Sunday 24 August 2008

Sub Antarctic Fur Seal

GPP Steet Team Crusade - Pay It Forward #2

If you haven't been to Michelle Ward's website, it is a must! So far (as at 21st August) 612 pink socks have been received! Oh how I would love to be at the hospital when the socks arrive!

Received another call this morning that there was a stranded dolphin at Gerroa, approximately 20mins from my place .... When I arrived found that is was in fact a seal.... a wonderful male Sub Antarctic Fur Seal.

So, another glorious day spent out in the sun on a beautiful beach with a majestic creature.

I was also lucky to encounter some more generous people who waited for me to arrive, took me to the seal, offered to stay with me and others who offered to go and get food and drink!

This guy had hauled out onto the sand and was resting. No injuries were observed and he seemed to be content sunning himself. He was just above the tide mark and everytime the waves would move up, he would move relocate up the beach a little further.

Here he is yawning.... and just look at his amazing whiskers!

Once again, this is a popular stretch of beach with many walkers and although it is not a dog friendly beach, there are still plenty of dogs off the leash!

On the way back to the car I came across another heart shaped shell - a symbol of the generosity of the people I come across!

Tuesday 5 August 2008

GPP Steet Team Crusade #22 Pay It Forward

In this month's crusade, Michelle asked everyone to think creatively. Michelle asked us to think about what we are grateful for - a kindness that has been directed our way, and to think about how we can honour that kindness by paying it forward to someone else.

Michelle recently lost her younger Sister Shannon. Michelle asked for readers of her blog to send her 65 pink socks which she would send to the nurses who cared for Shannon.

You may be asking why "65"- A little boy who could not pronounce his sibling's condition, Cystic Fibrosis, called it "65 Roses". Go and check out Michelle's website - at last count (13th August) there were 434 pair of socks from around the globe!


As some of you know, I'm involved in a marine mammal research and rescue group called ORRCA.



On Saturday I received a call asking me to investigate a fur seal that had hauled out on a beach on the South Coast. So, off down south for a lovely hours drive. Took me a while to find the little one who had apparently been chased up the beach by some dogs! He/she is presently in care.

Sometimes you may search for hours and never find the animal you have been sent to look for, so it is important to remember that if you ever find any wildlife to give as many details as to it's location as possible to the rescue organisation.

So you may be thinking what has this got to do with the Street Team, right? Well, I am constantly amazed by the wonderful people that I meet doing this volunteer work.

I couldn't tell you just how many people came back down to the beach during the day to check on the little seal and also to check whether I wanted anything such as food or drink.

I like to think that I am doing my bit for the animals and at the same time teaching people a little about our marine mammals too.

I've also sent off a little gift to a dear friend just because.... but cannot say too much as I don't want to spill the beans in case she reads this blog! lol

The weather on Saturday was fabulous and when there were no people or dogs around I managed to take some pics. (Some I had taken earlier prior to finding the seal pup .... when I was looking for him on the rocks he had been reported to be on.... well, a rock..... just my luck there were hundreds!)



Great crusade Michelle xoxo