Month of February , 2007

Now that the stormy wet winter is drawing to a close here in Brest, there are days of calm weather. The sun shines, there is a gentle breeze, the water is calm and visitors stroll around the marina, enjoying the boats and fresh air. Today was such a day, and we decided to go for a short sail around the Bay of Brest. In preparation for our imminent sail from here across the Bay of Biscay to north Spain, Ernie wanted to check that everything on board was working as it should.

An auspicious start to a new year and the first leg of a long voyage, January was a significant month for Morganonline. The United Nations Convention on Migratory Species, together with a number of dolphin conservation organisations, has declared 2007 the Year of the Dolphin. It was with a particular dolphin that we embark on this voyage. Randy ensures a good start for Morganonline tells the remarkable story of the role that an individual dolphin has played for Morganonline.

On 5 February 2007 Ernie van Onlangs was interviewed by Omroep Brabant’s (Channel Brabant) radio channel in the Netherlands. Being on board the Morgan in Brest, France, the interview with Martin Volder in his studio in the Netherlands for the afternoon programme MV – Máákt je middag! (MV – Makes your afternoon!) was done through the internet on Skype. The interview was about Morganonline’s recent encounter with the Bottlenose Dolphin, Randy, in Brittany, and what it means for Morganonline.

We are proud to present our new style Morganonline newsletter. Instead of the PDF that you have received up to now, you can click on an item that you are interested in and it will take you straight to the full article on our website. We hope you enjoy our monthly newsletter, and we look forward to hearing your reactions.

Poor old Quirky was feeling poorly yesterday. She was not her usual lively self and slept almost all day. Her ears drooped, she showed no interest in anything, not even her toys and beloved tennis balls, and she gave off a peculiar odour. Luckily she still ate well so we knew it was not too serious. Nevertheless we took her to the veterinarian. A visit to the vet is a trauma for Quirky. Quirky, who loves everybody unconditionally, absolutely hates vets.