Follow the crew of the Arctic Sunrise on their campaign for Marine Reserves in our North Sea Tour blog
Although my day begins at 3.45am, I wake the rest of the crew at 7.30, for them to begin work at 8. There are varying responses to my knock on the cabin door, followed by a, "Good morning, it's 7.30." Some grunt, others half-heartedly wave an arm and one very lively soul politely says, "Thank you Portia."
My mornings had been fairly predictable until Thursday arrived. As I strode towards the cabin inhabited by Jari and Christien, videographer and photographer, they slammed their door shut. My suspicions were aroused and rightly so since, as I opened their door, two Swedes (people, not vegetables) assaulted me. They aimed their mobile phones at me which were emitting a machine gun sound, 'ra-ta-tat'. I tried to protect myself from the onslaught, but it was too late, I'd been ambushed! I am already plotting my revenge for Monday's wake up call and am putting together a costume for the battle.
After a busy day on Wednesday, Sten, a Swedish volunteer, produced some Scottish ceilidh music and six of us (an Italian, Brazilian, Panamanian, German, Swede and Brit) set about learning Strip the Willow and The Dashing White Sergeant in preparation for our encounter with Scottish fishermen. I doubt they will be impressed by our nimble and graceful steps, but the six of us along with other spectators were extremely entertained by an hour of enthusiastically dosey-doeing our partners and skipping from side to side!
We are back sailing British waters. It is Saturday and there are few fishing boats to be found, since a storm is brewing. The Arctic Sunrise is on her way to seek shelter amongst the Shetland Islands.
