After a two day transit we awoke this morning with land off our bow. We had made the long journey from Mokumanamana to Laysan Island.Today our mission was very simple, go to shore and rescue the two field campers, Angie and Kenady, that had been stationed there since May. We were also picking up one US Fish and Wildlife volunteer, Colleen, who would be hitching a ride back to civilization with us.
The good weather we experienced at our first two stops stayed with us today, and the waters near the island were almost as still as a lake. This is good thing since the channel leading into the island can close out in bad weather preventing us access to our people. It was very smooth sailing today.A view of the USFWS service camp on the island.
While several people helped load our field gear up on the small boats, I took a small group of scientists and crew on a short tour of the island to show them the local wildlife. The picture to the left shows a couple of great frigate birds and noddys resting on some crosses.
Here is a black spot sergeant major damsel fish, I think. Either way, they have a great genus name...Abudefduf. He was chasing the small schooling fish in the shallows.Anyway, the packing and transport of the gear was quick and easy and we got away early. I have no doubt the rescued campers are happy to be on the ship and have already spent a large part of their time eating fresh salad and ice cream, drinking anything with ice in it, and, of course, checking email.
The highlight of the evening was supposed to be a Fantasy Football draft with many of the scientists and ship crew, however ESPN Fantasy Football has let us down. We will try again another night.
Oooh, last minute entry. We pulled out Rock Band on Xbox 360 this evening. Many new folks playing and by and large they rocked it. Award goes to Jenny S. for being absolutely fearless with the vocals.
Scientist of the Day: Brenda B. and Tracy W.
Its a double dose of scientists today. Brenda and Tracy are both part of our Population Assessment program and are going to be spending a few weeks camped at Lisianski Island monitoring the seals, collecting scats, and tagging weaned seals that were born on the island.Brenda B.'s favorite things to do are raising service dogs for the blind, belly dancing, and hiking.
If she could have one food right now, it would be dark chocolate.
Her first concert was Leon Russell
Tracy W. focuses on our main Hawaiian Islands data and is the person you might talk to if you call the monk seal sighting line.
Tracy's first pet was Snoopy, a mutt. When asked what happened to Snoopy, Tracy was quoted saying "...his tail got run over once by a car..." and "...I don't know, he died."
If Tracy could only have one book to read for the rest of her life it would be Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff by Cristopher Moore.
Her favorite place she ever visited was the South Island of New Zealand.
Wish them luck during their stay on Lisianski Island.
1 comment:
I was thrilled to see Tracy and Brenda and Jen S. Three super people in my life. I like belly dance too, even if I ain't good. Cool you do service dogs for the blind...god bless you for that. Hey Tracy!! Miss ya. Saw Yoda twice in our backyard..Maili. Sorry about your dog,Snoopy. My dog, the terrorist ate our mud flaps and bumper to our car. His name is Bruce Lee. Hey, Jen S. Cool you rock in Rock Band..gotta play my daughter. HE.He. To the rest of the crew..awesome job at NWHI.I look forward to reading your Chapters. Oh whose grave was that with the Frigate Birds? Whoever it is...may they rest in peace. Oh we got Poop from Yoda again 5:30am yesterday and took it to Thea in town office. Take care ya all. Seal ya, Barbara B.
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