Saturday 28 November 2009

The tempest is coming

Not a care in the world - a Grey Seal pup on the Farnes







Saturday 28th November comments:
It’s been a whirlwind 24hours as the seas have calmed, we’ve been to the mainland and life now goes on as normal on the Farnes. Its now back to the real business of monitoring the Grey Seal population and living on the islands for another week at least…

I’ve now been on the islands for nine years and part of the job appeal is being part of the local Seahouses community and today was such a welcome ‘home’, as people greeted and welcomed our return to the mainland. During the season, I can’t walk down the main street without someone asking how the seabirds, seals or wardens are coping on the islands and today was no different. I should also thank those who sent messages of support – where out of the troubles and it was great to know people cared for our wellbeing. However this is the Farnes, its back to work, we’ve got a job to do.

So we’re stocked up again – thanks to William Shiel for supplies of water/gas/fuel (and the shower wasn’t bad either). The wind is going to return and the shipping forecast flashed a warning…

Forties, Cromarty, Forth, Tyne, Dogger: Becoming cyclonic in southeast Dogger later, otherwise mainly northerly or northeasterly 5 or 6 increasing 6 to gale 8, perhaps severe gale 9 later except in Cromarty. Rough or very rough.

This will be big, it’s got the entire North Sea to cross and the Grey Seals will have some problems. How bad things will get for them is anyone’s guess, I’ll keep you posted but fear the worst… the tempest is coming.

5 comments:

Mark said...

good to hear your still in one piece mate....We might be down in your neck of the woods around xmas and new year, so if you fancy a spot of tea and cake I'll give you a bell.

kezia said...

So pleased you are okay David and you now have supplies (and have had a shower I got a whiff down south !!) , so we can worry less about you and now our worries turn to thoses little babies , there is nothing anyone can do I guess except just wait and see what happens but I do feel for those little ones and their mums what a awful start to life , some will lose there lives and many mums will be distressed but we go back to nature and we all know in these times it can be very cruel . Take care in the next few days , eat well xx

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Ash said...

My sentiments entirely.

Oof! That 's a proper storm. Looks pretty brutal on monday as well, good luck with the seawatching.

MinsmereMothMan said...

Here's hoping for a late Pallas's or two (perhaps that's what the Chinese fellow said!).