rainbow. The mist does look golden. Flying fish are amazing – poor guy. Funny sign! Love the Frost quotation too.

David Cranmer said...

Chris, It was very cool and several short stories came out of the experience.

Travis, And that reminds me that the Patrick Hemingway post over a year ago was when I first dropped by One Word, One Rung, One Day.

Sarah, Glad you like the pics. There's just so many picturesque moments at sea, that I could fill a dozen more posts.

Alyssa Goodnight said...

I envy you...and I don't. Probably best that I just live vicariously through the pictures. Watch out for Jawas!

David Cranmer said...

Vicariously living can be a lot of fun also. :)

Gary Dobbs/Jack Martin said...

Amazing fish - great post

David Cranmer said...

Thanks Gary.