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On board Silurian
Most weeks April through October she is either monitoring the waters of the west coast of Scotland for whales, dolphins, and porpoises, or serving as a floating classroom for one of the many Argyll island primary and secondary schools. Read the log below to find out what Silurian and her crew have been up to each week and all about the whales, dolphins and porpoises they spot! To find out about the latest marine life sightings spotted elsewhere, click here. If you would like to send the crew an e-mail with your questions click here. Click here to view the Silurian Log archive. Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st September 2006Thursday 21st September, 2006 Anchorage Tobermory Position: 56°37.200 N 006°03.700 W Distance surveyed 20 nm For today’s last leg back to Tobermory we awoke this morning to the sound of ….. No wind!! A most pleasant change to the past few days of gales. Normal service was resumed however within half an hour of pulling up the anchor. 30-40 knots of wind and driving rain, oh well at least a decent nights sleep was had. Unfortunately weather conditions contributed to us drawing a blank on sightings although the little beasties were out there according to the acoustics. The highlight of the day however was Ali emerging from below with a Tupperware full of bagels to be soaked by a wave. Once drained the bagels were lovely! Arriving back in Tobermory the wind eased, the rain stopped and feverish boat cleaning ensued (interrupted only by Tobermory’s fine fish and chips for lunch!). Next stop shower then a well deserved pint or two in Macgochan’s. Thank you and well done to the hardy Earthwatch volunteers: Janet, Martin, H, Ali, Alex and Phil. As a footnote I have been working since March as 1st mate aboard Silurian and this was my last trip of a fantastic season. I have had a great summer. Been to some beautiful places, seen some awesome sights and met some of the most interesting people I could hope to meet. A big thanks you to all HWDT staff and volunteers who have made this such an excellent time. Most of all thanks go to Duncan, Suzie, Dave, Laura and of course Silurian herself. It’s been a pleasure to sail with you all. Well done Guys! Rob 1st Mate Wednesday 20th September, 2006 Anchorage Ulva Position 56°29.700 N 006°13.900 W Distance surveyed 12 nm Awoke to find Chinese water torture dripping on my forehead – perhaps we didn't batten down the hatches properly ? Rain, strong winds and rolling sea - will we get out today ?? After bacon sandwiches, baked beans and potato cakes the wind dropped and we headed for another safe anchorage to spend the night, before making the last break for Tobermory. No sightings as sea too rough. Very sensibly marine animals have gone into hiding leaving the mad English and Swiss to go out in the midday rain!! Still we had 4 days of sun prior to the change of weather, and the scenery looks fantastic in all conditions. Time for a beer and a glass or two of wine before another fantastic dinner ! Martin, volunteer, UK Silurian Log Archives
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