What were the most unique sights you've seen at sea?

During the 1965 Unitas Cruise, we experienced two very beautiful, unusual, and remarkable sights.  I really can't find the right adjectives to describe them.

The first was during the 64 Med Trip. I was still qualifying and standing lookout watches. The day was very warm. The sea had very high swells but was not extremely "rough." The bow would dip very low and the sail would become completely submerged for several seconds. The first time this happened, I thought we were going to drown for sure. During one of the "dips," the OD was hit in the head by a fish and was knocked out. We had a hell of a time getting him down below. How would you like that to tell your grandkids?

During the same 1964 Med Trip, we were in the Med sailing behind a ship that was being refueled at sea. The line was already passed from ship to ship. We were 2^nd in line. I was the Starboard Lookout.  There were reports of Russian ships in the area. During one of my sweeps, I saw what looked like a destroyer. We received a radio message stating that it was indeed a Russian. The Russian was closing very fast. I kept reporting to the OD, Officer of the Deck, the Russian is getting closer. He would say "Aye, very well".  I couldn't figure out what was good about this. I made this same report several times and received the same reply. My last report was, I keep this clean, "Sir the Russian just passed us and just cut the fuel lines and is steaming away." I did not get a "very well" this time. (In support of the OD and the CO who was also there, there was alot going on, all around us.)

The third was the transit of the Panama Canal.  I was topside for the entire passage. I only wish that I had a camera. I was a farm boy who had only read about and had seen pictures. I was just in awe.

The fourth was the transit of the "Inland Waterway" at the Southern portion of Argentina. I volunteered to stand a Starboard lookout watch.  I went through the proper relieving routine and gave my report to the OD. The inland waterway was as smooth as glass. Then I really looked out to Starboard. I could see land and beyond I could see the Atlantic Ocean higher than the land. I wanted to report it to the OD, but I didn't know what to say.  The OD, I can't remember his name, told me that I was the first person who came topside and didn't ask why the water didn't come over the land. See how smart I was.