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Your search: "author:"Witte, John S""
Peer-reviewed only (27)
UCSF (22)
Medicine and Health Sciences (1)
Scholarly Works (27 results)
Integrating Genetics Into Population-Based Studies
Tai, Caroline
UC San Francisco Electronic Theses and Dissertations (2018)
As genotyping has become more affordable, there has been a growing effort to leverage genetic data to improve our understanding of the determinants of disease at the population level. New challenges arise with more widespread use of genetic data in epidemiological studies, from developing statistical methods and study designs that leverage genetic data to answering new bioethical questions around sharing research data with genetic information. This dissertation was comprised of three projects that showcase important topics for epidemiologists to consider when using genetic data. These include developing genetic risk scores, determining the analysis method most suitable for the available data; and understanding the ethical, legal and social implications of widely sharing biobank data, particularly genetic data. The first chapter explores differential genetic susceptibility between aggressive and non-aggressive prostate cancer and whether these differences can be used to develop a polygenic risk score for disease aggressiveness. This study was conducted in a Kaiser Permanente patient population electronic medical record and genotype data. Results from this analysis identified a subset of the known prostate cancer variants that are able to differentiate between aggressive and non-aggressive disease. The second chapter contrasts different gene-environment interaction parameters from various study designs using birth defects as the case example. This review aimed to clarify the options for conducting gene-environment interaction studies in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. Lastly, the third chapter utilizes qualitative methods to explore the perceived harms and benefits of sharing biobank data, which includes genetic information, from the perspective of several stakeholder groups involved in the development of a Kaiser Permanente biobank, the Research Program on Genes, Environment, and Health. Results from this investigation revealed that although the benefits of data sharing are clear, it is paramount that biobank participants are given the opportunity to be involved in the data governance and/or access process. The lessons learned from this dissertation provide evidence that genetic data allows for exploration of inherited susceptibilities that can influence risk of disease but care must be taken to understand which groups of individuals should be compared and what questions are being answered, both scientifically and ethically.
Deciphering the genomic complexity and heritability of human diseases with genome-wide association and sequencing studies
Lindquist, Karla
In the first chapter of this dissertation, I summarize previously published findings from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 172 specific chronic human diseases. Using this data, I estimate the percentage of additional heritability that could be explained by future GWAS using microarrays with improved coverage of germline single nucleotide polymorphisms versus larger sample sizes (more individuals genotyped). In the second chapter, I describe a method for identifying and visualizing genetic pathways that have a significant number of small somatic mutations in human tumor genomes. This method uses random forests to identify the significant pathways and interactions between them, and hive plots to visualize these results. In the third chapter, I describe the results of my analysis of whole genome sequence data from 24 patients with aggressive prostate cancer. I apply the pathway analysis method described above to the small somatic mutations, and look for patterns of copy number aberrations, structural rearrangements, and differential methylation in these tumor genomes compared to patient-matched normal genomes.
Characterizing the Utility of Cell-free DNA in Prostate Cancer
Chen, Emmalyn
Motivation: Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed neoplasm in American men, with existing biomarkers (i.e. PSA, nomograms, MRI) having varying levels of sensitivity and specificity in identifying more advanced and potentially aggressive disease. Tumor tissue biopsies remain the gold standard for confirming the presence of prostate cancer, as well as evaluating the genomic heterogeneity and clonal architecture that may be predictive of poor outcomes (i.e. recurrence and metastasis). However, tissue biopsies are limited in their ability to comprehensively assess tumors, and may lead to underestimation of disease grade and stage. These hurdles may be overcome with cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which allows for minimally invasive, repeated sampling through blood draws. This is particularly important when tumor tissue is unavailable during active surveillance or disease monitoring for the detection of residual disease or progression. Additionally, genomic interrogation via cfDNA sequencing typically requires prior knowledge of existing mutations from a patient's tumor. The work presented here leverages a number of methods to ensure broad, yet sensitive detection of cfDNA variants for patients with localized prostate cancer, including sequencing with a machine-learning guided 2.5Mb targeted panel. In this dissertation, I investigate the use of cfDNA concentration, fragment size, and sequencing to identify advanced prostate cancer, as well as detect somatic mutations present in patient-matched tumors.
Methods: The patient cohort included in these studies are composed of 268 individuals: 34 healthy individuals, 112 men with localized prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP), and 122 men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Plasma cfDNA concentration and fragment size were quantified with a Qubit fluorometer or Bioanalyzer utilizing a chip-based capillary electrophoresis method for nucleic acid analysis. Low-pass whole-genome and targeted sequencing were used to identify single nucleotide variants (SNVs), small insertions and deletions (indels), and copy number alterations (CNAs) for a subset of patients. Plasma cfDNA was barcoded with duplex Unique Molecular Identifiers (UMIs) to construct consensus reads and improve variant detection by leveraging duplicate reads and sequence complementarity of the two DNA strands. Extensive tissue sampling was used to capture tumor heterogeneity and provide a patient-specific gold standard for comparison of matched cfDNA.
Results and Conclusions: Patients with advanced mCRPC had higher cfDNA concentration than men with localized disease or healthy controls, and those with localized disease had shorter average fragment sizes than controls. Importantly, cfDNA concentration and fragment size remained independent predictors after adjusting for age and PSA. We found that targeted sequencing of cfDNA—without a priori patient-specific tumor mutation information—identified somatic alterations found in matched tumor tissue from multiple regions, potentially allowing for dynamic monitoring of emerging resistant subclones throughout the course of disease. Detection of these concordant variants was associated with seminal vesicle invasion and the number of somatic variants found in the tumor tissue samples, predicating its use for patients with poor prognostic factors in a localized setting. Similar to cfDNA concentration, plasma cfDNA mutational burden was also found to increase with disease severity. The results from our studies demonstrate the ability of cfDNA to identify somatic variants in patients with heterogeneous, localized prostate cancer.
Genetic Epidemiology of Prostate Cancer Risk
Emami, Nima Cyrus
Tremendous advances in genomic capabilities, including high-throughput genotyping technology and algorithms, have significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic etiology of complex human traits, including cancer of the prostate gland. Although over 150 genomic loci predictive of prostate cancer susceptibility have been previously reported in the scientific literature, particular questions remain outstanding in our understanding of prostate cancer genetics. These open questions include the extent to which low frequency variants not detectable by genome-wide association studies may appreciably modify risk of prostate cancer, which genes may modify risk of prostate cancer through up- or down-regulation by genetic polymorphisms including prostate cancer risk loci, and the degree to which the normal tissues collected from prostate cancer patients reflect a faithful representation of their baseline germline genetics. The latter is explored in Chapter 2 of this dissertation, using genome-wide genotypes from prostate cancer patients at the University of California, San Francisco medical center. This work reveals significant genetic heterogeneity among diverse sources of DNA deriving from a common patient, and challenges preconceived notions that seminal vesicle tissue DNA from a prostate cancer patient may serve as an accurate representation of germline genetics. In Chapter 3, many diverse biological datasets, including genotypes for over 230,000 UK Biobank and Kaiser Permanente subjects, are integrated to identify genes whose expression levels are associated with prostate cancer risk. Further explored are the mechanisms by which particular associated genes may influence prostate cancer etiology, as well as the mechanisms by which genetic variants may regulate gene expression levels for those genes associated. Finally, Chapter 4 reports the association of several novel prosate cancer risk variants, including two previously unreported rare variants in European-ancestry populations. By meta-analyzing custom microarray genotype data from Kaiser Permanente health plan members along with genetic data from the UK Biobank, this work seeks to clarify the genetic architecture of prostate cancer risk, as well as further characterize the aggregate risk of previously reported loci across multi-ethnic subjects. In conclusion, this dissertation reports novel findings pertaining to rare prostate cancer risk variants, prostatic gene expression in prostate cancer, and genetic mosaicism among urologic tissues.
Management, Integration, and Mining of Tumor Data
Cario, Clinton L
Genomics is expected to soon overtake astronomy, particle physics, and even YouTube as the biggest creator of digital information (1). Analysis of this information has already led to important and ground breaking discoveries relevant to our health, but ongoing work will require creative solutions to the multitude of challenges arising from this volume of data. Practically speaking, one such challenge comes from determining what data should be collected and how it is to be managed. As cohort sizes in population based studies grow into the hundreds of thousands, practical issues about collection, storage, and filtering have begun to come more into focus. Additionally, frameworks that seamlessly integrate disparate datasets and also allow for flexible analysis will be required. Finally, as technical challenges and limitations arise, new analytical approaches and designs will have to be considered.
This dissertation work was comprised of three projects relating to these questions as approached from the perspective of a bioinformatician. These projects describe the development of new software and methods for sample management, data integration and analysis, and design strategies to improve signal in noisy data.
The first chapter of this dissertation consists of background material relating to the projects, including a description about the state of prostate cancer genomics, the development of biomarkers for its detection, and an exploration of a promising new biomarker, cell-free DNA (cfDNA). It also includes a discussion about some of the overarching questions of my PhD.
The second chapter describes a web based sample management system, called Samasy. Born out of necessity, this tool addresses a very practical issue of sample subsetting that is often required of resequencing studies. Samasy was used to facilitate the selection of 16,600 samples from a much larger cohort of 54,000 while preserving ethnicity and age balance among cases and controls. This tool integrates with liquid handling systems and provides a visually intuitive interface for plate/sample management and batch sample transfer execution.
The third chapter details Orchid, a framework designed to make machine learning of cancer variant data easy and extendible. It does so by integrating a variety of biological annotations (or features) and simple somatic tumor data available from large repositories like the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) or the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). This tool supports an efficient data store, MemSQL, that allows for very fast retrieval and filtering, and extends the popular python pandas and scikit-learn packages to facilitate machine learning of this data.
Finally, the fourth chapter outlines the creation of a custom targeted sequencing panel for prostate cancer that was designed for screening tumor variants in cfDNA. Building upon the power of Orchid, we detail how machine learning on whole genome prostate tumor datasets can be used to rank mutations by likelihood of being found in a patient with few mutations, or in other words, involved in early state disease. This ranking was used to build a targeted sequencing panel for detection of tumor-derived cfDNA variants. This panel was then validated and applied to a cohort of nine UCSF prostate cancer patients with multiple tumor foci that were collected at time of Radical Prostatectomy (RP).
Taken together, the information described in this dissertation provides tools and methodologies for the analysis of germline and somatic variants in prostate and other cancers. It also attempts to further technological development of cfDNA as biomarker for the detection or monitoring of diseases like cancer.
Parallel biocomputing
Kompass, Kenneth S
Hoffmann, Thomas J
Witte, John S
Abstract Background With the advent of high throughput genomics and high-resolution imaging techniques, there is a growing necessity in biology and medicine for parallel computing, and with the low cost of computing, it is now cost-effective for even small labs or individuals to build their own personal computation cluster. Methods Here we briefly describe how to use commodity hardware to build a low-cost, high-performance compute cluster, and provide an in-depth example and sample code for parallel execution of R jobs using MOSIX, a mature extension of the Linux kernel for parallel computing. A similar process can be used with other cluster platform software. Results As a statistical genetics example, we use our cluster to run a simulated eQTL experiment. Because eQTL is computationally intensive, and is conceptually easy to parallelize, like many statistics/genetics applications, parallel execution with MOSIX gives a linear speedup in analysis time with little additional effort. Conclusions We have used MOSIX to run a wide variety of software programs in parallel with good results. The limitations and benefits of using MOSIX are discussed and compared to other platforms.
Use of principal components to aggregate rare variants in case-control and family-based association studies in the presence of multiple covariates
Kazma, Rémi
Abstract Rare variants may help to explain some of the missing heritability of complex diseases. Technological advances in next-generation sequencing give us the opportunity to test this hypothesis. We propose two new methods (one for case-control studies and one for family-based studies) that combine aggregated rare variants and common variants located within a region through principal components analysis and allow for covariate adjustment. We analyzed 200 replicates consisting of 209 case subjects and 488 control subjects and compared the results to weight-based and step-up aggregation methods. The principal components and collapsing method showed an association between the gene FLT1 and the quantitative trait Q1 (P<10−30) in a fraction of the computation time of the other methods. The proposed family-based test has inconclusive results. The two methods provide a fast way to analyze simultaneously rare and common variants at the gene level while adjusting for covariates. However, further evaluation of the statistical efficiency of this approach is warranted.
Impact of meat consumption, preparation, and mutagens on aggressive prostate cancer.
Punnen, Sanoj
Hardin, Jill
Cheng, Iona
Klein, Eric A
The association between meat consumption and prostate cancer remains unclear, perhaps reflecting heterogeneity in the types of tumors studied and the method of meat preparation--which can impact the production of carcinogens.
We address both issues in this case-control study focused on aggressive prostate cancer (470 cases and 512 controls), where men reported not only their meat intake but also their meat preparation and doneness level on a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Associations between overall and grilled meat consumption, doneness level, ensuing carcinogens and aggressive prostate cancer were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.
Higher consumption of any ground beef or processed meats were positively associated with aggressive prostate cancer, with ground beef showing the strongest association (OR = 2.30, 95% CI:1.39-3.81; P-trend = 0.002). This association primarily reflected intake of grilled or barbequed meat, with more well-done meat conferring a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Comparing high and low consumptions of well/very well cooked ground beef to no consumption gave OR's of 2.04 (95% CI:1.41-2.96) and 1.51 (95% CI:1.06-2.14), respectively. In contrast, consumption of rare/medium cooked ground beef was not associated with aggressive prostate cancer. Looking at meat mutagens produced by cooking at high temperatures, we detected an increased risk with 2-amino-3,8-Dimethylimidazo-[4,5-f]Quinolaxine (MelQx) and 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo(4,5-f)qunioxaline (DiMelQx), when comparing the highest to lowest quartiles of intake: OR = 1.69 (95% CI:1.08-2.64;P-trend = 0.02) and OR = 1.53 (95% CI:1.00-2.35; P-trend = 0.005), respectively.
Higher intake of well-done grilled or barbequed red meat and ensuing carcinogens could increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Sequence variation in folate pathway genes and risks of human cleft lip with or without cleft palate.
Marini, Nicholas J
Yang, Wei
Asrani, Kripa
Rine, Jasper
Lammer, Edward J
Shaw, Gary M
UC Berkeley Previously Published Works (2016)
In an effort to comprehensively interrogate genetic variation in the folate pathway for risk of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CLP), we evaluated 504 common and rare variants in 35 folate-related genes in a panel of 330 infants with CLP and 367 non-malformed controls. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were computed for common genotypes. A Case-Control Difference metric was calculated for rare variants to highlight differentially occurring alleles. Interactions between variants and a maternal folate intake variable were also evaluated. In gene-only results, significant odds ratios were observed for multiple variants in the BHMT/BHMT2/DMGDH gene cluster, particularly in Hispanic infants. Also in this cluster, rare variant analysis highlighted a substantial case-control difference in BHMT rs60340837 (synonymous Y284Y). In Hispanics, the ALDH1L1 I812V variant (rs4646750) was the most significant risk allele: OR = 3.8 (95%CI = 1.6-9.2) when heterozygous. In non-Hispanic white infants, we observed significant risk for AHCYL2 rs1095423 (homozygous OR = 3.0, 95%CI 1.1-7.8) and the 68 bp CBS insertion (c.844ins68; heterozygous OR = 2.4, 95%CI = 1.1-5.3). Rare variant analysis in this group revealed case-control differences in MTRR and several other methionine cycle genes, a process implicated previously in clefting risk. In women with low folate intake specifically, increased risks were observed for CBS rs2851391 (OR = 3.6, 95%CI = 1.3-9.6) and the R259P nonsynonymous variant of TCN2 (rs1801198; OR = 2.8, 95%CI = 1.2-6.3). This comprehensive study provides further direction on candidate loci to help disentangle the folate-related developmental phenomena in human clefting risk. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Socioeconomic status and prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates among the diverse population of California
Witte, John S.
McClure, Laura A.
Shema, Sarah J.
Cockburn, Myles G.
John, Esther M.
Clarke, Christina A.
The racial/ethnic disparities in prostate cancer rates are well documented, with the highest incidence and mortality rates observed among African-Americans followed by non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders. Whether socioeconomic status (SES) can account for these differences in risk has been investigated in previous studies, but with conflicting results. Furthermore, previous studies have focused primarily on the differences between African-Americans and non-Hispanic Whites, and little is known for Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islanders. To further investigate the relationship between SES and prostate cancer among African-Americans, non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders, we conducted a large population-based cross-sectional study of 98,484 incident prostate cancer cases and 8,997 prostate cancer deaths from California. Data were abstracted from the California Cancer Registry, a population-based surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) registry. Each prostate cancer case and death was assigned a multidimensional neighborhood-SES index using the 2000 US Census data. SES quintile-specific prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates and rate ratios were estimated using SEER*Stat for each race/ethnicity categorized into 10-year age groups. For prostate cancer incidence, we observed higher levels of SES to be significantly associated with increased risk of disease [SES Q1 vs. Q5: relative risk (RR) = 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25–1.30]. Among younger men (45–64 years), African-Americans had the highest incidence rates followed by non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders for all SES levels. Yet, among older men (75–84 years) Hispanics, following African-Americans, displayed the second highest incidence rates of prostate cancer. For prostate cancer deaths, higher levels of SES were associated with lower mortality rates of prostate cancer deaths (SES Q1 vs. Q5: RR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.92–0.94). African-Americans had a twofold to fivefold increased risk of prostate cancer deaths in comparison to non-Hispanic Whites across all levels of SES. Our findings suggest that SES alone cannot account for the greater burden of prostate cancer among African-American men. In addition, incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer display different age and racial/ethnic patterns across gradients of SES.


Interested in becoming a member of Bricktown Rotary?
ATTENDANCE: Members are expected to attend our club's weekly meetings. If you are unable to attend our regular Monday meetings, you can do a make-up meeting with another club, locally, with one of the 34,000 clubs worldwide or even with online e-clubs. CLICK HERE for Rotary's policies on attendance and make-up meetings, as well as to locate another club and find out more about online make-ups.
DUES: Dues for Bricktown Rotary are $700 per year, billed in installments of $175 per quarter. Dues include food and two beverages (including beer or wine) at each Bricktown Rotary meeting. We are a "Sustaining Club" which means that $100 / year of each members' dues goes straight into a special fund dedicated to eradicating polio worldwide.
SERVICE: We seek energetic people interested in making our community better through being actively involved. There are several fund raisers and many service projects throughout the year in which you can participate. Most importantly, if you have an idea or project that is important to you this is where you will find participants more than willing to help you make it a reality.
5. provide a $50 membership fee upon being approved for membership.
*A person may attend 2 meetings and apply for membership. Must have attended 4 meetings before his or her induction to the club.
**The President or Secretary will ask the Bricktown Rotary Board to consider the application. If approved by the Board, the President will post the applicant's name and occupation for comment from all club members for two weeks. If a legitimate reason is voiced by a member of why someone should not be a member of the club, then the President will ask the Board to make a final decision.


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David Libby
Pianist/Composer/Arranger
Ruby Rakos Cabaret
Ruby Rakos and I performed a short, socially distanced cabaret at the Broadway Dance Center. You can watch the life stream capture in its entirety on the producer's facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fulloutcreative
The music begins around 26:15.
Read more about Ruby Rakos Cabaret
CBS Sunday Morning and "Chasing Rainbows"
I arranged the vocals and played piano for this video featuring the Paper Mill cast of "Chasing Rainbows", as well as Judy Garland's daughter Lorna Luft. Please consider making a donation to our cause, "Save the Children".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRPDozAo1fQ&t=118s
Read more about CBS Sunday Morning and "Chasing Rainbows"
Chasing Rainbows at Paper Mill Playhouse
"Chasing Rainbows" is the 2019-20 season opener at Paper Mill Playhouse this Fall! So excited about this huge leap forward!
http://www.playbill.com/article/paper-mill-playhouses-20192020-season-to...
Read more about Chasing Rainbows at Paper Mill Playhouse
Liza Minelli Gives Rare Approval to "Chasing Rainbows"
I am honored to be a member of the "talented team" Liza thanks in her interview with Deadline Hollywood, and to be telling the story of Judy's "extraordinary rise to fame" through music.
https://deadline.com/2019/01/chasing-rainbows-broadway-judy-garland-broa...
Read more about Liza Minelli Gives Rare Approval to "Chasing Rainbows"
"Got a Pair of New Shoes" Video Released!
I arranged and orchestrated the music heard on this video, with choreography by Tony Nominee Denis Jones! Check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6MxjfNU158
Read more about "Got a Pair of New Shoes" Video Released!
We're a hit!
"So, whether you are a fan of Judy Garland, classic Hollywood, and The Wizard of Oz or just someone who loves experiencing a new, beautiful work of musical theatre, CHASING RAINBOWS is a must-see." - BroadwayWorld
Read more about We're a hit!
London Pre-pro
Very excited to travel to London this Summer to work with our amazing choreographer and director as we get ready for Goodspeed rehearsals, starting August 14th!
Read more about London Pre-pro
"Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz" Opens at Flat Rock Playhouse
Our first full production, and the world premier, of "Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz" is a success! Congratulations to all who made it happen!
I'm very pleased to be getting good mentions for my arrangements. Below is a sampling:
"...magnificent, updated arrangements of her songs and period music by David Libby.."
"...Libby's re-interpreted musical and vocal arrangements...are fresh and inventive"
"...impressively orchestrated..."
CarolinaCurtainCall.com
"Repackaging and repurposing 31 songs from the '30s, arranger David Libby...ha(s) put together a score that swings, sways and at times saddens. The songs are fun and moving."
Hendrsonville Lightening
"...powerful...masterful arrangements"
Citizen Times
Read more about "Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz" Opens at Flat Rock Playhouse
"Chasing Rainbows" at Goodspeed Main Stage 2016
It's going to be an exciting year! Read the Broadway World article at http://www.broadwayworld.com/connecticut/article/CHASING-RAINBOWS-THE-RO...
Read more about "Chasing Rainbows" at Goodspeed Main Stage 2016
Chasing Rainbows World Premier
"Chasing Rainbows", the new musical featuring David's arrangements/orchestrations of songs from the early life of Judy Garland, will have its world premier at Flat Rock Playhouse in November 2016! Conceived by Tina Marie Casamento, Book by Marc Acito, in collaboration with Sony Music. Click for details: https://www.flatrockplayhouse.org/show/chasing-rainbows/
Read more about Chasing Rainbows World Premier

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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BIRDQUEST > Antarctica & The Subantarctic > Antarctica Tours > ATLANTIC ODYSSEY – South Georgia, Gough, Tristan da Cunha, St Helena, Ascension and Cape Verde
ATLANTIC ODYSSEY – South Georgia, Gough, Tristan da Cunha, St Helena, Ascension and Cape Verde
Snowy Sheathbill (image by Pete Morris)
Wandering Albatross (image by Pete Morris)
Atlantic Petrel (image by Pete Morris)
Southern Elephant Seal (image by Pete Morris)
Tristan Albatross (image by Henk Hendriks)
Cape Petrels (image by Pete Morris)
Red-billed Tropicbird (image by Henk Hendriks)
Blue Petrel (image by Pete Morris)
King Penguins (image by Pete Morris)
White-bellied Storm Petrels with Southern Giant Petrels (image by Henk Hendriks)
Antarctic Tern (image by Pete Morris)
Grey-headed Albatross (image by Pete Morris)
South Polar Skua (image by Pete Morris)
Snow Petrel (image by Pete Morris)
Tristan da Cunha scenery (image by Henk Hendriks)
Brown (Tristan) Skua (image by Henk Hendriks)
Light-mantled Albatross (image by Pete Morris)
Northern Royal Albatross (image by Pete Morris)
Spinner Dolphin (image by Henk Hendriks)
Chinstrap Penguins mating (image by Pete Morris)
Broad-billed Prion (image by Henk Hendriks)
Soft-plumaged Petrel (image by Henk Hendriks)
Sooty Tern (image by Henk Hendriks)
Grytviken, South Georgia (image by Pete Morris)
Black Noddies (image by Henk Hendriks)
Gentoo Penguins (image by Pete Morris)
Grey Petrel (image by Henk Hendriks)
Napoleon's tomb, St Helena (image by Henk Hendriks)
Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses (image by Henk Hendriks)
Spectacled Petrel (image by Henk Hendriks)
Ascension Frigatebirds (image by Henk Hendriks)
Black-bellied Storm Petrel (image by Pete Morris)
Tristan group scenery (image by Henk Hendriks)
Southern Fulmar (image by Pete Morris)
Red-footed Booby (image by Henk Hendriks)
Green Sea Turtle (image by Henk Hendriks)
Sperm Whale (image by Henk Hendriks)
White-tailed Tropicbird (image by Henk Hendriks)
Macaroni Penguin (image by Pete Morris)
Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross (image by Henk Hendriks)
Common White Tern (image by Henk Hendriks)
Ascension Frigatebird male (image by Henk Hendriks)
St Helena (image by Henk Hendriks)
Brown Booby (image by Henk Hendriks)
Cape Petrel (image by Pete Morris)
Long-tailed Jaeger (or Skua) (image by Henk Hendriks)
Black-browed Albatross (image by Pete Morris)
St Helena Plover or Wirebird (image by Henk Hendriks)
Southern Elephant Seal at Grytviken, South Georgia (image by Pete Morris)
Gentoo Penguin (image by Pete Morris)
Antarctic Prion (image by Pete Morris)
Kerguelen Petrel (image by Henk Hendriks)
Chinstrap Penguins (image by Pete Morris)
Sooty Albatross (image by Henk Hendriks)
Great Shearwaters (image by Henk Hendriks)
Atlantic Petrel (image by Henk Hendriks)
Band-rumped Storm Petrel (image by Henk Hendriks)
Gough Island (image by Henk Hendriks)
South Georgia Pintail (image by Pete Morris)
Light-mantled Albatross and Cape Petrel (image by Pete Morris)
Ascension Frigatebirds and Masked Booby (image by Henk Hendriks)
False Killer Whales (image by Henk Hendriks)
Leach's Storm Petrels (image by Henk Hendriks)
Napoleon memorabilia on St Helena (image by Henk Hendriks)
Brown Skua (image by Pete Morris)
Masked Booby (image by Henk Hendriks)
Chinstrap Penguin (image by Pete Morris)
Antarctic Tern (image by Henk Hendriks)
Pomarine Jaeger (or Skua) (image by Henk Hendriks)
Gough Moorhen (image by Henk Hendriks)
King Penguins (image by Henk Hendriks)
Southern Giant Petrels (image by Pete Morris)
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Monday 27th March – Thursday 27th April 2023
Leaders: Oceanwide Expeditions leaders and a Birdquest Leader to be announced
32 Days Group Size Limit 15
Thursday 28th March – Sunday 28th April 2024
Leaders: Mark Beaman, Inger Vandyke, and Oceanwide Expeditions leaders
ATLANTIC ODYSSEY: OVERVIEW
Birdquest's Atlantic Odyssey birding tours are an epic journey through the Atlantic Islands from Tierra del Fuego to South Georgia, Gough Island, the Tristan da Cunha group, Saint Helena, Ascension Island and the Cape Verde Islands. Our Atlantic Odyssey birding tour is one of the most extraordinary opportunities to see pelagic seabirds, not to mention the penguins, rarely-seen endemics, sea mammals, amazing scenery, little-visited islands and the rest. And all this at a very economical price compared to a standard expedition cruise because it is a repositioning cruise, at the end of the Antarctic season, when the ship has to return through the Atlantic to the northern hemisphere in time for the upcoming Arctic season.
From the icy peaks and glaciers of subAntarctic South Georgia to hot, steamy, tropical seas, this extraordinary Atlantic journey from Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego to the Cape Verde Islands by way of South Georgia, Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena and Ascension offers the adventurous traveller the chance to visit some of the farthest-flung places on earth and to experience a seabird extravaganza beyond most birdwatchers' wildest dreams.
This superb opportunity is made possible by the need to bring expedition cruise ships back from Antarctica to Europe in spring for the start of the Arctic cruising season. Our remarkable Atlantic Odyssey birding tour on one of these vessels will not only provide splendid opportunities for observing a bewildering array of seabirds, from penguins and albatrosses to frigatebirds and tropicbirds, while at sea, but will also give us a chance to wander through their breeding colonies, as we step ashore on some of the remotest islands in the world. Opportunities for whale-watching will also be superb, especially in Antarctic waters and the Southern Ocean, where we are likely to enjoy some spectacular views of these leviathans sounding right next to our ship.
Our Atlantic Odyssey birding tour begins in earnest at Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world and the base for some enjoyable pre-cruise birding amidst the splendid scenery of Tierra del Fuego should you so wish. Initially, we shall be sailing east across the South Atlantic to South Georgia, enjoying spectacular pelagic birding as we pass through some of the richest seas on earth.
South Georgia, the most mountainous of the Subantarctic islands, appears like a series of snow-covered peaks rising from the sea, scalloped with fjords carved by more than 150 glaciers. Here we will experience some of the most unforgettable wildlife spectacles of the tour as we walk amidst huge colonies of stately King Penguins, stand close to gigantic Southern Elephant Seals and enjoy superb views of nesting Wandering Albatrosses. Among the specialities here are Georgian Diving Petrel and the endemic South Georgia Pipit.
We will also be calling in at Grytviken, a former Norwegian whaling station where we can visit the excellent whaling museum and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Five days of open sea separate South Georgia from our next port of call at Gough Island, but the diversity and abundance of seabirds and cetaceans is sure to provide us with some of the best pelagic birding imaginable, especially as we approach Gough. With its millions of breeding seabirds of 20 species, Gough Island is a strong contender for the title of most important seabird colony in the world. Although we will not be allowed to land on this strict nature reserve, we should be able to Zodiac cruise close inshore and catch sight of the two endemic land birds, the Gough Moorhen and Gough Bunting, as well as another key speciality, the Northern Rockhopper Penguin.
From Gough, our tour will proceed northeastwards across the South Atlantic to Tristan da Cunha, the remotest inhabited island in the world, where we will go ashore to meet some of the islanders and perhaps buy a few postage stamps – a major source of revenue in these islands. We also hope to be able to visit nearby Nightingale Island, with its huge seabird colony including over two million pairs of Great Shearwaters and large numbers of Atlantic Yellow-nosed and Sooty Albatrosses, large rookery of Subantarctic Fur Seals and Southern Elephant Seals, and three endemic land birds – a thrush and two buntings. If we are really fortunate with the weather, we will be able to land on Inaccessible Island and seek the world's smallest flightless bird, the incredible Inaccessible Island Rail.
Our next destination, Saint Helena, lies to the north of the Tropic of Capricorn and is another four days sailing away. As we leave the cold waters of the South Atlantic behind and enter the warm waters of the tropics, we finally say goodbye to our last albatrosses and pick up an entirely different set of seabirds and cetaceans, along with our first flying-fish. On Saint Helena, we will visit the house where Napoleon lived in exile, and look for the island's only surviving endemic land bird, the Saint Helena Plover or Wirebird (so-named because of its long, spindly legs). There will also be an opportunity to take a trip out in a local boat to look for dolphins and to visit a group of islets with breeding seabirds.
Continuing on almost to the Equator, we will come to Ascension Island where we will visit an enormous breeding colony of Sooty Terns, circumnavigate a small islet that supports the entire world population of Ascension Frigatebirds, and perhaps visit a beach at night to witness the spectacle of Green Sea Turtles laying their eggs in the sand. Interesting seabirds in these waters include the 'Ascension Storm Petrel'.
Eventually, those we will cross the Equator and enter the North Atlantic, en route to the Cape Verde Islands, where Cape Verde and Boyd's Shearwaters and Fea's Petrels await us. Here, sadly, it will be time to disembark from our ship for the last time and return to the 'real world'. There will be an option to look for some of the islands' endemic land birds before leaving the Cape Verdes.
The great advantage of taking this particular cruise, if you are especially interested in seeing birds and other wildlife, is that the tour itinerary and day to day schedule are strongly wildlife-orientated. Oceanwide Expeditions, who operate this cruise, usually have an experienced birder amongst their expedition leaders.
In 2023 a Birdquest guide will accompany the expedition provided the number in our group permits. In 2024 the Birdquest guides will be aboard regardless of numbers.
Birdquest has operated Atlantic Odyssey birding tours to the Atlantic Islands since 1990.
In 2024 only, this tour may be taken together with our tour to the CAPE VERDE ISLANDS
Antarctica Option: There is always an Antarctic Peninsula expedition offered by Oceanwide Expeditions immediately prior to the start of the Atlantic Odyssey and operated by the same ship. If you are interested in signing up for both expeditions, please contact us for details. You will receive a 10% discount for booking the additional expedition.
By going to Antarctica proper you will add Adelie Penguin, Antarctic Petrel, Antarctic Shag, South Polar Skua and possibly Emperor Penguin to the species you will record during Atlantic Odyssey and of course, you will experience the awesome scenery and sheer wonder of 'The Last Continent'.
Accommodation & Transport: We shall be sailing on the MV Hondius, a purpose-built expedition ship of 5590 tons and almost 108 metres in length operated by the well-respected Oceanwide Expeditions, which is based in the Netherlands. She has the highest available, Polar Class 6, ice rating for a passenger vessel. While very comfortable and modern, this is still not a 'cruise ship' in the traditional manner. She is specifically designed for exploring wild places and enjoying wild nature, rather than carrying huge numbers of people, with multiple restaurants and all the rest!
Hondius can accommodate up to 170 passengers in 80 passenger cabins, all with private toilet and shower. Cabins consist of 4 quadruple porthole cabins with two lower single berths and two upper berths, 3 triple porthole cabins with two lower single berths and one upper, 27 twin porthole cabins with two lower single beds (these first three cabin categories range in size from 12-18 square metres or 129-194 square feet), 14 twin window cabins with two lower single beds (12-14 square metres or 129-151 square feet), 11 deluxe twin window cabins with two lower single beds (19-21 square metres or 205-226 square feet), 10 superior window cabins with a double bed (20-21 square metres or 215-226 square feet), 8 Junior Suites with a double bed (19-20 square metres or 205-215 square feet) and 6 Grand Suites with a double bed and a private balcony (27 square metres or 291 square feet). Cabins have ample storage space and an outside view.
Public facilities include a restaurant, an observation lounge/bar with panoramic views, a lecture theatre, a library and a small shop. Food is plentiful, of good quality, waitress-served and prepared by experienced chefs. The ship carries a complement of expedition staff who, as well as guiding excursions ashore and zodiac cruises, double up as guest lecturers and give informal talks on the environment, wildlife and history of the areas visited. There will be at least one or two naturalists among them who will also be there to point out seabirds and cetaceans at sea. The bridge is normally open to all (except when the ship is docking) and the big 'picture' windows provide a great viewpoint whenever it is too breezy to stand comfortably at the bow.
Not only will the numerous amenities and onboard entertainments help make your Hondius voyage truly memorable, but this ship also gives you the peace of mind that comes with choosing one of the most environmentally friendly vessels on the polar seas. Hondius uses LED lighting, steam heating, bio-degradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art power management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels minimal. This means that when you sail aboard Hondius, you get to enjoy the exotic landscapes and wildlife as much as possible while impacting them as little as possible.
Landings are carried out by means of a fleet of zodiacs/naiads, the rugged, fast-moving type of inflatables first developed by Jacques Cousteau for expedition work which allow safe landings on remote coastlines in all types of conditions. The speed and efficiency with which the crew and expedition staff carry out these landings allow everyone plenty of time ashore, a key factor when considering any cruise of this type.
Photographs of Hondius and her different cabin types are available here: https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/the-arctic/cruises/hds10-22-
Further information about the ship is available on the Oceanwide Expeditions website: https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/our-fleet/m-v-hondius.
Walking: The walking effort during our Atlantic Odyssey birding tour is mostly easy, occasionally moderate. (There are a few optional harder walks offered by the expedition staff, but these are for scenic views and exercise: none are necessary in order to see any important species.)
Climate: In southern Argentina, conditions are typically cool, with sunny periods and showers. Around the Antarctic Peninsula, the temperature is generally around freezing point (around 4-5°C or 39-41°F at South Georgia) and on sunny days it can feel relatively warm if there is no wind (but it feels decidedly cold on windy days at sea). Sunny spells are interspersed with (often longer) overcast periods and some rain or snow are to be expected. In the South Atlantic at Gough and Tristan da Cunha, the climate is cool with maximum temperatures around 11-15°C (52-59°F) and a high probability of low cloud and rain. On St. Helena, Ascension and the Cape Verde Islands, the weather is usually warm or hot and humid, with maximum temperatures around 27-31°C (81-88°F). There is a possibility of some rain in this mid-Atlantic section.
Bird/Sea Mammal Photography: Opportunities during our Atlantic Odyssey birding tour are outstanding in the south, quite good in the north.
Important: This unique trip is subject to the vagaries of weather and sea conditions, especially in the South Atlantic where periods of high winds and rough seas can make landing on islands in the Tristan da Cunha group very difficult. Adverse weather conditions may prevent landings on exposed coasts and on some islands, but it is unusual for more than two or three landings to have to be called off during a cruise.
Important: Owing to the possibility, however small, of a severe airline delay, we would recommend that all participants have one or two nights at Ushuaia prior to the cruise start. Kindly note that in the event you do not arrive in time, the ship will not wait and neither the cruise operator nor the tour operator can make a refund in such circumstances. Arriving early also has the advantage that your luggage could still catch up with you, should it go astray. We can make hotel bookings for you in Ushuaia on request.
Participating in a truly remarkable voyage that takes in some of our world's remotest islands, including South Georgia, Gough, Tristan da Cunha, St Helena and Ascension
Enjoying a veritable feast of seabirds from Subantarctic waters to equatorial seas, involving over 80 species, including 9-10 species of albatrosses, at least 26 shearwaters and petrels and 7 storm petrels!
Looking for Kelp Geese, White-throated Caracaras, Rufous-chested Dotterels, Chilean Skuas and Dolphin Gulls around Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world
Seeing Magellanic Woodpeckers, Green-backed Firecrowns, Patagonian Tyrants and Fire-eyed Diucons in the Nothofagus beech forest in Tierra del Fuego National Park
Watching for Andean Condors overhead, amidst the spectacular scenery of Tierra del Fuego
Observe twenty or more species of cetaceans, including Antarctic Minke, Fin, Humpback, Sperm and Killer whales, both pilot whales, several of the elusive and poorly known beaked whales, and 8 or more species of dolphins
Visiting South Georgia with its many glaciers and abandoned whaling stations, and making the pilgrimage to Ernest Shackleton's grave in Grytviken
Standing in awe at the vast King Penguin colony at Salisbury Plain, walking amongst breeding Wandering Albatrosses on Prion Island, and visiting a Macaroni Penguin colony amongst the tussock grass
Enjoying how common the endemic South Georgia Pipit has become again after the successful rat eradication project
Observing as many as 35 species of seabirds in a day, as we move from the cold Southern Ocean waters south of the Convergence into the warmer Subantarctic waters of the South Atlantic
Taking a zodiac cruise close inshore beneath the cliffs of Gough Island and enjoying close-up views of hundreds of Sub-Antarctic Fur Seals and fancy Northern Rockhopper Penguins
Watching endemic Gough Moorhens and Gough Finches in the tussock grass
Visiting Tristan da Cunha, the remotest inhabited island in the world; meeting the locals, visiting the famous potato fields and looking for Tristan Thrushes in the native woodland
If the weather is favourable, be one of the few birders ever to have landed on the aptly named Inaccessible Island, and see the Holy Grail of Atlantic birding, the Inaccessible Island Rail, along with Inaccessible Island Finches
If conditions allow, land on Nightingale Island, where most of the world population of Great Shearwaters breeds; see lots of Nightingale Island Finches and hike up into the interior in search of the critically endangered Wilkins's Finch
Enjoying a relaxed tour of St Helena, calling in at Briars Pavilion, Napoleon's Tomb, Longwood House, Plantation House (with its ancient tortoises on the lawn) and Ladder Hill
Taking a walk on Deadwood Plain in the highlands of St Helena in search of the rare and endangered St Helena Plover, known by the locals as 'wirebird' on account of its long spindly legs
Enjoying a boat ride to Speery Island, a tall stack off the southern tip of St Helena, with breeding Masked Boobies, White Terns, and Brown and Black Noddies
Playing around with a large school of friendly Pantropical Spotted Dolphins
Taking a cruise in the zodiacs around Boatswain Island, a small islet surrounded by steep cliffs off Ascension Island which is home to the entire breeding population of Ascension Frigatebirds
Visiting the large Sooty Tern colony at Wideawake Fairs in the volcanic landscape of Ascension Island
Spending an evening on a beach where Atlantic Green Turtles come ashore and watch these giants laying their eggs and meticulously covering them up before dragging themselves back to the sea
Watching thousands of Cape Verde Shearwaters at sea off Fogo in the Cape Verde Islands, while Fea's Petrels and Boyd's Shearwaters fly by
Day 1: Afternoon embarkation at Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Evening set sail.
Days 2-4: Heading for South Georgia.
Days 5-7: Fabulous South Georgia!
Day 8-11: Heading for Gough Island.
Day 12: Gough Island.
Days 13-16: Main Tristan da Cunha group, including Inaccessible and Nightingale only if weather calm.
Days 17-20: Heading for Saint Helena.
Days 21-23: At Saint Helena. Main expedition ends on Day 23.
Days 24-25: Heading for Ascension Island.
Days 26-27: Ascension Island.
Days 28-30: Heading for the Cape Verde Islands.
Day 31: At sea approaching the Cape Verde Islands.
Day 32: The expedition ends today at Praia on Santiago Island, Cabo Verde.
To see a larger map, click on the square-like 'enlarge' icon in the upper right of the map box.
To see (or hide) the 'map legend', click on the icon with an arrow in the upper left of the map box.
To change to a satellite view, which is great for seeing the physical terrain (and for seeing really fine details by repetitive use of the + button), click on the square 'map view' icon in the lower left corner of the 'map legend'.
Birdquest Inclusions: Our tour prices include surface transportation, accommodations, meals and entrance fees.
Deposit: 20% of the total tour price. Our office will let you know what deposit amount is due, in order to confirm your booking, following receipt of your online booking form.
TO BOOK THIS TOUR: Click here (you will need the tour dates)
For Ushuaia/St Helena arrangements:
£5790, $7300, €6950 in a Quadruple Porthole Cabin with 2 upper and 2 lower berths and private bathroom
£6580, $8300, €7900 in a Triple Porthole Cabin with 1 upper and 2 lower berths and private bathroom
£7210, $9080, €8650 in a Twin Porthole Cabin with 2 single beds and private bathroom
£7630, $9610, €9150 in a Twin Window Cabin with 2 single beds and private bathroom
£8080, $10190, €9700 in a Twin Deluxe Cabin with 2 single beds, window and private bathroom
£8670, $10920, €10400 in a Superior Cabin with double bed, window and private bathroom
£9130, $11500, €10950 in a Junior Suite with double bed, window and private bathroom
£10580, $13340, €12700 in a Grand Suite with double bed, double window, balcony and private bathroom
For St Helena/Praia Extension arrangements:
£2130, $2680, €2550 in a Twin Deluxe Cabin with 2 single beds, window and private bathroom
£2290, $2890, €2750 in a Superior Cabin with double bed, window and private bathroom
£2460, $3100, €2950 in a Junior Suite with double bed, window and private bathroom
£2880, $3620, €3450 in a Grand Suite with double bed, double window, balcony and private bathroom
£8000, $10080, €9600 in a Twin Window Cabin with 2 single beds and private bathroom
£8500, $10710, €10200 in a Twin Deluxe Cabin with 2 single beds, window and private bathroom
Gratuities for the expedition staff and crew are not included in the tour price. The level of gratuities is entirely a matter for personal discretion. The staff work very long hours to make such cruises a success, including a great deal of night sailing, and we have been told that most passengers give gratuities of between €300-450 at the end of Atlantic Odyssey including the Cape Verde extension, or the equivalent in US$.
Excursions and boat trips at Saint Helena, where not provided as part of the cruise arrangements, are not included in the tour price and should be paid for locally.
Single Supplement: Single occupancy of twin-berth cabins can be obtained in return for a 70% supplement on top of the relevant twin-share cabin price.
Please note that if you are willing to share but no cabin-mate is available you will not have to pay the single occupancy supplement.
This tour is priced in Euros. Amounts shown in other currencies are indicative.
Air Travel To & From The Tour: Our in-house IATA ticket agency will be pleased to arrange your air travel on request, or you may arrange this yourself if you prefer.
ATLANTIC ODYSSEY BIRDING TOUR: DETAILED ITINERARY
Atlantic Odyssey: Day 1 Our Atlantic Odyssey birding expedition begins this afternoon at Ushuaia, at the toe of South America. Ushuaia, which is situated on the south coast of Tierra del Fuego at 55 degrees south, is the southernmost town in the world.
If it is clear during the flight south across Argentina, you will be able to see the vast, arid landscapes of Patagonia far below and eventually the ice-clad spires and vast snowfields of Tierra del Fuego. Named by Magellan after the warning fires that the now-extinct Ona Amerindians lit when they saw his ships, Tierra del Fuego lies at the extreme southern tip of South America and is a wild land of grassland, windswept moors, stunted Nothofagus beech forests, snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
Participants normally choose to have one or two nights in Ushuaia before the cruise starts, in order to make sure that flight delays do not cause them (or their luggage) to literally 'miss the boat', and it is easy to see a good number of birds simply by birding in the vicinity of this small town, most of which will not be seen during the expedition itself.
Likely species while birding close to town include Imperial and Rock Shags, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black-faced Ibis, the striking Kelp Goose (which feeds almost exclusively along the shoreline on giant kelp), the equally handsome Upland and Ashy-headed Geese, Flying and Fuegian (or Flightless) Steamer Ducks, Chiloe Wigeon, Speckled Teal, Crested Duck, Turkey Vulture, Variable Hawk, Southern Crested and Chimango Caracaras, Magellanic and Blackish Oystercatchers, Southern Lapwing, White-rumped Sandpiper, Chilean Skua, Dolphin and Kelp Gulls, South American Tern, Dark-bellied Cinclodes, Fire-eyed Diucon, Austral Negrito, Chilean Swallow, House Wren, Austral Thrush, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Black-chinned Siskin, Austral Blackbird and Long-tailed Meadowlark. Less frequently encountered species include Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Rufous-chested Dotterel and Brown-hooded Gull. If the weather is fine, you might take the ski lift up to the Martial Glacier and search for species such as Bar-winged Cinclodes, Dark-faced Ground Tyrant and Yellow-bridled Finch (and even White-bellied Seedsnipe with both persistence and luck), or you could pay a visit to the municipal rubbish dump to look for White-throated Caracaras.
If you decide to go birding in Tierra del Fuego National Park, a spectacular region of seacoasts, forests, lakes and snow-capped mountains on the Chilean border, you may well see Great Grebe, the huge Andean Condor, Austral Parakeet, the impressive Magellanic Woodpecker (the largest of the South American woodpeckers), the attractive White-throated Treerunner, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, White-crested Elaenia and Patagonian Sierra Finch. We can help you with birding information and arranging a rental car, or we could arrange for you to take a day out with a local bird guide if you prefer.
This afternoon we will board our ship prior to setting sail down the Beagle Channel. As we sail eastwards along the channel, Magellanic Penguins, Black-browed Albatrosses, Southern Giant Petrels, Sooty Shearwaters and diminutive Magellanic Diving Petrels will be on show, but they are only an appetizer compared to the seabird glories of Antarctica and the subantarctic that still lie ahead.
Atlantic Odyssey: Days 2-4 As we sail eastwards at the borders of the South Atlantic and the Southern Ocean, we will initially be looking out for seabirds that are typical of these shallower, warmer waters such as Sooty and Great Shearwaters.
The long sea crossing to South Georgia will be a highlight of the voyage. As we travel ever further to the southeast we shall pass from the warmer sub-Antarctic waters that surround southern South America and the Falklands to the cold waters of the Antarctic. The line of demarcation between these two water masses is quite strongly pronounced and is known as the Antarctic Convergence. Here the upwelling currents create conditions ideal for plankton and the rich feeding attracts numerous seabirds and often cetaceans. As we watch from the decks we will see an endless succession of seabirds following the ship, or sailing indifferently past, including Black-browed and Grey-headed Albatrosses, the graceful Light-mantled (Sooty) Albatross, the enormous Northern and Southern Giant Petrels, Cape, Soft-plumaged and White-chinned Petrels, Wilson's, Grey-backed and Black-bellied Storm Petrels, and Brown Skuas. We shall check the Slender-billed and Antarctic Prions for Blue Petrels and Fairy Prions but the star of this ever-changing spectacle will be the greatest seabird of all, the Wandering Albatross, with its remarkable wingspan (up to 3.5m or 11.5ft!). As we watch these huge birds gliding low over the sea between waves and then circling high into the air without even the slightest movement of their wings we will be witnessing one of nature's ultimate creations in action – a bird which is in total harmony with its environment. We will also come across the confusingly similar Southern Royal Albatross amongst the Wanderings and be reminded just how difficult it is to separate some seabirds!
We also have an excellent chance of seeing whales, especially when we cross a bank where the sea depth decreases from over 4000m to under 200m, producing an upwelling that creates a plankton swarm highly attractive to whales: the most regular species here being Minke Whale, Fin Whale and Hourglass Dolphin. If we are lucky we will encounter Gray's Beaked Whale or Southern Bottlenose Whale. As we voyage eastwards we will have a chance to listen to some fascinating lectures on the Antarctic environment and its wildlife or visit the bridge to learn about the many complex navigation instruments in use on our ship.
As we near South Georgia, both the numbers and diversity of species will increase markedly. We should now encounter our first diminutive Common Diving Petrels and Georgian Diving Petrels, and will need to be especially quick off the mark if we are to separate these two very similar species as they get up hurriedly from the water and sweep past our ship on rapidly whirring wings. Antarctic Prions are particularly abundant in these waters, and amongst them, we may find a few Fairy Prions.
Atlantic Odyssey: Days 5-7 South Georgia lies at the northeastern corner of the Scotia Ridge, a largely submarine formation with only the summits poking above the sea as islands, that links the Andes of South America with the mountains of Antarctica. Profoundly remote, a mass of inaccessible ice-clad mountains rising to 2,934m (9,626ft), South Georgia is the most spectacular of all the Subantarctic islands. Described by Robert Cushman Murphy, that great pioneer of seabird research in the southern oceans, as presenting 'one of the world's most glorious spectacles – like the Alps in mid-ocean', the coastline of South Georgia endlessly surprises and delights as one striking vista of deep fjords, jagged peaks and glacier-dominated valleys gives way to another and yet another. During our three days in this marvellous area, we plan to make multiple landings.
For over fifty years South Georgia was the hub of the South Atlantic whaling industry, and we shall explore the eerie, silent ghost settlement of Grytviken, the oldest whaling station on the island. Here we will see the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton, a hero of Antarctic exploration who died at Cumberland Bay in 1922, and also visit the excellent whaling museum that charts the history of the island.
South Georgia is famous for its vast nesting colonies of King Penguins, and we should be able to go ashore at one or two of the largest of these, for example at Salisbury Plain, where we will be enthralled by the incomparable spectacle of tens of thousands of these colourful penguins and their bright chocolate young against a dramatic backdrop of snow-covered mountains and huge glaciers. Here and in other places, we will find groups of enormous Southern Elephant Seals piled on the shoreline like heaps of giant slugs, occasionally stirring from their slumbers to growl a protest as a neighbour jostles them beyond the point of acceptability.
On one of the small islands in the Bay of Isles, we may have to brave the smaller but much more aggressive Antarctic Fur Seals, now more than recovered from the depredations of nineteenth-century sealers, in order to wander through a colony of Wandering Albatrosses – so graceful in the air yet so awkward on land – while not far away, Southern Giant Petrels squat Dodo-like on their untidy nests, hissing at intruders. Light-mantled (Sooty) Albatrosses, the most beautiful and most gentle of all the albatrosses, are widespread as nesting birds and it is a thrilling sight to watch them gliding to and fro along the cliffs or displaying to their mates.
During our stay in South Georgia, we will certainly want to track down the endemic South Georgia Pipit (now rapidly increasing after a successful rat eradication campaign) and also the rather tame endemic race of the Yellow-billed Pintail which is sometimes treated as a full species, the South Georgia Pintail. Other species that we should find breeding in South Georgia include the bizarre-looking Macaroni Penguin, the awesome Lesser Snow Petrel, the beautiful Grey-headed Albatross and South Georgia Shag. There is also a fairly good chance of seeing a few Chinstrap Penguins.
Atlantic Odyssey: Days 8-11 The five-day journey from South Georgia in the Southern Ocean to Gough Island in the South Atlantic – a distance of over 2,500 km (1,350 nautical miles) – will give us plenty of time to enjoy some of the very best pelagic birding in the world. Soon after leaving South Georgia, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the warmer Subantarctic waters. Many of our old companions will still be with us, but we will now be on the lookout for species that are typical of warmer waters such as Atlantic Yellow-nosed and Sooty Albatrosses, Atlantic, Kerguelen, Grey and Great-winged Petrels, Great Shearwater, and Grey-backed and White-bellied Storm Petrels. We may also come across our first Parasitic, Pomarine and Long-tailed Jaegers (or Arctic, Pomarine and Long-tailed Skuas) on their way north to breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere. We have an excellent chance of seeing whales and dolphins in this area, including Humpback, Fin and Sei Whales, and Hourglass Dolphins, and if we are lucky, we will chance upon one of the rarer species such as Gray's Beaked Whale, Strap-toothed Whale or Southern Bottlenose Whale.
As we near Gough Island, we should see our first Tristan Albatrosses (one of the 'Wandering' group), along with handsome Spectacled Petrels, Subantarctic Shearwaters and White-faced Storm Petrels.
Atlantic Odyssey: Day 12 Part of the Dependency of Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island lies some 410 km (220 nautical miles) southeast of Tristan da Cunha, and is farther from the nearest populated continental landmass than almost any other island in the world. It is a volcanic island, 13 kilometres (8 miles) across at its widest, and uninhabited apart from a small meteorological station. Thanks to its isolation, the island ecosystem has remained relatively unmodified, with only one introduced mammal (the House Mouse), no introduced birds and relatively few introduced plant species. The entire island has been designated as a Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site, and landings are forbidden in order to protect the delicate ecosystem. Fortunately, however, most of the 20 species of seabirds that come to the island to breed are easily seen in the surrounding waters, while the two endemic land birds can often be seen along the shoreline.
The total number of seabirds breeding on Gough is unknown, but thought to be many millions. These include almost half the world population of Northern Rockhopper Penguins (144,000 pairs), almost the entire world population of Tristan Albatrosses (1,500 pairs), 5,000 pairs of Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses and 5,000 pairs of Sooty Albatrosses, hundreds of thousands of pairs of Broad-billed Prions and Great Shearwaters, tens of thousands of pairs of Kerguelen, Great-winged, Atlantic, Soft-plumaged and Grey Petrels, Subantarctic Shearwaters and Grey-backed, White-faced and White-bellied Storm Petrels, and smaller numbers of Brown Skuas (of the subspecies hamiltoni, sometimes treated as a separate species, the Tristan Skua), Antarctic Terns and Brown Noddies (here at their southernmost breeding site in the Atlantic). On the sheltered eastern side of the island, we plan to take a zodiac cruise and hope to be able to approach close enough to the shore (weather permitting) to see the two endemic land birds, the Gough Moorhen and Gough Bunting, both of which remain fairly common. Amongst the many thousands of Subantarctic Fur Seals thronging the shoreline, we should find a few Southern Elephant Seals.
Atlantic Odyssey: Days 13-16 The three main islands in the Tristan group (Tristan da Cunha, Inaccessible and Nightingale) lie within 40 kilometres (25 miles) of each other, 2,782 kilometres (1,729 miles) from Cape Town in South Africa and 3,947 kilometres (2,453 miles) from Mar del Plata in South America. Along with Gough, these Atlantic islands are a Dependency of St. Helena, and are unquestionably the most remote inhabited islands in the world. As we approach the main island of Tristan da Cunha, the scene will be dominated by the impressive volcanic cone of Tristan Peak which rises to over 2,060 metres (6,759 feet) above the principal settlement at Edinburgh at the northwestern corner of the island. First discovered in 1506 by the Portuguese navigator Tristão da Cunha, this island, with a diameter of only 12 km, has a thriving community of about 280 people with a colourful series of ancestors that includes a number of ship-wrecked sailors. The fiercely proud islanders were driven from their homes by the volcanic eruption of 1961, but after eighteen months of exile in Britain, most chose to return to Tristan to rebuild their lives. During our visit, we shall have a chance to meet the islanders and call in at the post office and store where we can buy the much sought-after postage stamps which help to provide the island with some extra revenue.
We plan to walk out beyond the town to the potato patches which were once a measure of a man's wealth. Tristan is the main breeding site for the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, with some 20,000-30,000 pairs, but otherwise, there are rather few birds on this island because of the abundance of introduced rats and cats. However, we should see lots of Sooty Albatrosses over the cliffs and a few 'Tristan' Skuas and Antarctic Terns. The endemic Tristan Moorhen, formerly considered conspecific with the Gough Moorhen, became extinct in the late 19th century, but there is a small population of Gough Moorhens that were introduced on the island in the 1950s.
If weather conditions permit, we will be able to visit the other two main islands in the group, Nightingale and Inaccessible, where there are immense breeding colonies of seabirds and four endemic land birds.
Nightingale Island, some 38 kilometres (24 miles) southwest of Tristan, is only 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles) across and mostly covered in Spartina tussock grassland. This tiny island is home to a huge breeding colony of Great Shearwaters, thought to number over two million pairs, and countless other seabirds, including 125,000 pairs of Northern Rockhopper Penguins, 5,000 pairs of Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses and tens of thousands of pairs of Broad-billed Prions, White-faced Storm Petrels and Common Diving Petrels. If we are lucky enough to be able to step ashore into this timeless, magical natural world, we should have no difficulty in finding the endemic Tristan Thrush and Tristan Bunting, but we will have to hike up to the island's central plateau if we are to find the much rarer Grosbeak Bunting which favours areas with scattered trees. Here also we will come face to face with Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses at their nests, and watch in fascination as Great Shearwaters emerge from their burrows in the tussock grass and launch themselves into the air from a convenient rock.
Inaccessible Island, 22 kilometres (14 miles) northwest of Nightingale, is almost surrounded by sheer cliffs that rise to around 300m (about 1,000ft), but there are two beaches where a landing is possible under relatively calm conditions. This island, which was declared a Nature Reserve in 1997, is home to the world's smallest flightless bird, the incredible mouse-like Inaccessible Island Rail. Fortunately, the rail is quite common, but we will still need some luck if we are to see one scuttling about in the dense tussock grass behind the beach. Inaccessible is also the only known breeding site for the critically endangered Spectacled Petrel and also supports a huge colony of Sooty Albatrosses.
The weather in the Tristan da Cunha group is dominated by severe cyclonic storms and there is a high chance that strong winds and rough seas will hamper our activities in this area. As a result, Oceanwide Expeditions have now allowed an extra day in the area compared with Atlantic Odysseys prior to 2019. A very good move in our opinion.
Atlantic Odyssey: Days 17-20 The next leg of our Atlantic journey takes us for another 2,460 km (1,330 nautical miles) from the wild, stormy seas of the South Atlantic to the calm waters and balmy weather of the tropics. As we head north-northeast towards the Tropic of Capricorn and Saint Helena, the pace becomes a little more relaxed, with time to enjoy barbecues on deck and maybe even catch up on some reading. The number and diversity of seabirds will diminish rapidly as we sail into warmer, subtropical waters, and the appearance of large shoals of flying fish definitely adds a tropical flavour to our sea-watching. As we bid farewell to our last albatrosses and Atlantic, Soft-plumaged and Spectacled Petrels, we begin to encounter our first warm-water species such as Bulwer's Petrel, Band-rumped Storm Petrel (of the 'St Helena Storm Petrel' population, as yet not widely recognized as a full species), Red-billed Tropicbird and Masked Booby. We will also be on the lookout for Sperm Whales as we pass through a rich feeding area for this species.
As we approach St. Helena we should also encounter Brown Booby, White Tern and Brown and Black Noddies.
Atlantic Odyssey: Days 21-23 Saint Helena is an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, 1,913 kilometres (1,189 miles) west of Angola and 3,284 kilometres (2,041 miles) east of Brazil. Like virtually all of the Atlantic's isolated islands, Saint Helena's mountainous massif, with its jumble of steep V-shaped valleys and imposing sea cliffs, is of volcanic origin. Although the island lies well north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the climate is subtropical with temperatures influenced by the Southeast Trade Winds and ocean currents from the Antarctic. The island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, and it was here that Napoleon was exiled after his defeat at Waterloo in 1816.
During our stay, we will have ample opportunity to enjoy the pleasant climate and see something of the local culture, endemic flora and birdlife. We will begin our exploration of the island at the main settlement of Jamestown on the west coast, where Common White (or Fairy) Terns hover overhead as we step ashore. Most people will want to make the obligatory pilgrimage to the house at Longwood where Napoleon lived, surrounded by flowers, until his death in 1821, and you can also visit the Governor's residence at Plantation House, with its ancient tortoises on the lawn.
We will definitely want to visit Deadwood Plain, one of the best sites for the Saint Helena Plover or Wirebird, the island's only surviving endemic land bird. This critically endangered species, the total population of which numbered only some 208 individuals in 2005, has become a kind of local mascot to the extraordinarily friendly islanders. The only other native land bird is the Common Moorhen, which apparently arrived under its own steam in relatively recent times. All the other land birds were introduced and include Common Pheasant, Zebra Dove, Common Myna, Madagascar Fody, Java Sparrow, Common Waxbill and Yellow Canary.
The island is renowned for its luxuriant vegetation, but much of this consists of exotic plants such as hibiscus, begonias and geraniums brought in by settlers, and only small pockets of the endemic flora still survive as, for example, at Diana's Peak (at 820m or 2,690ft, the highest point on the island) where there is a small remnant of native thicket with endemic ferns and cabbage trees.
Those who wish to can opt to go out in one of the local boats along the sheltered west coast of the island to look for Pantropical Spotted Dolphins and to visit a group of small islets with breeding Red-billed Tropicbirds, Masked and Brown Boobies, White Terns, and Brown and Black Noddies. We may also find Common Bottlenose Dolphins and Rough-toothed Dolphins in these waters, and perhaps gigantic Whale Sharks.
If you are not taking the extension to Ascension Island and onwards to Praia, Cape Verde Islands, you will disembark from the ship on Day 23.
Atlantic Odyssey: Days 24-25 It is just under 1,300 km (700 nautical miles) from St. Helena to our next destination, Ascension Island. Now we will have plenty of time to relax on deck and enjoy the balmy sea breezes of the Southeast Trades, as well as continue birding. Birds will be relatively few in number, but we should encounter our first Cory's Shearwaters and Leach's Storm Petrels along with more Bulwer's Petrels and perhaps a few Long-tailed Jaegers (or Long-tailed Skuas) and Arctic Terns. As we approach Ascension we will be on the lookout for 'Ascension Storm Petrel', the local population of the Band-rumped Storm Petrel complex, which may represent a distinct species. There is also a good possibility of Sperm Whale as we pass near the Grattan Seamount.
Atlantic Odyssey Extension: Days 26-27 Ascension Island is a relatively young volcanic island only eight degrees south of the Equator and with a distinctly tropical climate. Discovered in 1501 by the Portuguese navigator Juan da Nova Castella, the island was not inhabited until 1815 when the British established a naval garrison. Ascension played an important role in the Falkland Islands conflict and continues to provide an important link in the supply line to these islands.
There are rather few indigenous plant species, the luxuriant vegetation being comprised almost entirely of introduced species such as Bougainvillea, Casuarina and Hibiscus, and the only land birds are four introduced species, Red-necked Francolin, Common Myna, Common Waxbill and Yellow Canary. We will go ashore at the main settlement at Georgetown and take a tour of the island, visiting a huge breeding colony of Sooty Terns at Wideawake Fairs and driving up almost to the summit of the island (859m or 2,818ft) in Green Mountain National Park.
Ascension's long sandy beaches are a major breeding site for Atlantic Green Turtles, and as we shall be visiting the island during the egg-laying season, we may be able to arrange to visit a nesting beach in the late evening and hope to witness female turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. However, the highlight of our stay on Ascension will be a zodiac cruise around rat-free Boatswain Bird Island, a small Bird Sanctuary off the northeast coast of the main island. This 104m (341ft) high stack, only 3 hectares (7.4 acres) in extent, is home to the entire world population of Ascension Frigatebirds (10,000-12,000 individuals) as well as about 1,500 pairs of 'Ascension' Storm Petrels, 500 pairs of Red-billed Tropicbirds, 1,000 pairs of White-tailed Tropicbirds, 1,300 pairs of Masked Boobies, 5,000 pairs of Black Noddies, and smaller numbers of Red-footed and Brown Boobies and White Terns.
Atlantic Odyssey: Days 28-30 We continue our epic birding journey north towards the Cape Verde Islands. During this portion of the voyage, we will cross the Equator and pay our respects to King Neptune in a time-honoured manner when 'Crossing the Line' into the North Atlantic.
It will be very hot and humid as we pass through The Doldrums, and numbers of seabirds will be low, but we may well encounter Cory's Shearwaters, Bulwer's Petrels and Band-rumped, Cape Verde and Leach's Storm Petrels, along with a few Long-tailed Jaegers, Sabine's Gulls and Arctic Terns on their northbound spring migration, while cetaceans could include Clymene and Spinner Dolphins and Short-finned Pilot Whale.
Atlantic Odyssey: Day 31 The Cape Verde archipelago consists of some 10 Atlantic islands of volcanic origin. They were settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century and later the islands were an important port of call for slave ships on their way to the Americas. The islands emanate an African flavour, reflected in the people, local culture and colourful markets, yet links with Portugal and even the United States are evident.
As we approach the islands today, we should encounter Cape Verde Shearwaters and Boyd's Shearwaters, as well as Fea's (or Cape Verde) Petrels.
Atlantic Odyssey: Day 32 This morning we will arrive at the small capital, Praia, on the island of Santiago, where endemic Cape Verde Swifts can often be seen overhead. The expedition ends today at Praia. Lunch is not included but you can stay on board until 1800 if you wish.
An optional land tour, which features Cidade Velha, the old capital with its ruined cathedral, slave whipping post and massive fortress, is usually offered by the cruise operator, but this may be at extra cost.
ATLANTIC ODYSSEY TOUR REPORT 2011
Other far-flung Oceanic Islands birding tours by Birdquest include:
AZORES – Macaronesian Endemics & Rare Seabirds & Cetaceans
CAPE VERDE ISLANDS – Endemics & Seabirds of some remote Atlantic islands
MICRONESIA – The Forgotten Islands of the Pacific
NEW CALEDONIA, FIJI, VANUATU & SAMOA – the wonderful Kagu and a multitude of other endemics
SEYCHELLES, MAURITIUS, RÉUNION & COMOROS – The ultimate Indian Ocean island endemics tour
SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS OF NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA – The Ultimate Pelagic Seabirds Expedition
WESTERN PACIFIC ODYSSEY – New Zealand to Japan via some far flung Pacific Islands


The game is as defect as can be… everything works, except the playing itself.
The game was obviously not ready for this platform. Logging in and inviting is possible, playing is not. I'm getting a blue screen and a ticking clock. After that nothing functions… Hoping for a quick solution.
Do you also experience problems, or is everything actually working fine with you? Let us know in a comment underneath this message, and we will notify the developers directly.
In case the comments above did not make it clear: this first version of Ruzzle is available for download only as a paid version for $ 2.99 Also, a number of possibilities that are included in the iPhone and Android versions are lacking. The developers are working on a next update that will give the paid version exactly the same possibilities as Ruzzle Premium for Android and iOS.
De free version for Ruzzle will eventually be released, but it is, at the moment of writing this, not ready yet. So if you do not want to pay, then just keep an eye on our website for more news about Ruzzle Free for Windows Phone.


The Pikeur Calippa Summer Weight Full Seat Breeches are perfect for those summer rides! The very lightweight and comfortable fabric is ideal when the temperatures soar and has laser cut mesh stripes on the side for added ventilation. For security in the saddle, a 3/4 grip seat will keep you tight in the tack. The 93% Polyamide/7% Elasthane material provides stretch and mobility so you have full freedom of movement.
Pikeur Calippa Summer Weight Full Seat Breeches is rated 5.0 out of 5 by 2.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Gracie from Perfect Fit! Just purchased my second pair. Great fit and lovely, light summer weight. Has the structure of a breech but the weight of tights-will be living in them this Summer!


The black ocean globe may have a heavenly appearance, but it shows the earth's expanse. The orb and antique pewter finished solid steel base and die-cast semi-meridian make it perfect for any desk. The Orion lights at the touch of a button.


Bear with me in regards to the pictures...it's 3am and I think I'd let Jamie sleep instead of rummaging thru bags.
We woke up early, before the city started moving, to find a boulangerie for some morning breakfast and coffee. My bare bones French has been useful enough to order food, but my asking for directions has been utterly embarrassing.
Our day started out trying to figure out the Paris metro. TheLluxembourg station doesnt have cash paying ticket machines. After much hesitation, we just decided to walk right in and play stupid tourist at the sign of trouble.
So we get to our bike tour meeting spot: the statue of Charlemagne In front of Notre Dame. I deemed that this the best way to see the sights...when there isn't crowds of people about. Might I add that eating a ridiculously good pain aux raisins and drinking cappuccino,while taking in the marvelous sight of the sunrise at Notre dame, a gigantic statue of Charlemagne, and a possible Banksy is a very spiritual moment. We joined our bike tour and take the train to Versailles. While on the train, a man in a dark suit strolled thru our car smoking a cigarette. I thought " really?!" He turned around to face us and he had a bottle of champagne in one hand and a cigarette a a plastic cup in the other. Now he's the one on vacation! Best walk of shame I've ever seen.
We get to the Versailles train station and pause for WC breaks and refreshments. The WC are 50 cents and self cleaning! Right after Jamie emerged, he held the door open for me. I hopped in. As soon as I'm finished with my business, water sprayers shoot from the floor towards my new sneakers. I head for the door and discover that the door is locked. The lights shut off and I'm laughing and screaming for Jamie to get me out. The next person had to put in their money to get me out. That is the last time i'm going to try and extend the WC use.
We headed towards town and into a market where we got to wander around and pick up a packed lunch. We wandered around the grounds of the chateau. This was of fantastic life of the French royalty. We took pictures of Marie Antoinette's little hamlet and Petite Trianon. We had a little time to go thru the chateau to understand the opulence of monarchy. We had lunch on the grass next to the Grand Canal. Our little assortment of cheeses, meets with fresh raspberry, ripe fig, On the water, they would play out naval battles. Today, bold tourists feed crazy fat swans and take rented rowboats for a spin at the canal.
We rode our bikes to the entrance of the chateau to find African immigrants hustling to sell water and trinkets. Walking thru the museum, it reminds me sort of like Hearst castle, where I can see and understand it was only for pure pleasure....only it wasn't a publishing magnate, but a king and he has a flippin palace 20 km away in Paris. On the the way back we engaged in conversation with a New zealander family who were on a seven week trip. They had just spent 4 days in Dubai and have many more adventures planned and ending in Los Angeles. I hope to take my own children on a global trip when they're old enough.
We were supposed to go out at night but I feel asleep and didn't wake up until 3:30am. Oops.


text:
Grand Annex to host 2 concerts by local artists
PUBLISHED: February 18, 2011 at 12:00 a.m. | UPDATED: September 6, 2017 at 8:48 a.m.
The Grand Annex, the very little sister of San Pedro's Warner Grand Theatre, will host two concerts – Sunday and Feb. 26 – by very different local artists.
It's a one-two combo that reinforces the venue's reputation for hot music in a variety of styles – traditional and anything but traditional.
Sunday, it's the traditional, with the Alex Smith Quartet offering an evening of jazz filled with their interpretations of music from the Great American Songbook , selections including "A Foggy Day (In London Town)" by George Gershwin, Jerome Kern's "Yesterdays," "You are Too Beautiful" by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, and Duke Ellington's "In a Mellow Tone."
It's a mix of straight-ahead music from these special musicians, along with their own subtle interpretations and plenty of rich stylings.
That's for those who want their music mellow.
On Feb. 26, the sound will be very different indeed, with the music of KoTolan, a blend of Latin, rock, lounge and modern jazz. The dynamic group of eight instrumentalists includes vocalist and frontwoman Junko Seki who plays accordion and sings in Japanese, Spanish and English.
KoTolan's sound is a mariachi-based fusion that will rock the small Grand Annex, which has just 100 seats at best, right down to the concrete floor.
The Annex is headquarters for the Grand Vision Foundation, which has spearheaded the restoration of the Warner Grand Theatre, now celebrating its 80th year as San Pedro's premier movie palace. (There were others but they didn't survive urban renewal and the growth of the community.)
Grand Vision has coordinated the continual growth of the Warner Grand, including its ongoing repair and upgrade. The group also has used its small but effective Annex to host intimate concerts for the community, including Irish music, doo-wop, bluegrass and the hot Latin American series "Ritmos Latinos en Vivo," since 2008.
John Farrell is a Long Beach freelance writer.
Alex Smith Trio
What: Jazz concert featuring Alex Smith on drums, Emilio Terranova on contrabass, Tim Fischer on guitar and vocalist Angela Vincente.
When: 7:30 Sunday, doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Grand Annex, 434 W. Sixth St., San Pedro.
Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Information: 310-833-4813 or www.grandvision.org.
KoTolan
What: Concert by cross-cultural group lead by singer Junko Seki.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15 advance, $20 at the door.


text:
Mærsk Line ist die weltweit größte Containerschiff-Reederei. Sie gehört zur dänischen Unternehmensgruppe A. P. Møller-Mærsk. Im Jahr 2017 betrug die Kapazität 2,84 Mio. 20-Fuß-Container (TEU).

Geschichte

Bis zum Zweiten Weltkrieg
1928 wurde mit sechs 6.000–7.000-tdw-Motorschiffen der erste Liniendienst (Mærsk Line) der Reederei eingerichtet. Er verband die Ostküste und Westküste der USA mit Japan und Shanghai. Im Februar jenes Jahres begannen auch die Tankeraktivitäten der Firma; der auf der Kopenhagener Werft Burmeister & Wain gebaute 11.200-tdw-Tanker Emma Mærsk war das erste für die Reederei fahrende Tankschiff.

Der Schiffsbestand wurde 1934 um das 9.000-tdw-Frachtmotorschiff Nora Mærsk erweitert, das auf der ebenfalls zur Unternehmensgruppe gehörenden Werft Odense Staalskibsværft (Odense, Dänemark) gebaut wurde. Es sank allerdings schon zwei Jahre später nach einem Feuer an Bord in Indonesien. Im Dezember 1936 wurde der auf der Deutschen Werft (Hamburg) gebaute 16.500-tdw-Tanker Eleonora Mærsk in Dienst gestellt. Dieser Tanker war das damals größte Schiff der Reederei. Zwei 9.000-tdw-Frachtschiffe der Bremer Vulkan-Werft (Marchen Mærsk und Grete) kamen im Jahr 1937 zur Flotte hinzu. Zu Beginn des Zweiten Weltkriegs besaß die Reederei 46 Schiffe und war damit die zweitgrößte Reederei Dänemarks.

Während des Zweiten Weltkriegs
Während des Zweiten Weltkrieges wurden die Schiffe der Reederei unter US-amerikanische Kontrolle gestellt und dienten in der US Navy. Mehr als die Hälfte der Schiffe ging während dieser Zeit verloren. Im Juni 1945 bestand die Flotte der Mærsk-Line aus sieben Schiffen, weitere 14 standen noch bis 1946 unter Kontrolle der USA. Zwischen 1947 und 1948 wurden zahlreiche Schiffsneubauten auf Werften in Dänemark, Deutschland, Italien, Niederlande, Belgien und Japan geordert. Zudem übernahm die Reederei einige US-amerikanische, während des Krieges gebaute Liberty-Schiffe und Schiffe der Typen C-1 sowie Hansa A und Hansa B.

Wachstum, Übernahmen und Rekorde nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg
Mit 13 Motorschiffen einer neuen, schnellen Frachterklasse besaß die Reederei Mærsk im Jahre 1953 wieder so viele Schiffe wie vor dem Zweiten Weltkrieg. 1954 lieferte die Odense Staalskibsværft mit dem Turbinentanker Regina Mærsk ihr bis dato größtes Schiff, das erstmals den typischen blauen Außenhüllenanstrich erhielt.

1972 wurde mit dem Gastanker Inge Mærsk das erste Schiff dieser Art in Dienst gestellt. Im Januar 1974 wurde das in Japan gebaute 2.000-TEU-Schiff M.C.S. Svendborg Mærsk das erste Containerschiff der Mærsk Line. Im Juli 1974 lieferte die Odenser Werft den 330.000-tdw-Tanker Kristine Mærsk, den größten europäischen Tanker. Sechs weitere Schiffe dieser Klasse wurden bis 1977 in Dienst gestellt. Die deutschen Werften Blohm & Voss (Hamburg) und Flender-Werft (Lübeck) lieferten von August 1975 bis 1976 neun 1.200-TEU-Containerschiffe der Adrian-Mærsk-Klasse für die Trans-Pazifik-Route aus.

Im Jahre 1979 bezog die Reederei die neue Zentrale in Kopenhagen. Von 1979 bis 1980 wurden sechs auf der Odenser Werft gefertigte RoRo-Schiffe der Elisabeth-Mærsk-Klasse übernommen. Im Januar 1981 eröffnete Mærsk Line seinen eigenen Containerdienst auf der Route Europa-Naher Osten mit dem 2.000-TEU-Containerschiff Laura Mærsk. Bis 1985 wurden zehn weitere Schiffe dieser Klasse in Dienst gestellt. 1988 startete ein Transatlantikdienst.

Mit der im April 1988 auf der Odense Staalskibsværft gebauten Marchen Mærsk übernahm die Reederei das zu der Zeit weltweit größte Containerschiff (4.300 TEU). Elf weitere Schiffe dieser Klasse folgten bis 1991. 1989 führte Mærsk Line mit dem 45'-Container eine dritte Standardcontainergröße ein. Der 80.000-m³-Gastanker Inger Mærsk wurde 1992 in die Flotte eingestellt. Nach dem ersten 300.000-tdw-Doppelhüllentanker, der auf der Odense Staalskibsværft gebauten Eleo Mærsk, wurden bis 1995 noch fünf weitere Großtanker übernommen.

Im März 1993 übernahm die Mærsk Line die Ben-EAC-Containerlinie mit neun großen Containerschiffen. Damit wurde sie die weltweit größte Containerlinie. Mit dem von Hyundai Heavy Industries (Ulsan) hergestellten 4.300-TEU-Panamax-Containerschiff Dragør Mærsk wurde im Dezember 1995 das erste Schiff einer Serie von 17 derartigen Frachtern geliefert. Das 6.000-TEU-Containerschiff Regina Mærsk war 1996 das weltweit größte Containerschiff.

Nach dem Ende der fünf Jahre dauernden Kooperation mit P & O im Mai 1996 wurde mit der Sea-Land Corporation ein neuer Containerdienst aufgenommen. Im September 1997 baute die Werft in Odense mit der Sovereign Mærsk den ersten 8.000-TEU-Frachter der Welt für Mærsk. Im Februar 1999 übernahm Mærsk die südafrikanische Reederei Safmarine inklusive 40 eigenen und gecharterten Containerschiffen.

Mærsk Sealand
Im November 1999 kaufte Mærsk die Sea-Land Corporation mit 70 Schiffen und Containerterminals von der CSX Corporation. Das Unternehmen wurde anschließend unter dem Namen Mærsk Sealand geführt. Im Juni 2001 kaufte Mærsk die niederländische Reederei Smit-Wijsmüller mit mehr als 250 Schiffen. Im September 2002 übernahm Mærsk zudem die dänische Gesellschaft Torm, die unter der Marke Safmarine integriert wurde.

Im März 2003 lieferte die Odense-Werft mit der Axel Mærsk das zu dieser Zeit größte und längste Containerschiff der Welt mit der größten Ladekapazität. Ihm folgten bis 2004 noch fünf weitere Schiffe dieser Klasse (Anna Mærsk, Arnold Mærsk, Arthur Mærsk, Adrian Mærsk und Albert Mærsk).

Ein 120.000-m³-Gastanker wurde im April 2004 von der Samsung Heavy Industries (Südkorea) übernommen. Von Mai bis Oktober 2004 baute die Volkswerft Stralsund drei 2.100-TEU-Frachter für Safmarine. Im Juni 2005 baute die Werft in Odense mit der Gudrun Mærsk erneut das weltweit größte Containerschiff, das auf der Route Europa-Naher Osten eingesetzt werden soll.

Mærsk Line

Am 11. Mai 2005 wurde bekannt gegeben, dass Mærsk Sealand die drittgrößte Containerreederei Royal P&O Nedlloyd NV mit Sitz in Rotterdam (Niederlande) für 2,3 Milliarden Euro erwerben wolle. Im August 2005 beschlossen die Aktionäre die Übernahme. Seit Februar 2006 ist P&O Nedlloyd in das Unternehmen integriert, das seitdem wieder unter dem bis 1999 gebräuchlichen Namen "Mærsk Line" firmiert. Es hat dadurch seine Marktführerschaft im Bereich Containertransportkapazität per Schiff ausgebaut und stellt heute knapp 18 % der weltweiten Kapazität zur Verfügung.

Ein weiterer Größenrekord der Reederei war das 398 Meter lange Containerschiff Emma Mærsk. Die Fertigstellung hatte sich aufgrund eines Brandes verzögert, bevor das Schiff im August 2006 in Odense getauft wurde. Bis Anfang November 2012 waren die Emma Mærsk und ihre sieben Schwesterschiffe der E-Klasse (Eleonora Mærsk, Estelle Mærsk, Evelyn Mærsk, Ebba Mærsk, Elly Mærsk, Edith Mærsk, Eugen Mærsk) die größten Containerschiffe der Welt – sie wurden durch die CMA CGM Marco Polo abgelöst. Die Reederei gibt die nominelle Kapazität der Schiffe mit 15.000 TEU an. Laut Reedereiangaben haben 11.000 TEU mit einem Gewicht von jeweils 14 Tonnen Platz an Bord dieser Suezmax-Containerschiffe.

Ab Juli 2013 besaß Mærsk mit den 18.270-TEU-Schiffen der Triple-E-Klasse wieder die größten Containerschiffe, die zudem mit 399 Metern die längsten fahrenden Schiffe der Welt waren.

Mærsk Line und MSC bilden die 2M-Allianz.

Im Zuge des russischen Überfalls auf die Ukraine wurde am 13. April 2022 bekannt, dass Maersk die Beziehungen zu Russland vollständig abbricht. Derzeit gehört jeder dritte Container in Russland Maersk. Laut Alphaliner ist Maersk einer von vier Betreibern (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM und COSCO), die 58 % des russischen Schifffahrtsmarktes kontrollieren.

Zwischenfälle
Im März 1996 wurden an Bord der Mærsk Dubai auf der Fahrt von Spanien nach Kanada blinde Passagiere entdeckt, die in der Folge über Bord geworfen wurden. Im Mai 1996 wurden erneut blinde Passagiere entdeckt, von denen einer über Bord geworfen und der zweite von Besatzungsmitgliedern versteckt wurde. Die Besatzungsmitglieder zeigten die Vorfälle nach dem zweiten Vorfall in Kanada an. Der Kapitän des Schiffes wurde daraufhin zunächst in Kanada und später in seinem Heimatland Taiwan vor Gericht gestellt, jedoch nicht verurteilt.

Im April 2009 wurde die Maersk Alabama vor der Küste Somalias von Piraten überfallen und der Kapitän des Schiffes als Geisel genommen. Er wurde später von Spezialkräften der US-Marine befreit.

Am 28. April 2015 wurde die unter der Flagge der Marshallinseln fahrende Maersk Tigris von der iranischen Marine im Persischen Golf aufgebracht und in den Hafen von Bandar Abbas gebracht.

Am 14. Mai 2015 brach im Seehafen Bremerhaven bei Löscharbeiten der Ausleger einer Containerbrücke ab und stürzte zusammen mit der Fahrerkanzel 40 Meter tief in den Laderaum des Containerschiffes Maersk Karachi. Der 52-jährige Kranfahrer wurde dabei tödlich verletzt. Neun Tage nach dem Unfall brach bei Bergungsarbeiten vermutlich aufgrund von Brenn- und Schweißarbeiten im Laderaum ein Feuer aus. Vier Löschboote, die Feuerwehr und das Technische Hilfswerk pumpten den Laderaum mit Löschwasser voll. Durch die Vorfälle entstand ein Millionenschaden für die Reederei. Das Schiff konnte nach Abpumpen des kontaminierten Löschwassers durch eine Spezialfirma und der Bergung der Container Bremerhaven im Oktober 2015 verlassen.

Am 6. März 2018 geriet die Maersk Honam im Arabischen Meer auf der Fahrt von Singapur zum Sueskanal in Brand.

Flotte (Auswahl)

Einzelnachweise

Weblinks
 Offizielle Website

Reederei (Dänemark)
Unternehmen (Kopenhagen)
Gegründet 1928

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


This Is Actually Cake, Honestly!
Although they may look like bowls of ramen noodles and traditional Japanese dumplings, these realistic creations are actually made from cake.
Hungry? How About Some Scorpion Pizza?
Looking for a truly unique pizza topping? This scorpion pizza may do more than just whet your appetite. Are you bold enough to try it?
A simple little kitchen hack that shows you exactly when steak is finished, all you need to do is press your own hand.
Kick up your Meatless Monday with these tasty tofu recipes for everything from stir fry with noodles to bourbon-laced chocolate cake.
The cool handles that attach to used jars, turning them into cups, are actually part of a 3D printing project that can be downloaded by anyone.


North Park San Diego apartments — embody the best of location and coastal living.
Utah Street apartments offers a great location at a great price. Gated entry, professional landscaping, modern appliances and spacious interiors. Boundary Street apartments offers easy freeway access & spacious interiors. Convenient parking & easy access!
All within walking distance of popular San Diego shops, coffee houses, schools, and parks.