Here is the Silurian Expedition Blog (HWDT), written by those onboard (me included). Most of the time it was a community effort, which got a bit bizarre at times! Enjoy!!!!!
18th June 2009
Date: Thursday 18th June
Anchorage: Loch Aline, Morvern Peninsula
Position: 56°33’.357N, 05°45’.152W
Distance Travelled: 45.6NM
Day 9: After another night of rain, we were very happy to see the sky clearing while we were preparing to go on effort. The plan was to survey South of Mull, but weather decided differently. There were too many rolling waves and swell, so we were guided to travel via the north, going into the Sound and eventually we ended up anchored with double anchor in Loch Aline. Most of the day we had excellent sailing weather, enjoyed by everybody while conditions were too rough to survey. Preparation of second breakfast, lunch and teas were very challenging! Again, just a single sighting of a harbour porpoise, although we did have some detections. Some heavy but very wet showers hit us on the way, but Jane made sure at least she – and her hair - stayed dry, confiscating everybody else’s hat. With even more gale warnings on the latest weather forecast, we were not able to go ashore. Instead we discussed photo-identification methods, skipper explained navigation by ‘cardinal boys’ and baking recipes were once more used this week.
17th June 2009
Date: Wednesday 17th June
Anchorage: Bunessan, Isle of Mull
Position: 56°19’.248N, 06°15’.007W
Distance Travelled: 45.0NM
Day 8: We left Rum a bit later than usual under heavy gray skies. As we travelled between Eigg and Rum, limitless amounts of Manx Shearwaters gracefully glided above the waves. A single harbour porpoise was seen and we had several acoustic detections. Even though the weather was better than expected, the sea state made it difficult to see anything (if there was anything to see). We anchored for the evening near Bunessan, Mull and had a wonderful birthday supper celebration for Doris. She was also surprised with a card and delicious cake. A trip ashore to the Argyll Arms Pub was a good way to relax after a rolling day at sea. Although a bit less relaxed for the ones still discovering ticks.
(~Danielle)
16th June 2009
Date: Tuesday 16th June
Anchorage: Loch Scresort, Rum
Position: 57°00’.831N, 06°16’.096W
Distance Travelled: 48.6NM
Day 7: Today started dull and gray as we left our anchorage and went in search for the Barra Boys, a group of bottlenose dolphins that inhabit this area. No luck, so we sailed back across the Sea of the Hebrides. Other than birds, nothing was seen. We sailed by the north side of Canna and around the west side of Rum. The first and shortest sighting of the day was a single common dolphin which passed right by the stern in the opposite direction. The anchor was dropped in Loch Scresort, Rum and fantastic supper of haggis, neaps and tatties. Several hours were spent on shore, whether it was exploring the landscape or worshiping indoor plumbing, with unlimited amounts of hot water. Kinloch Castle pub was our rendezvous for the evening, with world class thumb war champion, Esme, crushing all competition. Once back onboard, hot drinks and bedtime brownies were supplied as another fantastic day drew to a close.
(~Danielle)
15th June 2009
Date: Monday 15th June
Anchorage: Sgeirislum island (north-east Barra)
Position: 57°00’.228N, 007°22’.459W
Distance travelled: 54.2NM
Day 6: The insanity continues with another spectacular day in the Hebrides. Seals, minke’s, porpoises, and several close encounters with basking sharks. Sun, sea, and sky in wonderful combination. Jane had a nap in the crow’s nest (and was rudely awoken for no apparent reason in her opinion) and we might possibly have seen a turtle. Although some extra effort was put in re-finding the turtle, all we saw in that position was a grey seal..... will remain a mystery. One never knows what might happen! We arrived in the Outer Hebrides, near the Isle of Barra. A trip ashore allowed us to stretch our legs during some hill walking and enjoyment of the local wildlife. The day drew to a close with another brilliant sunset.
(~Danielle)
14th June 2009
Date: Sunday 14th June
Anchorage: Lunga (puffin island!!)
Position: 56°29’.856N, 006°24’.990W
Distance travelled: 54.8NM
Day 5: SIGHTING!!! was today’s keyword. We left our anchorage at Loch Tarbert, Jura on a gorgeous morning. Harbour porpoise lead the way, followed by an almost endless bottling of seals. The sun sparkled on the glassy water and the occasional minke got our attention whenever they chose to grace us with their presence. It was a wonderful day for a climb up the crow’s nest, with the majority of those onboard making the journey. Coming closer towards our anchorage for the night, in the Trishnish Islands, several minke’s were seen and as we drew closer to Lunga, Manx Shearwaters and puffins kept us busy counting. A special treat was a trip ashore and entering puffin paradise. It was truly amazing to be literally face-to-beak to these little colourful birds, who curiously watch you and wonder why you haven’t taken their picture yet. Nesting shags, razorbills, and guillemots completed the amazing experience. A glorious golden sunset was the finale to another unforgettable day. Silurian=magic.
(~Danielle)
13th June 2009
Date: Saturday 13th June
Anchorage: Glen Batrick, Loch Tarbert (Jura)
Position: 55°57’.303N, 005°58’.435W
Distance travelled: 65.7NM
Day 4: YOU’RE SIMPLY THE BEST!! Tina Turner blaring out as we woke up, a great way to start the day, in some of our opinions, but also “like waking up in Guantanamo Bay” according to others. Leaving Islay heading south we saw two seals over the first six or seven hours and then after 3 days in hiding the dolphins finally surfaced with about ten minutes left on effort, sneaking up on us as we came in to anchor. After quite a nice start from the weather we got our first real rain, well a wee drizzle by Scottish standards, and finally we saw the captain bringing food to those stranded up the crow’s nest.
12th June 2009
Date: Friday 12th June
Anchorage: Loch Indaal, Bowmore (Islay)
Position: 55°45’.688N, 006°17’.598W
Distance travelled: 51.5NM
Day 3: the sightings of the day were just a few seals and a minke whale. Probably we were all too busy counting boats and birds. Who can tell the difference between a lesser black-backed gull and a kittiwake...We then had a hard time fighting our way against the tide, but finally reached Bowmore. And yes, we were allowed a wee dram! Things are getting better every day. Slainté mhath!
11th June 2009
Date: Thursday 11th June
Anchorage: Oronsay
Position: 56°01’.041N, 006°13’.097W
Distance travelled: 54.1NM
Day 2: started well with basking sharks. A long rolling leg followed. We were finally allowed meat for the evening meal. On the evening trip to land the team split to the far corners of the island, luckily it’s not a large one. Today’s punishment: night time anchor watch in the crow’s nest...or is it?
10th June 2009
Date: Wednesday 10th June
Anchorage: Crossapol Bay (Coll)
Position: 56°34’.864N, 006°39’.583W
Distance travelled: 30.0NM
Day 1: A splendid start - seal, golden eagle, minke, minke, dead (stinky) minke, a bunch of basking sharks, more seals. All volunteers still present and correct – but who knows how long for? They haven’t fed us yet, or let us sleep. We fear for our lives.
If you can read this, please help us...
Team 3 rollcall:
Esme – Earthwatch PR guru & purveyor of chocolate peanuts
James – biology student; can get any electrical goods you need - dead cheap, just don’t ask too many questions
Ian – mathematician & software engineer. Has today bought a nice new fleece. He’s keeping a low profile so far, but it’s early days yet.
Jane – author of lies and inhabitant of the small village of Bristol
Doris – Bavarian and mountain enthusiast. Skis uphill, contrary – apparently - to the laws of physics.
Danielle – HWDT volunteer – joined Silurian today and was straight up the crow’s nest like a rat up a drainpipe... she’s still there 12 hours later – we canna lure her down. We may have to leave some tasty, tasty Minke blubber out for her – that’ll do the trick...
9th June 2009
Date: Tuesday 9th June
Anchorage: Tobermory Bay
Position: 56°37’.191N, 006°03’.950W
Distance travelled: - 0 NM
Day 0:
DON’T FALL OFF.
DON’T SET FIRE TO STUFF.
DON’T WASH.
18th June 2009
Date: Thursday 18th June
Anchorage: Loch Aline, Morvern Peninsula
Position: 56°33’.357N, 05°45’.152W
Distance Travelled: 45.6NM
Day 9: After another night of rain, we were very happy to see the sky clearing while we were preparing to go on effort. The plan was to survey South of Mull, but weather decided differently. There were too many rolling waves and swell, so we were guided to travel via the north, going into the Sound and eventually we ended up anchored with double anchor in Loch Aline. Most of the day we had excellent sailing weather, enjoyed by everybody while conditions were too rough to survey. Preparation of second breakfast, lunch and teas were very challenging! Again, just a single sighting of a harbour porpoise, although we did have some detections. Some heavy but very wet showers hit us on the way, but Jane made sure at least she – and her hair - stayed dry, confiscating everybody else’s hat. With even more gale warnings on the latest weather forecast, we were not able to go ashore. Instead we discussed photo-identification methods, skipper explained navigation by ‘cardinal boys’ and baking recipes were once more used this week.
17th June 2009
Date: Wednesday 17th June
Anchorage: Bunessan, Isle of Mull
Position: 56°19’.248N, 06°15’.007W
Distance Travelled: 45.0NM
Day 8: We left Rum a bit later than usual under heavy gray skies. As we travelled between Eigg and Rum, limitless amounts of Manx Shearwaters gracefully glided above the waves. A single harbour porpoise was seen and we had several acoustic detections. Even though the weather was better than expected, the sea state made it difficult to see anything (if there was anything to see). We anchored for the evening near Bunessan, Mull and had a wonderful birthday supper celebration for Doris. She was also surprised with a card and delicious cake. A trip ashore to the Argyll Arms Pub was a good way to relax after a rolling day at sea. Although a bit less relaxed for the ones still discovering ticks.
(~Danielle)
16th June 2009
Date: Tuesday 16th June
Anchorage: Loch Scresort, Rum
Position: 57°00’.831N, 06°16’.096W
Distance Travelled: 48.6NM
Day 7: Today started dull and gray as we left our anchorage and went in search for the Barra Boys, a group of bottlenose dolphins that inhabit this area. No luck, so we sailed back across the Sea of the Hebrides. Other than birds, nothing was seen. We sailed by the north side of Canna and around the west side of Rum. The first and shortest sighting of the day was a single common dolphin which passed right by the stern in the opposite direction. The anchor was dropped in Loch Scresort, Rum and fantastic supper of haggis, neaps and tatties. Several hours were spent on shore, whether it was exploring the landscape or worshiping indoor plumbing, with unlimited amounts of hot water. Kinloch Castle pub was our rendezvous for the evening, with world class thumb war champion, Esme, crushing all competition. Once back onboard, hot drinks and bedtime brownies were supplied as another fantastic day drew to a close.
(~Danielle)
15th June 2009
Date: Monday 15th June
Anchorage: Sgeirislum island (north-east Barra)
Position: 57°00’.228N, 007°22’.459W
Distance travelled: 54.2NM
Day 6: The insanity continues with another spectacular day in the Hebrides. Seals, minke’s, porpoises, and several close encounters with basking sharks. Sun, sea, and sky in wonderful combination. Jane had a nap in the crow’s nest (and was rudely awoken for no apparent reason in her opinion) and we might possibly have seen a turtle. Although some extra effort was put in re-finding the turtle, all we saw in that position was a grey seal..... will remain a mystery. One never knows what might happen! We arrived in the Outer Hebrides, near the Isle of Barra. A trip ashore allowed us to stretch our legs during some hill walking and enjoyment of the local wildlife. The day drew to a close with another brilliant sunset.
(~Danielle)
14th June 2009
Date: Sunday 14th June
Anchorage: Lunga (puffin island!!)
Position: 56°29’.856N, 006°24’.990W
Distance travelled: 54.8NM
Day 5: SIGHTING!!! was today’s keyword. We left our anchorage at Loch Tarbert, Jura on a gorgeous morning. Harbour porpoise lead the way, followed by an almost endless bottling of seals. The sun sparkled on the glassy water and the occasional minke got our attention whenever they chose to grace us with their presence. It was a wonderful day for a climb up the crow’s nest, with the majority of those onboard making the journey. Coming closer towards our anchorage for the night, in the Trishnish Islands, several minke’s were seen and as we drew closer to Lunga, Manx Shearwaters and puffins kept us busy counting. A special treat was a trip ashore and entering puffin paradise. It was truly amazing to be literally face-to-beak to these little colourful birds, who curiously watch you and wonder why you haven’t taken their picture yet. Nesting shags, razorbills, and guillemots completed the amazing experience. A glorious golden sunset was the finale to another unforgettable day. Silurian=magic.
(~Danielle)
13th June 2009
Date: Saturday 13th June
Anchorage: Glen Batrick, Loch Tarbert (Jura)
Position: 55°57’.303N, 005°58’.435W
Distance travelled: 65.7NM
Day 4: YOU’RE SIMPLY THE BEST!! Tina Turner blaring out as we woke up, a great way to start the day, in some of our opinions, but also “like waking up in Guantanamo Bay” according to others. Leaving Islay heading south we saw two seals over the first six or seven hours and then after 3 days in hiding the dolphins finally surfaced with about ten minutes left on effort, sneaking up on us as we came in to anchor. After quite a nice start from the weather we got our first real rain, well a wee drizzle by Scottish standards, and finally we saw the captain bringing food to those stranded up the crow’s nest.
12th June 2009
Date: Friday 12th June
Anchorage: Loch Indaal, Bowmore (Islay)
Position: 55°45’.688N, 006°17’.598W
Distance travelled: 51.5NM
Day 3: the sightings of the day were just a few seals and a minke whale. Probably we were all too busy counting boats and birds. Who can tell the difference between a lesser black-backed gull and a kittiwake...We then had a hard time fighting our way against the tide, but finally reached Bowmore. And yes, we were allowed a wee dram! Things are getting better every day. Slainté mhath!
11th June 2009
Date: Thursday 11th June
Anchorage: Oronsay
Position: 56°01’.041N, 006°13’.097W
Distance travelled: 54.1NM
Day 2: started well with basking sharks. A long rolling leg followed. We were finally allowed meat for the evening meal. On the evening trip to land the team split to the far corners of the island, luckily it’s not a large one. Today’s punishment: night time anchor watch in the crow’s nest...or is it?
10th June 2009
Date: Wednesday 10th June
Anchorage: Crossapol Bay (Coll)
Position: 56°34’.864N, 006°39’.583W
Distance travelled: 30.0NM
Day 1: A splendid start - seal, golden eagle, minke, minke, dead (stinky) minke, a bunch of basking sharks, more seals. All volunteers still present and correct – but who knows how long for? They haven’t fed us yet, or let us sleep. We fear for our lives.
If you can read this, please help us...
Team 3 rollcall:
Esme – Earthwatch PR guru & purveyor of chocolate peanuts
James – biology student; can get any electrical goods you need - dead cheap, just don’t ask too many questions
Ian – mathematician & software engineer. Has today bought a nice new fleece. He’s keeping a low profile so far, but it’s early days yet.
Jane – author of lies and inhabitant of the small village of Bristol
Doris – Bavarian and mountain enthusiast. Skis uphill, contrary – apparently - to the laws of physics.
Danielle – HWDT volunteer – joined Silurian today and was straight up the crow’s nest like a rat up a drainpipe... she’s still there 12 hours later – we canna lure her down. We may have to leave some tasty, tasty Minke blubber out for her – that’ll do the trick...
9th June 2009
Date: Tuesday 9th June
Anchorage: Tobermory Bay
Position: 56°37’.191N, 006°03’.950W
Distance travelled: - 0 NM
Day 0:
DON’T FALL OFF.
DON’T SET FIRE TO STUFF.
DON’T WASH.
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