Weaner Madness Monday

The Isle seems really quiet compared with last year; it seems like many of the seals pupped earlier in the season, and there are already troops of weaners parading around.  I sat down to record a few of my study animals, alone, and fifeteen minutes later I turn around to find myself surrounded by 6 weaners.  One was especially curious and made sure he was able to come and give an interview.  Though I am a bit concerned; he came up and sat with me for awhile, but as soon as he took a wiff of me he turned tail and ran.  Perhaps a shower is in order, or perhaps I should be flattered I don't smell of ode de grey seal. 

Back to the Isle of May

Was a little bit delayed by the weather, but have now made it out to the May.  A fresh group of lovely seal pups awaits.  Just got a brief hunt around my favorite spots today, and found a few brand new pups (such as the lovely baby crying up top for his mom) ripe for my research.  Should be a fun month!!!

Hapy Bonfire Night!!!

Marc and I celebrated with skylanterns (eco friendly ones made of balsawood that burn out before landing)

Halloween MCMexpo

For Halloween this year Marc and I went to our first comic con, the MCM expo in London.  We dressed up in a steampunk theme with a group of the vet students, Marc going as steampunk jesus.  He spent the day trying bless people, change water into wine.....he enjoyed it just a bit to much.

It was great seeing all the people dressed up, there were some fantastic costumes.  But unbelievably crowded, you couldn't move in some places.  I don't think either of us a super excited to go to another con anytime soon, at least not in London.

Hot Springs and Blue Lagoon, snorkling the silfra

Iceland is very well known for its geothermal activity.  On top of the power benefits, the hot springs are delightful.  Enjoying 30-40 degree C water when the air temperature is between -2 and 2 is great.  Getting in is a bit chilly, but once your in your toasty to the core.  Afterwards warm for hours.

 A little chillier, we went snorkling in the Silfra. Where the eurasian and north american tectonic plates meet, and have started to pull apart, the water is crystal clear.  Water was 1-2 degrees, but our dry suits were nice and warm.  And they were filming for Thor 2 while we were there! 

Sorry for all the posts, but Iceland was an amazing trip, everything was so beautiful.  It was like a living postcard everywhere you looked.  This is such a small selection of my favourite photos, I took hundreds and hundreds of photos.  I highly recommend a visit!!!

Glaciers

Hvannadalshnukur is the largest glacier in Iceland, and sits ontop of an active volcano.  Some of icelands volcanoes are of no concern; described as tourist volcanoes with an on and off button.  But if this were to erupt, it would cause mass devestation with extra loads of ash, flying icebergs, and flooding.  Last big eruption was in the 1700’s…they are due for another.

The highlight of the whole trip was going to one of the exits of the glacier…a lagoon where small chunks float out to the ocean.  It is breath taking!!!  Crystal clear water, sculptures of ice, and black sand beaches.  And we even saw some seals playing in the lagoon!  It is hard to tell, but I think they were harbour seals.

Black sand beaches

Due to all the volcanic activity, the beaches are black