Saturday evening as the storm was subsiding, the communication lines went dead out here at Race Rocks. After trying all the normal fixes on my side, I was informed via cellphone that the problem lay at Pearson College. The College had lost power from some internal breakdown, and so no internet or phone line was being sent my way over the air. Once things were up and running again this morning, I was able to reestablish connection to the internet and phone lines.

Rather than submitting a log entry for each missed day, I will simply provide a summary of each day’s main events. And pictures as always!

Saturday 15 October 2016-Fierce Storm

• Day began at 7:00 with winds of 15-20 knots NE.
• 9:45 30 knots East
• 13:00 35 knots East
• 13:30 45 knots East
• 14:30 50~ knots East!
• 15:20 45 knots East, communications down.
• 16:50 communications returned.
• 17:00 30 knots East
• Around 18:30 communications down for good.
• 19:00 15 knots West
• 20:30 30 knots South-West
• One month remaining in my shift.

Sunday 16 October 2016-Pelican

• 7:00 Weather
• Visibility: 15 miles
• Wind: 10-15 knots East
• Sky: overcast
• Water: 1′ chop
• Saw a single brown pelican today!
• Failed to get a picture though.
• Branded California sea lion 8465.
• 8 elephant seals on Great Race today.
• A small group of California sea lions began sleeping on top of the e-seals.
• To my surprise the elephant seals don’t seem to mind.

Monday 17 October 2016-Peregrine Falcon!

• 7:00 Weather
• Visibility: 5 miles
• Wind: 0-5 knots East
• Sky: overcast
• Water: calm
• In the early evening a pigeon flew into a window, presumably breaking its neck.
• Immediately a Peregrine falcon swooped down to inspect its prey.
• I assume the falcon was the reason the pigeon hit the window at such a speed.
• The falcon then flew way up into the sky, before returning to make off with the meal.

Tuesday 18 October 2016-Bio-mimicry Visitors (and Alex!)

• 7:00 Weather
• Visibility: 15 miles
• Wind: 0 knots
• Sky: clear
• Water: calm
• A rainstorm appeared from about 10:00-12:00.
• A rather sunny afternoon!
• Kyle came out with Alex Fletcher and a biology group.
• The 6 visitors were studying bio-mimicry.
• How can humans improve our technology by copying successful animals?
• The organization that they are involved with is one of our donors.
• They were very interested in the sea lions, seals, and birds.
• 11 elephant seals on Great Race.
• Saw 3 brown pelicans; this time got a photo!