Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Monster waves and Megamouths.........


Another shot of the ceiling design of the Maritime Museum in Fremantle, this time from the upper viewing level showing the tips of the sails rising to reach their counterpart above. Like the Australia ll, the adventures of Jon Sanders aboard the Parry Endeavour are probably the better known of the exhibits here in the museum. Setting off in 1986 he was the first person to circumnavigate the world three times in just under 2 years, not stepping on dry land for 658 days. Wonder how long it took him to get his 'land legs' back in working order after that :)
The two shots above were taken left from the above level and right from ground level, the explanation for the extreme angle is this... 'It was 3am on 20 Nov 1987, Parry Endeavour is approaching Cape Horn for the third and last time. A storm is building and Jon Sanders must go up on deck to slow the yacht down. He hoists his smallest sail, the storm jib and puts out a sea brake to control the speed of the yacht. While on the foredeck he looks aft and sees a wall of water towering behind Parry Endeavour. He clings to the mast as the freezing water smashes over him!' Dear lord please let me never see a wave like that coming at me :)
 ...and just when you think it can't get any worse, you discover there are these creatures swimming around under the sea! Never fear (?) the Megamouth shark is very rare and a vegetarian, although just the sight of it may cause an 'untoward' reaction :) From whaleboats to pearl luggers these are just a few of the many fascinating sailing vessels in the museum, it took a while but I'm well pleased that we have been in and explored this truly excellent venue. Hope your week has started well, take care...

29 comments:

  1. Beautiful shots and wow - that is a huge mouth on that shark!

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  2. You reveal a very good sea tale. I am awed by the number of days at sea.

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  3. This museum gets better with each fantastic shot! My eye went straight to that shark, wow - how aptly named and what a creature! Mother Nature never ceases to amaze (ps I enjoyed your comment re Grand Central too, haha:)

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  4. It looks to be a fascinating visit Grace. The large and evil looking fish is the very reason I only like to swim in a pool. I want to see the bottom and know what I'm sharing the water with!

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  5. LondonLulu stole my line! It does getter better and better and I'm definitely in love with the architecture!

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  6. That sailing story gave me chills. I can't even imagine such an ordeal. This museum looks gorgeous and appears to be full of thrills and chills.

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  7. The Megamouth shark sure looks frightening! Getting sea-sick just reading along, Grace! ;-)

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  8. I wouldn't do that trip for anything! And I know you wouldn't either, Grace. ;-))

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  9. I can't tell you, Grace, how much I would love to see this exhibit. Fascinating. Well done on this super collection of photos today and yesterday.

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  10. Spectacular shots, Grace... that megamouth is something to behold!

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  11. What a relief that the Megamouth shark is a vegetarian! :))

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  12. Those are some big sails. That creature is a little scary.

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  13. I have yet to visit a good maritime museum, but Fremantle's might make a good first.

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  14. That megamouth shark is pretty scary Grace. If I bumped into that down in the deep it would not only be my snorkel that would evacuate.

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  15. I'm so disappointed that I didn't choose to see that on our last tour through Freemantle. Next time.

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  16. Wow..what an incredible place! The colors and display are just spectacular! Beautiful photos!

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  17. What a stunning place- lovely and informative post Grace! One day I will get to Perth and see all these wonders you share with us ;-)

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  18. Very nice museum with interesting items as the ugly shark.

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  19. Your posts today tell of nothing less than a 'horror story'. Walls of water are never very good... on the ocean, in my cellar. Both scary!

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  20. What an absolutely stunning building. Your posts are so informative as well. Thank you.

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  21. Fantastic! The more I see the more I would like to visit the place. Great shots, Grace.

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  22. Looks like a really cool museum!!! Love the design of the building!!!

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  23. Great achievement by Jon. Nice photos by you.

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  24. Wonderful pictures of this modern and special museum!
    hugs
    Léia

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  25. So long away and so many beautiful pix to catch up on....particularly like the colourful maritime museum shots Grace....nice to be back!

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  26. these are so bright/cheery... i am enamored of the color orange this summer

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