The journey to the deep...

See:  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4903

Mmmm... 2.5 years later

How times Fly and you don't update... my PhD has taken control, now I return to Blog! This blog began because the world needed an update on, I suppose my adventures in the marine world as a whole and the wonders of the deep sea ... and I wanted to record something for posterity!

I was embarking on a cruise to the West of Ireland, by passage to Aberdeen, Orkney Islands to my right, a little further and past the outer Hebrides... to meet head on the spirit of Rockall and what lies beneath! The journey from surface to 1500 m below sea level was one of the most amazing adventures so far in my scientific career and I was humbled by the beauty of the deep and the diversity of life down there. For updates on the cruise For the JNCC Blog and footage of the deep-sea creatures see

Common dolphins on the bow

It was the noise of dolphins having a good time time that alerted the guys to their presence on the bow. The clicks were quite loud and they had an infant with them...

If you are going to the deep make sure to wear flowers in your hair...

Helena suggested to the others that if we attach flowers to the bow of the boat then good luck will ensue. So at the local Tesco, we bought some and attached them to the bow and of course, evidence is here! We bought sunflowers as well just for added effect.

Its 2 am and I’m still trying to sniff out Bill Murray…

Footage of Callanish

A brief look over the some what desolate plains of Callanish floowed by cake and coffee in the cafe overlooking the bay.

Anton with Harris Tweed, Therese and Cajsa

Day12

I guess you could say, the crew need a day out in the hills just to relieve the disappointment of equipment failing. So a look at the tourist information board decides where to go. We go to Callanish, pre-historic standing stones around 5000 years old. Archaeological excavation at the site has determined a construction period as early as 3400BC and palaeoclimatology studies have shown that the ring’s use as an astronomical observation ended around 1500BC.
They are amongst the most important in Europe. The ring of Callanish is part of a cluster of some twenty megalithic ruins within a 2 mile radius. Exactly how and why the prehistoric builders used the rings we may never know, some point at a sacred temple function as well as astronomy, however there is also a hint offered by an old legend which states Callanish to be an auspicious place to consummate a marriage…?!
Well, it did feel kind of special there…
I actually had a better time listening Dave talk geology. I have to say had great day, reminded me of home and the hills of Donegal, as we wandered around the desolate wind-swept moors.
A swim of course was next and this time Emma joined and we dived in amongst a forest of seaweed, much to the screams of the girls (including me). A seaweed known as mermaids locks was everywhere and it was kind of creepy having these strings twist and turn around your body as you swam… reminded me of invasion of the body snatchers… although I didn’t say that out loud (Helena was frightened enough I feel). Therese and I decided to sing, ‘Tequila’… just sort of happened… I wonder what tunes these prehistoric builders sang when they built the ring... mmm

Ah, we find Neil at the ferry terminal with a few locals...

We have employed Robin and Robert as Surveyors and Purveyors of good music... I have sealed the deal...yeah!