Last year when we flew to Midway, the team left Honolulu around 3:00 in the afternoon and arrived at Midway around 8:30 that night Midway time. Midway is an hour behind Hawaii and also in the last time zone to celebrate New Year. This year, we flew over in a jet and the flight only took about 3 hours. Sounds pretty easy doesn’t it. Well try flying out at 12:30 in the morning and not getting to bed until 3:30 Midway time. I had gotten up at 8:00 the morning of our departure and was well worn out before we even took off. I just can’t do those all nighters any more unless I got up at maybe 3:00 in the afternoon. I’m also possibly the next to the youngest person in the crew. David, my team member from last year came again this year. He’s in his early 20′s and totally messes up the demographic. It’s a good thing, we need a little young blood to keep us moving.
I slept well but just a short time. Missed breakfast, but was still able to get a Thai omelet from the kitchen. Then I took a nice stroll along the beach to look for marine debris to perhaps make another winning ornament for the tree. Lots of stuff for inspiration. Still forming an idea in my head. Walking the beach is always a fulfilling event.
Albatross and rainbow
Today I was greeted with a rainbow. I don’t remember seeing a rainbow last year. At the end of the beach, I discovered that the island has been eroded away quite a bit. Just shows how fragile these islands are.
Beth Flint FWS biologist explains reasons for the albatross nest count.
We started training the newbies today. Tomorrow, we’ll be put into our groups and start the serious work of counting. We did do a sector today and had to work through the confusions of first time counting. It’s not that hard but it’s an odd concept. Timing is very important and a team whose counting speed is very similar makes for a good group. Sometimes people get switched for team to team a couple of times. We’re always adjusting to make the work go smoothly.
Naupaka roots exposed by the sea
Laysan Duck enjoying a puddle bath.
It’s great to see new pics from there! Such a beautiful place. I love those sky-blue and sea-green colors. That Laysan Duck looks like its pointing “that way, they went that way!”
Payne just came out from sleeping somewhere, talking up a storm. I told him I spoke to you on the phone. He wasn’t impressed. Oh well. I’ll do my best to keep him happy while you are gone.
Yup – so awesome to see your fantastic images. I look forward to more! Have fun (after you catch up on your sleep).
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