Search for the Shy Albatross Day 3 : 19-08-2015

Before sunrise, which is about 7am, I lay listening to the sounds outside. There weren't many, the "two-wit" of the pied oyster catchers saying their hellos and not much else. Ah, no wind I thought, happy that the forecast was correct. John Hammond and extended family farm wagyu beef on Robbins Island and I've been in touch to let them know I'd be in the area. John was on the phone to let me know it'd be okay to use a shack on Walker Island, just off the northern tip of Robbins. From North Point it was almost due west across Perkins Bay for about 15 kilometres to hit the south east corner of Robbins. Even on a good weather day it's a big deal to leave the relative safety of the shoreline and head offshore. Extra precautions should be taken. I checked the PLB (personal location beacon) was in my life jacket and that I could see the deck compass. I put an extra muesli bar in the day hatch and filled up the camelbak. 

The tide was low so it was a drag and three carries with bags to load the kayak at the waterline across the rocks. Dr Eric would be interested to know that there were 2 red capped plovers on the beach just before I left too. On the water our first confirmed Shy Albatross flew past at eye level, the smear of dark eye shadow positively identifying it. Woo-hoo, getting closer to Albatross Island. Closing in on Robbins a small pod of dolphins were cruising past- Dr Rach asked me to report all whales and dolphins. On the long eastern beach it was so calm I could paddle within meters of the sand and counted 6 hooded plovers and a couple of wagyu cows. I've taken up John's generous offer of accommodation on Walker Island and might be here a few nights if the strong northerlies come in as predicted.

Todays t-shirt winner:

Dr. Salmon for their assistance in identifying the bird print in yesterdays post.