And just when we were all starting to go a bit crazy from the isolation (you know, trying to talk bird language, making friends with prion chicks, that kind of thing), help arrived! A whole ship full of fellow bird-lovers anchored off Three Amigos Point, bringing civilisation and hot water!!! And we didn’t have to light fires (we can’t here, it’s a reserve) and wave flags from the beach to get their attention. Rodney Russ from the Spirit of Enderby called Melanie on the radio (I told you they were civilised). Rodney picked us up in his small boat (we had to leap from the rocks), showered and fed us and let us sleep the night in the warmth of the ship.
Pacific mollymawk
The best thing? (apart from the tiramisu and the lovely company, that is) The Pacific mollymawks! These beautiful birds were gliding all around the ship. They are a small albatross with a wingspan of around five or six feet (1.5 - 2 metres). They don’t come near our island usually, but they like to follow boats, especially when sailors are catching cod on the back deck. (Thanks again, Rodney and crew, for the hospitality, hot water and the bananas!)
For Sophie and Mel and friends - I wish for you: more visitors, gallons of hot water - and fewer, smaller spiders in your trousers. With love from Jo and matthew.
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