Sailing

We have now packed up, said our goodbyes, left Benin, and are sailing to the Canary Islands for some down time and preparation for another field service in West Africa to begin in February. The sail so far has been nice and smooth, but there are still some who feel a bit rough. It's a bit hard for me too to look at the computer for very long without needing to go out on deck and get some fresh air. Yesterday was pretty eventful, especially in the evening when we saw a water spout pass by us on our port (left) side at not more than about 200 yards away. I was able to see it change shape and size over time as it stirred up the water beneath it. It was an incredible sight. It lasted for probably ten minutes at various intensities. We are also seeing quite a few flying fish flying away from the ship as it passes through the water. They must think we are an awefully big whale and want to escape as quickly as possible. They sometimes are hard to distinguish from birds flying continuously just above the surface of the water. They often fly 100 yards or more before they disappear back below the surface of the ocean. Yesterday evening there were Christmas plays and stories told all over the ship in 20 minute intervals by different individuals and groups. Since we don't have cold weather to remind us that it's the holiday season like we're used to, its nice to have some Christmas spirit on board.

John