Anchorage: Heather Island (Kerrera)
Position: 56°24.6N 5°30.0W
Distance surveyed: 32 nmi

First day of the first survey of the year! Six new volunteers: Clare, Esther, Sam, Rob, Andrew and Kim (plus crew: Dave the skip, Rob the first mate, Marjolaine & Clare the mad scientists). So the usual safety briefing, how to use the ‘heads’ (the most important task obviously… well apart from cooking and eating!), a bit of science and off we set down the Sound of Mull to learn how to survey for marine mammals… (or how to balance in the waves!). Highlights? Being togged up in brand spanking new waterproofs, clipped to the mast and holding on for dear life as the waves bounced the boat left right and centre…. The first sighting (mmmm, a mere seal... but they are cute!) and a few elusive porpoises (not seen by everyone in the big waves). The day ended nicely with a yummy curry cooked by Rob (the first mate). Mmmm.

Clare – the – mad – scientist – with – a – bad – cold – and – croaky – voice
…with some help from Rob, Sam & Esther.