This morning at 07:00 hours, I got to the dock just in time to see the JR throwing off its lines and pulling away from its giant parking spot at Berth 4 of the Townsville Port. Standing with several other non-sailing folks on the dock, we waved good-bye to our ship as she pulled away – with the help of a tugboat and a pilot on board to help her navigate into open water.

Everything and everyone was on board that will be needed for her two month expedition to the Canterbury Basin. Port calls are frantic and busy and exciting and then, poof – it’s over and she sails away. And everything is quiet at the port she left behind. But it won’t be for long. And I know it’s not quiet on board the ship. We are all looking forward to the JR’s upcoming adventures!