Scillies - Puketastic!!

Friday 17th August 2012

As we boarded the Scillonian III, we were informed by the check-in office that the crossing was going to be rough and they weren't wrong.

As soon as we sailed out of the harbour we spotted our first Common Terns closely followed by an Arctic Skua.  Further out, we came across our first Bonxie and then mid voyage several Storm Petrols accompanied us for a while.  Unfortunately, by that time, my birder's wife and the Capt had retreated inside, both feeling quite queasy.  I have to admit, it was not an easy crosssing and I think everyone was pleased to see St Mary's.

However, our sea faring for the day was not over as we had a 5 hour pelagic trip ahead of us.  Despite the excitement of the possibility of seeing Shearwaters and Petrols, the sea was rocking and rolling far too much and before long about 75% of the ship, including myself were saying hello to their stomach linings.  Unfortunately, most of us were just too ill to enjoy the close views we had of two resplendent Sabine Gulls, close views of Storm Petrols, Bonxies and a single Manx Shearwater.