Thank you team

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Farnes Team 2010
happy and proud - Senior warden Jason

Having a funny Tern - Graeme

Friends? Jamie admiring the local wildlife
Raising money for 'Movember' - David
And just having a laugh...the lads
Wednesday 14th December comments:
The season may be over but I've still got plenty to update you all on. A good starting point would be the team - we've been out there since early March and we've welcomed over 45,000 visitors, 183 different bird species, 80,000 breeding seabirds and not forgetting over 1,400 Seal pups. We've had our 'up's and down's along the way, but a big THANK YOU to all the team for another good year - I hope you all enjoyed and you'll all remember the Farnes - its an amazing place but made even better by the people who take care of it. I wish everyone luck and hopefully some of you will return for another year on the islands. So from this head warden, thank-you and enjoy the winter.

Off!

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Second-coat Seal pup checking we're going...
The move is on

Arrival in Seahouses

Seahouses Harbour like you never seen before - snow galore!
Monday 6th December comments:
What an epic. Little did we ever imagine that we would be leaving the islands for the winter in heavy snow! The final few weeks have been cold and bitter at times although we’ve got on with the job and even managed to find some interesting birds – the Stone Curlew was the most outrageous!

Departure day finally arrived on Saturday and as usual, Brownsman was evacuated and everything and everyone was moved to the jetties awaiting the final boat to take us west, to the mainland. The season has had its moments, the ups and the downs, the good and the bad, but at long last, we were leaving.

Having dodged the Grey Seals, the boat arrived on time to collect us and away we went to the frozen wasteland that was the mainland. I’ve never seen snow in Seahouses harbour and the place was covered, so it made life a bit harder but soon the team were in action, moving equipment, sorting recycling and storing boats for the winter.
Eventually the dust (well snow) settled and the team relaxed to celebrate into the small hours of Sunday morning in Seahouses. The season is over and the wardens have gone. Long live the Farnes.

However that not the end of the story. Keep reading as I’ll bring a team roundup, a seal roundup and much more very soon.

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me…

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Pure brilliance - a sketch sent over by John Steele capturing the moment
Snapping from Brownsman - Stone Curlew (honest!!) on South Wamses (Graeme Duncan)
Wardens in action, Jason and Steely taking shelter (Graeme Duncan)
Wednesday 1st December comments: We see some strange and wonderful things out on the Farnes, but today even made the most optimistic warden gasp in disbelief.
Picture the scene; a cold icy easterly wind blowing for the umpteenth day, snow blizzards coming and going, solid icy ground and marauding Grey Seals on Brownsman. Welcome to 1st December.
So why, oh why did we have a Stone Curlew arrive on the islands?
Stone Curlews breed in southern England in small numbers and usually migrate out of the country by late autumn. The species is a real rarity to Northumberland and the last Farnes record dates back to 1950 when an individual was killed against the Longstone Lighthouse.
This morning resident warden Jason flushed a bird from the vegetable garden on Brownsman, which flew over to the nearby South Wamses. There it remained, amongst Grey Seals on a shingle bank for the majority of the day, much to the delight of the island warden team. What a crazy bird. This bird should be nowhere near the Farnes, or Northumberland, or the North-east come to think about it. We’ll never know where this has come from, but the weird world of the Farnes continues to throw up surprises. Now how does that song go…on the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me….a Stone Curlew on a seal beach…

Snow pups

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Looking west towards the mainland - Bamburgh Castle covered in snow
(Graeme Duncan)
A new born pup in the snow (Graeme Duncan)
Moulting pup in the snow (Jason Moss)
Sunday 27th November comments: You know its cold when the beach freezes. Not only that, snow forms. Its that cold. The north-east has been blasted with arctic winds bringing plenty of the white stuff with it and we’ve not escaped. The Seals have been covered, the islands dusted and the wardens are cold (but happy!).
So what’s it like on the Farnes at this time of year? Well today we ventured over to Inner Farne to finally 'close' that particular island down. In the process, we were caught in a blizzard but we survived and got on with work. We also checked out the new born Seal pups on the inner group before eventually heading back to Brownsman. We finished the day by moving various bits of equipment from the cottage to the jetty, which is no easy feat with several adult Seals and pups along the route (never mind the freezing conditions). Regardless we made it back to the cottage just before dark to settle down for the evening.
So how cold was it? Well my right hand needed warm water pouring over it before it would open – painful and cold and maybe we pushed it a bit today but mission accomplished. Now we can settle down on Brownsman and get back to the Seal colonies, in the snow...

Woody

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Farnes seventh record - a Woodlark on Inner Farne (Ian Fisher)
Looking a bit wet, Woodlark showing well (Ian Fisher)

Woodlark (Ian Fisher)

A lingering Black Guillemot (Graeme Duncan)
A good autumn for Common Redpolls on the islands (Ian Fisher)
Sunday 21st November comments:
It’s the late autumn and we’re still on the islands. We’ve got just over two weeks remaining before we head back to the mainland for the winter but before then, we’ve got a job to do. The stormy season is truly upon us and trips to the mainland have become few and far between. However this isn’t anything new at this time of year and we’ll focus on the Grey Seal colonies over the next few weeks before we eventually move off.
The past week has been generally quiet for birds although Auks have been the noticeable exception. Good numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills have returned to Farnes waters whilst Little Auks are being recorded daily, with at least one Black Guillemot lingering.
Friday witnessed a flurry of migrants as easterly winds produced late passage with the pick of the bunch involving a confiding Woodlark, representing the seventh Farnes record. The bird showed well on Saturday for an admiring group of keen Northumberland birders and at one stage, came within 8ft of the admiring crowd! The bird appeared to be reacting to a camera shutter lenses and once in position at the feet of the birders, decided to start singing in ‘sub-song’! Yet another strange and wonderful visitor to these extraordinary islands.
Other birds of note included several Common Redpolls (it’s been a good autumn for them) along with both Short-eared and Long-eared Owls. Also of note was three late Chiffchaffs, a scattering of Woodcock and reasonable numbers of Thrushes moving west towards the mainland. The Seal colonies continue to go from strength, with over 1,000 pups although I’ll bring you all the news and updates over the next few days. The winter is almost upon us and you don’t need to remind us out here – its definitely cold!!!

Seal days

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A Seal pup on Brownsman with Longstone in background (David Andrews)
You looking at me? Seal pup up close (Graeme Duncan)

Thursday 25th November comments: It’s been an interesting time for the Grey Seals on the islands as unlike the previous year, we’ve had some serious storms from the north and east (bringing with it, some huge swell). As well as cold temperatures (not that Seals are bothered about cold temperatures!) but the seas have been mountainous. Although its early days, we’ve certainly lost Seal pups but we expect that on these small rocky islands, as nature can be a cruel mistress.
Despite the weather (ranging from biting northerly winds to sleet and hail), the team have got on with work and we've been active on the colonies. At one point, we took shelter behind a rock face from a sleet storm and were joined by two Seal pups - we couldn't blame them, its was horrendous. Regardless we;'re still not finished and I would not be surprised if we even got snow over the next few days, its that cold!

Latest pup populations…

South Wamses 389
Staple Island 327
Brownsman 296
North Wamses 269
Northern Hares 31
Big Harcar 3
Longstone 1
Total 1,276

Half Crown Island

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half-crown-island-1There are not shortage of private islands resorts, however it is rare to have the opportunity to purchase a unique private island resort in North America.  In the far north country of Quebec, where the evergreens stretch tall and crystal clear waters shimmer beneath a glorious blue sky, lies half crown island.

More than a private resort, this enchanted locale is designed to feel like home. Here are the details according to Private Islands Online.

Five Cabins

Main House •Approximately 4,000 square feet •Sleeps four •Two bedrooms, 2.5 baths •Large kitchen with Garland commercial stove, dining and sitting areas •Butler’s pantry •Large formal dining room with fireplace, seats 20 •Large living room with stone fireplace •Wet bar •Oil furnace

Staff House •Sleeps six •Three rooms, one bath with shower •Woodstove

Mid-heaven •Sleeps 6+ •Three bedrooms, one bath with tub/shower •Living room with stone fireplace •Woodstove

Sunrise •Sleeps two to four •One bedroom, one bath with shower •Sitting room •Woodstove

Northern Lights •Sleeps two •Large bedroom/sitting room •One bath with shower •Woodstove

Upscale Amenities •Outdoor kitchen with barbeque/rotisserie, smoker, gas burner, and massive stone fireplace •Two additional decks equipped for outdoor living •Paddle tennis court •Swimming dock •Spectacular views - every window in the main house looks out on the lake and every cabin has a water view

Outbuildings •Propane generator and water pump house •Fully equipped workshop •Woodshed and two storage sheds •Large icehouse •Three boathouses

Boats •23’ cedar strip w 115HP ETEC •19’ cedar strip w 45HP Honda 4-stroke •16’ cedar strip w 20 HP Johnson 2-stroke •14’ cedar strip w 30 HP Johnson 2-stroke •16’ fiberglass w 15HP Johnson 2-stroke •16’ Boston Whaler w 90HP ETEC •17.5’ Aluminum fishing boat w 70HP Evinrude 2-stroke.

For more information visit Private Islands Online.

The Ark: A Floating Hotel for an Uncertain Future

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arkhotelWith arable land becoming increasingly scarce and waters rising around the world, developers and engineers are looking at alternatives to finding places to lodge our ever growing population.

Russian architectural firm Remistudio has taken the concept of a man-made biosphere and gone to sea with its vision for the floating “Ark Hotel.” Designed to withstand floods, tidal waves and rising ocean levels as well as earthquakes and other natural disasters, the hotel concept would float and function independently on the surface of a body of water, providing a green, self-sustaining environment for guests who presumably, would never have to leave.

For more information on this unique development visit gizmag

Pointe au Baril Island

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pointe-au-baril-1With 2011 in full swing, more and more island properties are coming on the market meaning this year could be the year you become an island owner!

Snuggled close to the eastern shore of Shawanaga Bay in Ontario, Canada. Pointe au Baril Island is 8+ acres of lichen covered pre-Cambrian granite with veins of quartz, tall trees, dense bushes and a couple of lazy rattle snakes.

There are 4 small wood buildings totaling 2000 square feet. Included is one elongated bowl toilet (flushing into an underused 1990 septic system), 1 huge stone fire place, 2 wood stoves, 1 queen bed, 2 full beds, 3 twin beds, and several cots in the “hall of closets”. A small generator powers vacuum and saw.

The island was Developed in 1950, and redeveloped in 1970 and 1990. Three roofs and the back deck need to be replaced.

The location is ideal, just 10 minutes from The Ojibway Club (.com). The island is dividable if you only need half. The price includes all antique furnishings and a boat or two.

For more information on this pristine private island set amongst some of the oldest geography on earth visit Private Islands Online.

Rimrock Island

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rimrock-island-1Located in a environment that could be right of a Steig Larson Novel, Rimrock island is actually located in Northern Ontario Canada.

You won’t believe you are in Northern Ontario when you see this Work of Love and Art and at the same time have the coziest 4 bedroom cottage to enjoy solitude on your own Island……or share it with family and friends. The Norwegian influenced architectural design, finishing touches and the honey coloured open pine ceilings and walls can only be appreciated by seeing this property. You won’t believe it!

The Island is approximately 3.5 acres and the waterway of Wilson Lake is approximately 270 acres with less than a dozen cottages on this spring fed lake.

As you approach the property you will be greeted by a newly built single boat house in 2007 which is surrounded by a deck on both sides. Adjoining the boat house is a 40’9” x 14’ deck…just the right size for storage of water toys, a canoe, a dingy and Muskoka chairs and lounges. A few stairs and a beautifully rounded huge rock section with scattered lichen and beautiful moss plus the leaning red and white pines grace the walkway to the 12’ in diameter parapet.

For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online

The $60 Million Dream Home

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The Wall Street Journal recently purchased this unique article on their online website.  The story reads that recently in FLorida a group of wealthy art collectors and philanthropists dined on risotto and listened to chamber music at a 10-bedroom estate on a private island off Florida’s Biscayne Bay.

 The mansion isn’t owned by a Russian oligarch or a certain NBA player who recently moved to town. It was built purely on speculation by developers in search of a buyer. Here is what the Wall Street Journal had to say about this unique island mansion.

The developers of the $60 million Miami Beach house say the estate, which has cost them $30 million so far, has one of the state’s first in-home projection 3-D movie theaters. The home, which was built by developers Shlomi Alexander and Felix Cohen, also has a hidden art vault, an elaborate security system and a wine room that can be accessed only via fingerprint identification. Materials like mother of pearl, rare marble and Austrian oak are used throughout. To find the right gold-flecked marble for the master bathroom, the developers say they flew to Italy to personally pick it out from a quarry. To get inspiration for the home’s waterscape and pool, which has a waterfall cascading from the second floor, they visited the Amanyara resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands. 

To read the full article visit The Wall Street Journal.

Paradise on a Budget

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islandAffordable private island rentals may be less luxurious than some of their five star rivals. But the sense of privacy and tranquility that they exude is just the same as discovered by Lauren Viera a journalist with the Montreal Gazette. here is what she had to say.

after a day or so, the fantasy becomes reality: You’re on an island all your own, the days and nights and sand and sea are all yours, and there’s no one to feel beholden to — not even the family of pelicans guarding the wooden dock in the turquoise water.

This is life on Sandy Cay, one of two unbelievably affordable private islands for rent off the coast of Utila, itself a tiny island less than 32 kilometres from mainland Honduras. Though “affordable” is relative, it’s hard to argue with a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house shrouded from civilization by a thicket of palm trees, perched on a patch of white sand out in the Caribbean Sea for $100 a night.

The author goes on to note that on this family friendly and affordable island is a place where you can spend your days snorkeling, catnapping and relaxing.

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Paradise+budget/3977927/story.html#ixzz18EH4e2Xs

Kakula Island: Paradise in Vanuatu

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kakula-island-1Much like Fiji, Bali and Bora Bora, Vanuatu exudes images of white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and warm tropical breezes.  If you are interested in owning a piece of property in this coveted location Kakula island presents an enormous opportunity.  Basking in the gleaming waters of the Pacific, just off the north coast of the Vanuatu capital, Afate, Kakula island is one of its brightest stars. Situated 15 minutes from the mainland and only 50 minutes drive from Vanuatu’s international airport, Kakula offers over one and a quarter miles of private white sand beach, lush foliage and crystal clear waters.

Purpose-built and envisaged as an exclusive celebrity retreat in 2005 with leading edge infrastructure installed, including a mainland jetty, the existing facilities are a starting point for constructing a larger, upscale destination to attract an international clientele, Kakula Island awaits an appreciative owner to put the finishing touches to this stunning property.

For more information on this property including price and contact information visit Private Islands Online.

Feuds, Secrecy and Private Islands

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liliane-bettencourt-006The cast list and plot twists were almost too bizarre to be true: an octogenarian billionaire; an eccentric dandy who peed in her flowerbeds and took gifts worth almost a billion euros; politicians who came to dinner and left with envelopes of cash; and a disgruntled butler who hid a tape-recorder in the drawing room.

The family feud that has torn apart one of France’s richest dynasties officially ended this week when the Bettencourts, heirs to the L’Oréal cosmetics empire, signed a surprise truce between warring mother and daughter. But France is still reeling from what the spat has revealed about the nation.

Among the revelations which you can read about in the Guardian is that the uber rich family as well as the secret ownership of Arros, a private island in the Seychelles, which appeared to have been promised to Banier the man at the centre of the family feud.

Banier noted to the guardian…

“Can I make clear that I couldn’t give a damn about their money?” Banier told investigators. “That island, I hate it, it’s full of mosquitos, it’s tiny, and it’s very humid. Plus there are sharks. I hate islands. Johnny Depp has two islands in the Pacific where he’s invited me several times and I never go.”

to see the whole article visit the guardian

Medio Island

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medio-island-philippines-1The Philippines hasn’t historically been a hot island market. However this doesn’t mean there isn’t tremendous opportunity in the island rich nation.

One of the newest islands to come on the market is Medio Island a 99 acre island in Northern Samar. Medio Island is one of the three islands owned by the heirs of the late Martin Palacio of Northern Samar, Philippines. The two other islands owned by the heirs are Rasa and San Andres Islands. All three islands are in that cluster of islands known since galleon times as Islas Naranjos (Naranjos being the Spanish word for “oranges.)

Medio Island has many natural assets that would make it an ideal first class island beach resort. Medio Island is approximately 1,300 meters long (SW to NE), 550 meters wide at its widest point and some 330 meters at its narrowest portion. It is blessed with 3 beaches that could serve a variety of purposes. Its main or South beach of fine white sand and corals is about 300 meters long and 60 meters wide. The North beach on the opposite side of the island is approximately three quarters long compared to the main beach and is more secluded. The West beach on the far end has a small extended portion on the West side and is about as long as the main beach.  Mainland Luzon, Samar and Masbate with their airports are only 30 minutes by speedboat and 1 1/2 hour distant by motorboat.

With their coral reefs, Medio and sister islands Rasa and San Andres are ideal for scuba, snorkeling, sailing, yachting, jetskiing, parasailing and marine life observation. Medio, Rasa and San Andres islands are the only remaining islands of economic size with complete privacy in this area of the Philippines.

Follow this link to watch a video of Medio Island: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6BLkgkMncw

For more information on this process visit Private Islands Online.

bluehummingbird

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“It is a time to reconnect with my spirit, nourish my soul, take care of my overall health and live freely.” That is how Despina Meris describes her latest travels as the hummingbird who’s favorite color is blue. She also admits to falling down stairs – something hummingbirds rarely experience… Regardless, her site is lyrical and rich with non-stair-related narratives.

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SeattleFlyerGuy’s All-Purpose Travel Blog

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Planes, trains and automobiles… Oh wait, just make that planes when it comes to Nicholas and his mode of transportation preferences. This is a man who is very serious about his air travel. From terminals to in-flight meals to tips/tricks on bookings, Nicholas covers it all. He even takes time to comment on his destinations when he’s actually on the ground.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. |
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The Khalerias

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To quote: “Just in case you stumbled here by accident and dont have the first clue what a khaleria is….”, then let me explain. It is one part Sabeena Khan mixed with one part Ryan Galeria. Throw in a couple of backpacks, a camera (or two), give a quick stir and you have a photojournalistic adventure in the making.

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