On March 11, 2010, after 67 days by myself onboard Liv, I was joined by a visitor. That was the day that Hobs joined the party.
At that stage of the journey, having birds flying around the boat and landing on it was a common sight, so I didn’t think much of it. But, after he’d arrived late into the night, he stayed. Long after I’d expected him to be gone, there he was, still sat in the corner. If he was going to stay, I had to make friends with him!
I realized that all was not well with poor Hobs. I’m not sure whether he had a broken wing, but he certainly wasn’t in a good way as he hobbled around the boat, looking for whatever shelter he could find. I did whatever I could, providing him with fresh water and some seeds that I had sitting around. Although he showed some interest, there was an air of resignation about him.
Following a brief, but profound, 24-hour love affair, I awoke. Hobs didn’t…
Here is a tribute to my favorite resident of Liv (sorry “Mini-Wilson”!).
{ 13 comments }
Sorry Hobs didn’t make it. We’d had high hopes for the little guy but at least he had someone who cared with him. RIP little Hobs.
katie
YOU ROCK!
May Hobs be reborn strong and bright and free. I’m glad he had found refuge in his final time. Blessings to all who grant refuge!
It has been so fun learning about your trip. Great people and great causes go together!
Funny about that beautiful, aching place in our heart vulnerable creatures help us find, and interesting that as we behold your feat with amazement… for a day of your doing it… you beheld Hobs that way. Namaste…
It’s the simplest, most natural things in life that help us become whole. Too bad most of us humans have lost that foresight and wisdom. May ‘Hobs’ rest in peace!
As a geographer/scientist and a native of Katie’s neighboring town I hope to be so lucky to see even some of the sights Katie has seen. An interesting bit of information I heard some time ago regarding the keen sense that animals have. They know in advance before the end is near, dogs among many terrestrial animals find very secluded hiding places and wait. Coastal birds fly out to sea. How great that hobs encountered Katie out there who made those final hours more bearable. For the trip in entirety, my compliments and congrats on such an awesome accomplishment!
Ahh I wondered what happened.
I’m sure he was happy to be with you
So nice that you could be with Hobs (and he with you) for his last hours. I’m sure he felt some comfort and experienced some much needed rest before continuing on to his final resting place. You have become a richer person because of Hobs. You are indeed a very caring person.
Very beautiful and moving tribute. Hobs was (is) a lucky bird, to be so loved.
See you on the other side Hobs
Great video Katie.
Hobs looked like a real trooper and a sweet companion.
I’m no coroner but I think I did find cause of death.
At the 1:18 mark you can clearly see as Hobs catches a glimpse of my 3rd grade “Frankenstein” picture.
I’m sure his already weakened heart couldn’t handle a scare like that!
Thanks for sharing!
He was honored
and blessed
to spend his last hours
not struggling
but accepting
in a safe harbor
awaiting only
the passage of time
till his next flight of fancy.
How lucky for you both
to see each other through to the next
flight of fancy.
Katie – I’m so glad Hobs had you and Liv for his last hours. I think he died a more peaceful death than he would have otherwise. I love your tribute to him! All life is precious.
elli
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