Just a quick post, as dinner is in the oven, but already late because I've been working on environmental projects for my office, (yes, I know I'm still on holiday!)
Anyway, having spent the last week helping out back in GT, thought it only fair to share my glee.
Arrived Sunday evening, completely dazed - was I really back in Gardenstown? I'd kinda' convinced myself last years experience was all a dream.
Monday - What a glorious Monday, baking hot, seals at Fraserburgh, and the longest most scenic drive to the supermarket imaginable - if you forget ought, you certainly just go without it! Quick rundown on the next team, 4 from America, 1 from Henley on Thames. The usual devoted team of staff, fixing and cleaning the land rover, running repairs and maintenance on the boats. But most of all, we wait to meet the new team - for whom there is much to do.
What a fantastic bunch! Jackie, Caroline, Lucas, Chloe and Mackenzie - Mackenzie is quickly re-named Zeezee - which suits her grand!
The rest is a blur of intro presentations, suit fitting (Oh, how I looooove those new suits - and the woolly bears, ooohh!) question asking, more questions - we wanna see dolphins, we wanna see minke, we wanna see porpoise, seals, puffins, herons, gannets .......... Think they've forgotten they only have 11 days, not the whole summer! The thirst for knowledge and encounters was fantastic. We laughed 'til we ached, ate 'til we burst, and some drank 'til they almost fell down! (I mention no names!)
First day out on the boat, it seems like we're hardly out of Whitehills and there's my minke! Minke Minke Minke! I was convinced I wouldn't see one because of the weather forecast. Sooo big, and then Kev says it's juvenile! You can read the facts and figures, but when you see them - nothing can prepare you for their presence. How do they roll, turn, blow, strike, how do they propel that huge body? Power and grace beyond belief. Everyone is so happy, but that's not to be it - dolphins, dolphins, dolphins - they're everywhere, so spread out, leaping, chasing us, riding along side us - "count, count" - "start counting again". Kevin recognises every one of them by eye, I can hardly write their identification numbers down as fast as he spots them. The joy on his face as he makes more confirmations for this season that individuals, and babies, have survived the winter. I truly believe he is as relieved as I am when my teenagers arrive home at 3am.
We had two days like this, PLEASE POST SOME OF THE PICTURES GUYS!
I could go on and on - but dinner is spoilt now - and kids are moaning, all I must say is a massive massive THANK YOU to the volunteer team, it was fantastic working with you guys, and I do hope our paths cross again.
PLEASE post your news for the rest of the week, use the comments tab on this post if you like, and lots of pics for everyone to share in - we've got to get through being back in the office somehow! Remember, Pine says Dolphin Assisted Therapy should consist of friends spotting dolphins, sharing the news, which spreads the joy!
I'll post again soon, but guys - come on, what did today bring?!
Bev
