No rest at Christmas

The week from xmas eve to new years eve is peak time for wandering
albatross egg-laying. During this time we have to cover the entire
island, recording the location and identity of all nesting adults.

The only exception for christmas day was a cooked breakfast before
heading out and a massive meal, drinks and games in the evening. All
majestically prepared by the base commander.

As the weather on Bird Island is so unpredictable this is the sort of
work where if it's nice you stay out as long as possible, leaving data
entry for the next rainy day. I covered a large part of the west end of
the island and felt like I'd earned my huge dinner.