2-15-11 DB Dailies

I was on it dark and early as usual, and the #1 priority was finding RIP and getting the NOAA team response underway. A telephone conversation with Sean established that 1030 would be the cut off time for any response started, since team members had other commitments in the afternoon.

At 0828, Duke hauled out to the 3BS on Rabbit Island.

At 0842, Mojo hauled out to Seal Rock Inlet.

At 1024, Sadie hauled out 100 ft right of 3BS.

Ya' just knew it would happen...... Sean and I were talking at 1030 and another animal was beginning to move out of the water. Sean was calling to say the response window for today was over. At 1040 the new arrival hauled out 130 ft right of 3BS, and at 1049 I got the RIP ID. Toooo later a'ready !! As it turned out it was academic anyway. Both RIP and Mojo spent the entire day snoozin' out on the water front rock flats, so no capture would have been possible anyway, since critters must be on sand before there is any contact, by NOAA folk.

What was equally distressing was the fact that after an entire day of intently watching RIP, he NEVER showed me the left side of his mouth. The only thing I can say is that once again today his behavior was completely normal, and there was zero sign of any distress whatsoever.

A 1638 conversation with Team Billand advised that they found Nobody/Nowhere today, a rare occurrance in deed.  AWWW... but I bet Team Billand going to be psyched about Maka'iwi and A50.

I neglected to add a bit of news from Lesley , received yesterday. She had apparently been in contact with Charles who advises that Ua Malie's transmitter is no longer functioning. I hope the girl is happy and well in the Kahuku area, but its gonna' take so trekkin' to find her.

Wow !!! A 1730 telephone conversation with Tracy, calling from the wilds of Molokai , brought some grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat news. Tracy & Mark along with their trusty guide Diane Pike, and some poor mainland folks who probably won't do THAT again, were on a West Molokai adventure and found 13 animals. Two of those critters are going to come as surprise . They found RA50 of Shark's Cove fame, annnnnnnnnnnnd .............. MAKAIW! !!! Yep... just a few days ago she was seen on Maui and today its Molokai. Coming Home ?????? I LOVE LOVE LOVE we have this little network of communication... so cool to know what is going on with these animals when they not snoozing in your area. Between interisland people network and the reports coming in from iCharles... I've learned a lot about these critters. Puts a big smile on my face.

RIP and Mojo 

 Sadie, RIP and Mojo