Day 2 - Protocols and Beer
We started our second day of the expedition by running through the protocols for our research. As well as our team leader's honours projects, we are also carrying out data collection for the university, so we had a lot to cover. In total, we ran through protocols concerning: camera drops, eDNA, epifauna, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and scallop larvae. Since we have to carry out all of our data collection from the boat, it was essential for us to get used to the protocols on land so we were all on the same page. Thankfully, it was dry.
Running through protocols at camp
Once we had fully familiarised ourselves with the equipment and methods, we packed the car and headed down to Kyleakin pontoon to meet our skipper, Martin, and his boat, Ailsa. We also met Kyla who is our liaison from the seaweed farm. On the boat we ran Martin and Kyla through our plans and decided on the best times to do each part of the research. Based on weather and wind patterns, we agreed to take the boat out on Tuesday and Thursday.
However, the highlight of our time at Kyleakin pontoon, was Kyla's dog, Saffy. While the rest of us were packing up the equipment and ensuring we were prepared for the next day, Lewis and Saffy became best of friends (right).
Next, we headed back to camp for lunch and had a chance to use our sandwich wraps donated to the expedition by A Slice Of Green. They were brilliant and significantly reduced our washing up, which was a relief for Lois and Kerry who were on washing up duty.
Kyla was kind enough to offer us a gazebo, to provide shelter in the campsite and allow us to be protected from the elements while using chemicals and scientific instruments. As a result, we picked it up from her in Plockton and got to spend some down time in the local beach-side pub. The views were magnificent (right) and we had the chance to try a local beer. We also snapped our first group photo!
The team in Plockton, left to right: Kerry, Lewis, Jennifer, Mike, Dylan, Lois
That evening we demonstrated textbook team work skills: we sorted the equipment, replied to emails, made a fire, put up the gazebo, AND cooked an amazing dinner! Jennifer and Lewis whipped up a feast of tacos which we ate by the open fire. We watched a gorgeous sun set and headed to bed, ready for a big day on the boat.
Day 3 - Big Day On The Boat
Today was the day we had been preparing for! The first day collecting samples on the boat! We focused on scallop larvae, zooplankton, eDNA, and phytoplankton drops, so that on Thursday we can do camera drops. Dylan, Mike, and Lewis headed off bright and early to meet the skipper Martin at the pontoon while Kerry, Jennifer, and Lois remained at camp sorting out the other equipment. Towards midday, they ventured down to the sea front (right) and peered into a few rock pools on the hunt for interesting marine life. Instead, they saw a couple of sheep and steered well clear of a field's resident bull.
The boys on the boat were based just off of Scalpay (right) and were lucky enough to have good weather. Despite the blustery winds and slightly choppy water, the rain held off until lunch time, when Kerry and Jennifer met the boat to take over the sample collections for the rest of the day. Mike and Dylan were naturals on the water and really enjoyed themselves. They headed back to camp and rested their weary limbs, gearing themselves up to cook a stir fry dinner.
"Once we completed the first drop, we were like a well oiled machine." - Mike
By the time Kerry, Jennifer, and Lewis reached the drop sites just off of Pabay (above), the wind had picked up and the rain was well and truly underway. Despite this, they kept their spirits up and managed to collect all their samples before the skipper decided it was best to turn back. The journey back to the pontoon took them under the Skye Bridge and despite the slightly miserable conditions, it was a great experience. All three of them had a great time and Lewis said that eating his lunch on the boat made him feel like a real fisherman. He definitely looked the part!
"It felt natural working on the boat" - Lewis
On the boat, right to left: Lewis, Kerry and Lewis, Lewis
On their return to camp, Jennifer, Kerry, and Lois discovered that their tent was suffering in the bad weather. Due to overall strain, the tent was dripping all over, clothes were soggy, and both Kerry and Jennifer's beds were soaking wet. But not to worry! The campsite had a tumble drier that got their essential items dry and warm in no time and they were offered the campsite owner's storage caravan, which they gratefully accepted. The boys settled down for the night in their dry tent, Lois got comfortable on her camp bed, and Jennifer and Kerry settled down with blankets and a pillow in the storage caravan, warm and dry.
We had a great day collecting our samples on the boat, Mike and Dylan made an excellent veggie stir fry, and the whole team is tucked up warm in bed, ready to face whatever tomorrow throws our way.
Best wishes from slightly soggy but otherwise happy chappies,
The Seaweed Team
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