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”Blackbirds tend to like shiny objects”
1768 Officer’s Quarters of the HMB/S Endeavour. (Fiction)
"Captain, according to the navigational figures this is directly the opposite side of the world.” concluded Lieutenant Gore.
"Exactly." smiled Cook. "It is for science my good Lieutenant. We shall be there!" Cook’s finger rested to a wide blank place on the chart. "We shall be ahead of this astronomical Venus Transit so Mr. Charles Green with the assistance of Mr. Solander here can make his observations then make his astronomical conclusions for the Royal Academy of Science.”
W"Captain, there is nothing there," muttered Midshipman Hicks.
"Are you sure?" replied Cook
The young officer pondered.
It was understandable, the space on the map was a great mystery considering the sheer expanse of ocean in question if it is all ocean. It would be comforting to him and the crew if there was much the touted southern continent of Terra Australis but that rumor should be gloriously claimed or resoundingly refuted when properly surveyed.
"Where's your sense of adventure young man? Smile you should be excited!"
The ship Master Molynuex nodded, "There is more to this than measuring the distance to the sun isn't there? The Admiralty does not often spend a pretty Guinea on a profitless expedition of enlightenment.
The young Midshipman's eye narrowed on a chart illumination of a toothy creature that blew a great fount from its head then over to another tentacle beast with a beak of a fowl dragging a stricken ship down into the waves. "Y...yes sir."
Cook opens a letter and placed it in view of his command staff. "Now that we're underway I do have secret orders to claim any new land of viable commercial potential for the crown. We will likely find exotic lands with a variety of natural fauna of those the like our three Naturalists guests have never seen,” The Captain turned back to the young Midshipman with a wink, “perhaps even name a bold beast or sturdy tree after you my boy!” Cook sat down in his chair, "Now, may I see our crew manifest."
Hmmm. There was also a Sailmaker listed on the Endeavour’s crew Manifest to the name of John Ravenhill Any relation? I am not sure but how cool is that?
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WThey are a small group of 15 Islands discovered in 1773 by Captain James Cook originally naming the Island of Manuae the name Hervey Island before the Southern group of Islands were collectively applied the remaining South Islands. Then in the early 1800s they were renamed Cook Islands before becoming a British Protectorate in 1888. In 1901 these Islands were annexed under Colonial New Zealand granting the Island people status as New Zealand citizens and as British Subjects. In 1965 the Cook Islands were granted self governing status.
Area: 237 sqkm
Population: 17,459 in 2016
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Aerodramus sawtelli, Birds unique to Aitutaki found to make their homes in the Anatakitaki Kopeka Bird Caves. These birds have the ability to navigate the dark caves using a form of ‘echo location.’ This species is considered under the IUCN Red List as a Vulnerable Species.
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1RAnd for those that are also attracted to colorful Paper currency!
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1I hope you enjoyed this coin feature, thank you for stopping by for a look.
And Thank you again Punky’s Dad, for loaning me the colorful Banknote. An amazing collection.
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R“Et lux in tenebris to serve laboro, sum sicarius” “I work in the shadows to serve the Light, I am an Assassin”
