We heard about this challenge from a flier that we picked up in Wherwell, which lies on the river Test. A long walk just 9 weeks after our newest family member, Y,  entered the world seemed ambitious but doable. His cousins, C (14 years old) & A (12 years old), agreed to come along. While 8 miles (13 km) does not sound much to me under normal circumstances, it's the longest distance C, A & Y will have walked (/being carried) - ever! (And for me, it's the longest distance since March.)

So, we decided, let's just do it!

We took on this mini adventure to challenge ourselves; yet, we want to use this opportunity to support two species (and the associated ecosystem!) that are close to our hearts: Puffins and Gannets.

The puffin has been A's favourite animal as long as we know her, and it's the first bird that ever made me think that 'birds are cool' (on our undergrad field trip to Shetland). Anyone who has ever met a puffin in the wild will know what I mean - they are absolutely adorable, funny, friendly and curious little birds.

The gannet, on the other hand, is more serene and ethereal. Gannets are absolutely stunning birds with bright yellow heads and blue eye rings. Seeing them circling the ship is one of my favourite moments at sea. Gannets mate for life, though they separate each winter, and reunite in spring - how romantic is that?!

Sadly, both of these magnificent species are threatened by climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction and bird flu. The Scottish Seabird Centre (www.seabird.org) participates in projects aiming to protect Scotland’s internationally important breeding seabird colonies and to improve the quality of our coastal and marine environment - such as the SOS Puffin Project. It also helps people to learn about our marine wildlife, habitats and iconic seabirds. 

Your donation will support their awesome conservation and education work. And don't forget to visit them should you be up near Edinburgh!

Thank you for supporting and believing in us. :)
C, A, Y, Alex & Sari

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PS: Though the listed charity is the Rotary Club, they will pass on 80% of your donations to the Scottish Seabid Centre.