Hi all,
In my recent posting about my battles with motion sickness I may have given the
impression that
pelagic trips, particularly those out of Southport, are something to be avoided
like the plague.
I wish to clarify that point.
My susceptibility to the effects of motion sickness (especially sea-sickness)
is extreme and
probably much more severe than most people would experience.
No one should judge their own likelihood to succumb to the mal de mer by my
example.
During my three trips out of Southport this year I was one of only a few who
suffered this problem
to this degree even though I described the conditions in rather 'black' terms.
I was definitely only one of two or three who were actually physically sick.
In fact, many of the other participants seemed to be enjoying the event and
some were positively
alert and thriving.
Some of these people looked as if they were on a picnic in the park as they
scoffed their
soft-drinks, cakes and sandwiches.
The biggest problem they had was avoiding the sea-spray, a factor they
eventually accepted as part
of the process.
My particular problem was tied-up with wanting to be able to do some
photography as well as seeing
the birds whereas most people who go on these trips are simply interested in
the viewing and are not
also wanting to get good quality photos.
Most people I talk to about motion sickness tell me that they find treatments
such as Travacalm or
Kwells taken as advised work very well.
Simply observing the birds as they pass around the boat usually causes these
people no problem,
however, problems can arise if long periods of time are also spent looking
through a camera
viewfinder.
Even though I had my 'problems' on these trips I was able to add three new
birds to my list and
there were other species sighted which I did not manage to personally identify
to the degree I would
have liked.
There is obviously a high potential for sightings of new species on every trip.
Also, the potential for some great photos is huge; some of the pictures I have
seen taken by
contributors to this forum are truly inspirational!
So........
I would urge birders not to be put off pelagic trips simply by the descriptions
of my personal
experiences.
Most people can control sea-sickness with Travacalm or Kwells tablets; it may
take a couple of trips
to work out the dosage to suit the individual but I am convinced it is worth
the effort.
It should be noted, though, that some people may not be able to manage the
'problem' and, therefore,
may have to do their sea-bird viewing from the land.
But you will never know if you never go.
The trips out of Southport this year have been unusual in weather terms and are
not the 'norm'.
Although there are never any guarantees with the weather or the birds the
conditions on 'my' trips
were at the extreme end of the scale and would only occur on a minority of
occasions.
No one on any of the trips I went on suffered any permanent 'damage' and even I
recovered fairly
quickly on stepping ashore.
I am still working on my 'problem' and am getting the urge to try again.
Cheers
Bob Inglis
Woody Point
Queensland
Australia
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