HMS Beagle

I float on the big, blue water, splash, splash, splash. The wind tickles my big white sails and pushes me along, so I can dance on the waves. My body is made of strong, brown wood, and my tall masts reach up to the clouds like trees. I love the feeling of the salty spray and the sunshine on my deck. I am a very special ship, and my name is the HMS Beagle. I am a big boat that loves to explore the ocean. I am strong and happy when I sail.

A long, long time ago, many clever people worked together to build me in a place called England. On May 11th, 1820, I slid into the water for the first time. Whee. I was so excited. I was strong and ready to help. Soon, I was given a very important job: to sail around the whole world and see what was out there. A kind, curious young man named Charles Darwin came aboard. He loved looking at tiny bugs, colorful birds, and funny-looking animals. He had a big smile and was ready for an adventure, just like me.

We started our big trip in the year 1831 and sailed for five whole years. That's a long time. Charles and I explored amazing lands far, far away. He would look at giant tortoises that moved so slowly and little birds with beaks of all different shapes. He wrote everything he saw in his special notebook. My journey helped Charles learn so much about our amazing world. I am an old ship now, but I still remind everyone to be curious. There is always a wonderful new adventure waiting for you, right outside your door.