h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

3rd April 2004

Eight young Whooping Cranes are heading back to Wisconsin from Florida, and the "Save the Albatross" yacht English Rose VI has been becalmed in the South Atlantic.

We are waiting for the other eight Whooping Cranes to follow, all the birds from previous years having already returned, proving that microlight "parents" are brilliant.The new chicks for the 2004 migration will be hatching soon, so the new wild flock is growing apace.

I spoke to John and Marie Christine Ridgway, on the yacht, by satellite phone yesterday, and the breeze had got up again and they were flying! They have a deadline to present their Save the Albatross Petition - in Rome on the 24th June, so they need to get a wriggle on. They could use their motor, but I expect they are saving their fuel for emergencies, or a last minute dash.

It still seems strange to be able to talk to someone on a yacht in the middle of the South Atlantic, and hear them as clearly as if they were down the road!

It seems a world away, doesn't it? I'm not sure if I could handle days upon days at sea, battling against the waves and the wind. Do you know John and Marie Christine personnally? Send my regards to them.

Woodpigeon

Hi, Woodpigeon,

No I don't know them personally but I have followed his exploits since 1966 when he rowed the Atlantic with Chay Blythe in a little boat! It fascinated me, and I have watched his exploits ever since. I will give them your regards if I speak to them again. They are whizzing along at the moment, and that deadline is SO important. Did you sign the Petition? I do hope so. Every signature counts so if you have any friends or colleagues who would sign PLEASE ask them.

This is more important that just Albatrosses. If something isn't done soon we shall see our seas dying. You and I both live on islands so we know how important the seas are to us, but many people are ignorant of what is happening.

I am also a fan of the BT Global Challenge Round the World Yacht Race. I followed the last one on the Net and I am looking forward to it starting again in October (I think). If they do the daily logs of all the participants as they did last time it really shows what life on board is like, especially as many of them are new to sailing!

Good to hear from you again. Websailor

PS. My son has resigned and is much happier for it. Actively looking for work temping as a stop gap.

Serendipity! I just saw this come through on the BBC Ticker!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3596313.stm

Where do you sign?

I just delivered a speech over the weekend on our coastline, why it is a wonderful, neglected place, and why we are in danger of destroying it. I will put it up in a guide entry during the next day or two.

Take care,

Woodpigeon

Traveller in Time on his head
"Sign on the wesite of Forest and bird, Carol Knutson prepared it for the petition.

(Follow me to my personal space. A direct link is right on top.)"

Hi, Woodpigeon,

Sign here:
http://www.forest-bird.org.nz/petition/index.asp

Lots of info. on the site too.

Look forward to reading your speech.

Websailor

Hi Websailor,

At last I have had a chance to post the speech. Its at A2513459. I only had 5 minutes to deliver it, thus its brevity.

Woodpigeon

Read your speech, and I have responded to your Guide entry.

Excellent piece of writing . We must be slightly on the same wavelength as you quoted the same song I use!! "Pave paradise and put up a parking lot " and all that!

Look forward to more in the future.

Websailor

Woodpigeon,

Thanks for the BBC link. I knew it had been ratified but haven't had time to look for written confirmation. That was just what I needed.

Websailor