After a day of running around Killybegs getting our final medical certificates needed to go on the voyage, we were back on the ship and ready to set sail for the Norwegian Sea.  Before setting sail, we took the tender, the Tom Crean, out for spin to get some shots of the ship from the water.  It was a lovely day (I could have stayed out all day), but we ventured around the harbor, checked out a few things, and then were hoisted back into position on the ship. 

 

 

The RV Celtic Explorer

The ship from the Tom Crean. (Thanks Pat for the lift)

A scenic area in Killybegs

 

We pulled away from the dock just after 1500 hours (3pm) with calm seas, light wind, and sunshine.  As always, I was up on the bow as we steamed out of the harbor, past the lighthouse and along the Irish coastline.  It was a beautiful voyage for the next few hours as we passed by sea cliffs and hidden beaches. 

 

Leaving Killybegs

 

The lighthouse on the way out of Killybegs

 

The Cliffs of Slieve League (Sliabh Liag)

Now it is a three-day steam until we reach our first sampling area.  Plenty of time to get acquainted with everyone and the ship…