Don't Go Chasing Rainbows, They Follow You Anyways

        I’ve never seen rainbows like I’ve seen them the past two weeks. They spontaneously shoot out of the ocean and disappear just as suddenly. I’ve never been so close to a pot of gold either. It was probably hidden 10 yards away under the surface of the sea. I didn’t have the chance to chase it, but I’m sure there will be another opportunity.

        I can’t say the colors are unlike anything I’ve seen before, but maybe unlike anything I’ve seen nature create in my 21 years. The brilliant Roy G. Biv shows through, each color individually, and my camera can barely capture it.

        It starts out faint, usually paired with a big brother looking out from just above. Then it grows in definition and severity. But that only takes a minute. It fades as we sail past the mist it was created in, and the angle is no longer prime.

        My roommate and I see them out our window all the time. I think I could count at least 10 in Dominica. The most memorable came in the form of a farewell, as we all boarded the ship hastily so as not to receive docktime in our next port of Manaus.  It bounded out of the ocean, 10 feet from our boat and 30 from shore. In the same habit as the others, it only stayed for a passing glance, but that was all we needed.

        If you ever get the chance to stare out a porthole or past the railing of a cruise ship for a substantial amount of time, do it. I think the sea is good to those who have patience and to those who wait.  An ocean rainbow is one thing everyone deserves to see in their lifetime, and I’ve been extra lucky to see enough for 20-some and counting.