05 Mar 2016

Lonely on Campbell

We arrived off Campbell Island during the early hours and those wanting to climb Mt Honey went ashore at 0645. Unfortunately the cloud came in which prevented them getting to the summit but they enjoyed getting some exercise all the same. They saw a few Sea Lions, New Zealand Pipits, Campbell Island Teal and some nesting Southern Royal Albatross (one of which was sitting on a chick). To avoid getting cold after abandoning the Mt Honey climb early, they decided to walk around to Camp Cove to visit the ‘loneliest tree in the world’ where they were picked up by Zodiacs. Those who wanted to trudge a little further through the mud walked on to Tucker Cove. The rest of the group took a Zodiac cruise around the bays accompanied by curious Sea Lions and were enchanted by a baby Sea Lion resting alone under a waterfall. They too visited the tree and saw the old coal range left standing all alone in a boggy marsh. It too must be feeling pretty lonely without humans using it to prepare food any more.

We hauled anchor around 1500 as the winds had strengthened to such an extent that it was safer to cruise up and down the coastline than risk it dragging. Hopefully conditions will improve so we can offer more landings tomorrow.