Search for the Shy Albatross Day 15 : 31-08-2015

Up at the crack of dawn and a met with a slightly frosty life jacket! It was an especially cold night because there was no wind or clouds. I paddled around Cape Keraudren at low tide and was surprised to have a ripping current cutting towards the north west. It lumped and bumped me out to sea but with a clean westerly run at Albatross Island. I approached about 10am and again had to battle a tidal race pushing past the island. But in close it dropped out and the tide crept up to full. I did a circumnavigation before floating under the eastern cliffs. The albatross were taking turns launching off the high cliffs with wings outstretched. There was also a white bellied sea eagle, several fur seals, 3 sooty oystercatchers and a handful of silver gulls. 

Turning to head back to Hunter Island the wind dropped out completely and I paddled in silence. A pod of dolphins and a couple more seals broke the surface but otherwise it was silky smooth. As I came in to Cuvier Bay a strong tidal steam popped up with churning boils and cascading little waves. Just like being in a river. It pushed me quickly down the coast and I settled on a campsite in a narrow gulch facing north. I'm calling it Dead Cow Bay. On the rocks I found a large buoy with a rubber tail and some broken electronics. I'm guessing it was a scientific device but not sure. Anyone recognise it? More variable winds tomorrow and I'm heading south to the bottom of Hunter.

T-shirt winner:

April, posting under Anita, who provided some great information on dolphins.