There were some 20 or so members of the scientific party and ships crew who had never crossed the equator prior to this year’s AMT, including myself. It turned out to be a day that will live long in all of our memories and not merely due to the significance of such a traverse.
The day (7th November) started much as any other with everyone busy conducting their respective science. However, there was an undertone of deviance resonating from the ‘Shellbacks’ (those who had crossed the line previously) leading to much apprehension on the part of the ‘Polywogs’ (those who hadn’t).
The Polywogs
We had no idea what was in store for us but made a collective decision that we would not succumb to our fate without a fight.
By midday the pollywogs had assembled upon the front deck of the R.R.S. James Cook in full pirate attire armed with swords, albeit foam and water balloons fashioned from latex lab gloves. The Shellbacks nominated 10 individuals to act as a police force in order to capture us and bring us to trial and sentencing in front of King Neptune (Tulip, the Chef) and his missus, Amphitrite (Dougal, National Marine Facilities technician).
King Neptune and Amphitrite
The police thought their best plan of attack was to drench us using the one of the ships fire hoses from a distance beyond the range of our balloons. Fortunately, we also had a hose and what followed can only be described as the most epic water fight I have ever participated in.
A lot of sweat was shed that afternoon until eventually the Pollywogs were defeated. Having been marched to the aft (back) deck we were forced to listen to the crimes we had committed during the first half of the cruise, mine being listening to Coldplay and nothing but, wearing trainers that were far to white (surely not possible) and being too closely involved with the disappearance of an egret – but that’s another story!
We were then made to kiss a dead fish before being subjected to a thorough “wash” with a foul concoction from the ships galley. Did I mention all this occurred under torrential rain, that’s the tropics for you!
It was a great day with everyone laughing and joking. A good shower was had by all and it was straight to the bar where we raised £300 pounds for ‘The Sailors Families Society’ (www.sailors-families.org.uk/how_you_can_help/get_involved.asp) by having random haircuts. A mention should be made to John Stephens who shaved his beard of 34 years contributing £195 to this total. Well done mate. I opted for a Mohican! Why? Because this was a day for one offs. Hope all is well at the lab.