Christmas on the Farallones

Christmas day in the elephant seal colony

Christmas on a remote island is always going to be considerably different to a traditional one at home with family, and it was definitely true on the farallones. We were hit by 40 knot winds on Christmas eve, taking down our internet and phone connection. Our satellite phone also decided it wouldn't work, so our only form of communication was with the VHF marine radio, and I don't think the coastguard would be too happy if asked to pass on christmas greetings to family and friends. Everyone had moments of being upset that they couldn't talk to family and loved ones, but soon we admitted defeat and stopped constantly checking the connection status.

To pass the time we collected the minimum amount of biology data (a quick bird count, weather data, and the attendance and location of significant males and cows), played ping pong, poker, and ate a lot.

The team minus Sean, proud of our gingerbread house

 Although we were away from home, this didn't mean that presents weren't unwrapped. We had a selection of stocking fillers fit for a windy remote island (puzzle book, heating pads for shoes, chocolate) alongside point blue branded caps, hoodies and t-shirts.

Presents from Point Blue under the tree.

 Despite having glorious sunshine, 60 miles of visibility and 14c temperatures on Christmas day, we were blessed with the Farallon version of snow (foam and bubbles from breaking waves). The seals didn't seem that impressed by it though.

 As I wasn't too sure what to expect for Christmas dinner on an island in America, I tried not to get my hopes up. I shouldn't have worried though, as we concocted a tasty feast! We still have many leftover deserts which are slowly disappearing.

Overall, Christmas on the farallones was a lovely experience with great people, surroundings and food, although I am thankful that the internet seems to be reinstated (for now) so that I can catch up with loved ones and find out what is going on in the world!

We didn't have long to relax though, and eggnog and brandy stopped being consumed early as it was back to full-time data collection the next day. We had an exciting trip to the west-end of the island, which is uninhabited, untouched, rugged and unforgiving, which can only be reached by zipwire metres above breaking waves. I'll go into more detail about that in the next post, but for now here is a photo of two peregrine falcons fighting directly overhead.