by Kirsty Cox
In a short break between weather hitting us from Storm Austen and Storm Boelo, there was an opportunity today for the helicopters to run, so a Sunday unexpectedly became a travel day which meant I was on Housekeeping.
But first thing, making the most of the window of calmer weather, I was able to get out and do a full pup check for the first time since the 22nd. Since then the winds have been too strong for me to get to all the check points. There were a number of seals hauled out during the check which was good to see following the stormy seas. Sadly there was no sign today of the smaller pups who are still around but there was a weaned and moulted pup on Quarry Beach and another in the Landing Bay.
Back at the office, there was time for toast before heading out with the Housekeeping Team. There were ten properties in total to clean across the island ranging from Tibbetts in the north to Castles in the south. It was so windy that we had to coordinate getting out of the Land Rover without getting blown away, especially when we were up at Old Light!
However the main event of the day was at lunchtime when we made a trip back to the village to say goodbye to Emma. As she boarded the helicopter the staff were all there to wave her off and Cornelius, the helicopter pilot, even treated her to a fly by over the island! Emma arrived on Lundy on the 31st March and spent the first months she was here working as the Seabird Fieldworker and then stayed on when the seabirds left to take on the role of Volunteer Assistant Ranger. She has been a core member of the Conservation Team this season and will be much missed. We wish her all the best for all her future endeavours! 
Emma Abel and Manxie Chick!