14.5.25 - Rathlin mania

Over the last week, we have been prepping for Rathlin Island. I have created tick lists, given a good account of the geography using maps, drawn in the various features and loughs, talked about the geology and stones, a bit of the history. Talked about the stay over using the map. 

The entirety of the class is so excited. I did say that it isn't a zoo so the animals aren't kept in cages. You can only see the animals if you keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut.

The weather looks to be good. It must be at least two years since Rathlin - I always find it great fun when I go. I never get into scrapes there - mostly because I really don't want any stories to be getting back to me about my exploits.

It's such an exposed island really when you think about it. But at its height thousand or more people lived there. Now only 150 do, although that number was down to 70 when I first got there. 

I remember promoting Rathlin Island. We had three sessions for three years. The Hello Puffins, Come See the Puffins and then Goodbye Puffins! I remember the day we broke 200 people to the Westlight. It had never been done before. 

20 years later and there is a massive operation at the Westlight. Weirdly no one has ever said Thank You Stephanie for helping to put Rathlin on the map. Well, it doesn't matter. I know I did and that's what counts.

I need to sort out all the bits and pieces now...