I was lucky to spend time with Christine, following her around like a baby seal learning to swim in the slow eddy of the South Seal Rocks. Together we went through some of the duties of an Ecoguardian; the log, making water, battery and solar panel maintenance, the census, how to prepare the house for a change of shift. In a day and a half of showing me the ropes, I could feel myself catching her infectious love for this place with each story-saturated task.
Brushes and squeegees in hand at the base of the energy building, she turned and offered a piece of advice that encapsulated something of both the reality and the magic of this place:
“Whatever you’re doing here, you have to be doing it 100%. Focus on one thing at a time.”
There’s near-perfect cell service and wi-fi across the rocks, and we carry a handheld VHF; but when it comes to emergencies, it might still be a while before any help can arrive. Living and working here, situational awareness is non-negotiable.
And what a delight! In a world where one is often juggling five tasks with one hand, typing twenty-three replies with the other while three different media streams play in each ear, it’s a relief to focus entirely for a moment on the placement of my rubber boot on a ladder rung. Standing on the roof in the morning sun and stiff sea breeze, surrounded by a symphony of gulls and sea lions, it’s not hard to enjoy being fully present. (Also, this would be a rather inconvenient spot to break an ankle.)
Wildlife
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- A visiting gull on the southeast shore. It looks to me to be a California gull, based on the dark eyes, black wingtips and distinctive yellow legs.
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- These two glaucous-winged gull chicks typically hang out in the main doorway to the eco guardian house. We’re becoming well acquainted, as they never seem to be in much of a hurry while I wait for them to move aside.
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- The sea lions are moving in! Before long they’ll be everywhere but for now they’re mostly sticking to the south islands and a few spots near the jetty.
Facility Work
– Daily water sample
– Topped up batteries
– Gathered final monthly report figures
– Cleaned Ecoguardian living space
Vessels
– Ecotourism: 16
– Private: 2
Weather
Sunny. Mostly westerly wind, increasing from 10 to 31 knots by early evening. Temperature from 12 to 18.4 degrees.