The season is drawing to a close, and we’re completing the research for this year by recording when our study females are leaving the colony and mapping the distribution of the remaining seals. An unexpected late influx of pregnant females has produced a scatter of new pups around the ubiquitous weaners. In the next few days we’re due to weigh a selection of weaners to see how they’ll compare to weaners in previous years. We’ve already encountered a 60kg+ pup, so some of them are certainly fine. Des is also one of these – poor weather prevents an update photo, but believe me, he’s large!
Find of the day – fresh clothes in my case! Charlotte trumped my find by washing her hair, so we’re both feeling pretty clean (relatively) today. Charlotte is currently struggling to open the door because of the wind (outside) and Amelia is asleep on her feet. Paddy is festering quietly in the corner, very impressed with the observation that the knees of his trousers were steaming on return to the hut this evening.
In fresh news, the oven has seen service at last and all are still well. We also saw the aerial survey zoom by again (they’re super efficient this year) and waterproofs are leaking. The cludgie monster has been relatively well behaved and we’ve heard from Wully “Darwin” Paterson – we don’t envy you at all mate.
We miss our families of course, and pals – we’re on our way soon, clear the washing machines…… Best, L,A,C & P.