31 Dec 2014

Campbell Island New Year's Eve

Most days of the year it rains here. Today was a big one. Our party of Northwest Bay walkers set out early expecting mud and misty views and were not let down, having to navigate some swollen creeks along the way. They returned 8 hours later with grand tales and no regrets, most of the mud having been washed off by the constant rain. They estimated over 120 nesting Royal albatross were passed, with good views of the Giant Petrel chicks along the cliff ridges, numerous Snipe and the Mega herbs were in full bloom.

Our kayakers set out on an epic 20km paddle to the head of Perseverance harbour and beyond, returning all smiles with stories of sea lion encounters, caves and towering cliffs.

For the rest of the team it was a wet morning zodiac cruise for teal and the loneliest tree in the world, then after lunch up onto the Col Lyall saddle board walk. This was a chance for all to experience the wonder of Campbell Island up close and personal without getting muddy. Even the rain and mist on the saddle added a special dimension to the views. Some Southern Royals are nesting so close to the board walk, that we had to go around them. The brilliant Yellows of the Bulbinella Rossi are now making way for the new purples.

Bringing in the new year in the brisk conditions up on the top deck, with glimpses of the moon between clouds, was a fitting end to a great day with promises of blue sky in the morning!