25 June 2008

June 23: Boat Trip to Bird Paradise

Off the southwestern coast of Ireland there are two islands, known as skelligs, which house enormous numbers of crazy birds. I was very excited to see puffins for the first time (in the wild) and two seals. We took a boat ride from our town of Ballinskelligs to the first island: a crazy rock outcropping that is covered in thousands of birds and all of their droppings. The smell alone is enough to send you far away. We circled that island and then headed to the larger skellig where we were able to climb to the top to view the ruins of what must have been a very peaceful monastery (except for the regular screeches of the birds who live there). I struggled against seasickness on the boat, but the trip was totally worth it. The sun came out and it was a gorgeous day.

Our boat to the skelligs was called Naughty Lady.

Jen and Alita on the boat.

The view of the Irish coast from the boat.

This first skellig is covered with birds. Everything white is either a bird or bird droppings.




A seal! This seal was trying to keep an eye on its mate who was in the water, scared of the boat.

The larger island.

When we landed, we all (especially me) needed a break from the tossing of the boat. Stef entertained us with her explanations about birds.

We walked up approximately 600 steps to reach the top of the island (Nina counted the steps.)

The view from the top of the Grand Skellig.



There were puffins everywhere! I love them!


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