Official Jessica Watson Blog

WOW! your an inspiration to me. i hope you have fun sailing around the world. xx <3

Île Amsterdam From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Not to be confused with the Amsterdam Island in the Svalbard archipelago, near Spitsbergen; see Amsterdamøya. New Amsterdam Île Amsterdam Motto: Liberté, égalité, fraternité Anthem: La Marseillaise Orthographic projection centred over île Amsterdam New Amsterdam, Amsterdam Island, or (Fr.) Île Amsterdam (French pronunciation: [ilamstəʁˈdam]; named after Amsterdam, the Dutch capital) is a French island in the Indian Ocean located at 37°49′33″S 77°33′17″E / 37.82583°S 77.55472°E / -37.82583; 77.55472Coordinates: 37°49′33″S 77°33′17″E / 37.82583°S 77.55472°E / -37.82583; 77.55472. It is part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. Contents [hide] 1 Description 2 Flora and fauna 2.1 Fauna 2.1.1 Birds 2.1.2 Mammals 3 History 4 See also 5 References 6 Further reading 7 External links [edit] Description The volcanic island is a potentially active volcano which last erupted in 1792. It has an area of 55 km² (21 mi²), measuring 21 km (13 mi) on its longest side, and reaches as high as 867 m (2844 ft) at the Mont de la Dives. The island is part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Terres australes et antarctiques françaises; TAAF), and together with neighboring Île Saint-Paul (85 km to the South) forms one of the five districts of the territory. Its base, Martin-de-Viviès, formerly called La Roche Godon, is the capital of the territory. Unlike most parts of TAAF, Île Amsterdam has a mild, oceanic climate, with a mean annual temperature of 13°C (55°F), rainfall of 1,100 mm, persistent westerly winds and high levels of humidity.[2] Phylica arborea grove on Île Amsterdam.Île Amsterdam is one of only three islands which are land antipodes of the continental United States. It corresponds to an area near Lamar, Colorado. The other two antipodes are île Saint-Paul and Kerguelen Island. The only human habitation is at the Martin de Viviès base with about 30 inhabitants related to the study of fauna, weather, the atmosphere and geomagnetism. [edit] Flora and fauna Further information: Amsterdam and Saint-Paul Islands temperate grasslands The island has Phylica arborea trees, which are also found on Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island. [edit] Fauna [edit] Birds The island is home to the endemic Amsterdam Albatross, which breeds only on the Plateau des Tourbières. Other rare species are the great skua, Antarctic tern and Gentoo penguin. The Amsterdam Island duck is now extinct, as are the local breeding populations of several petrels.[1] The common waxbill has been introduced.[2] [edit] Mammals There are no native land mammals. Subantarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals breed on the island. Introduced mammals include the house mouse and brown rat. Feral cats are present.[2] A herd of wild cattle also inhabits the island. They originate from the introduction of five animals by Heurtin after his stay on the island in 1871,[2] and by 1988 had increased to an estimated 2,000. Following recognition that the cattle were damaging the island ecosystems, a fence was built restricting them to a small area of the island.[1] [edit] History This island was discovered by the Spanish explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano on March 18, 1522, along his first world circumnavigation. Elcano did not name the island, however. Having found the island unnamed, the Dutch captain Anthonie van Diemen named it Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch for New Amsterdam) after his ship in 1633. Map of Île Amsterdam.French Captain Pierre François Péron (not to be confused with François Péron) was marooned three years on this island (from 1792 to 1795). Peron's Memoires, in which he describes his survival alone on New Amsterdam, were published in a limited edition and are now an expensive collectors' item.[3][4][5] The islands of Île Amsterdam and Île Saint-Paul were attached to Madagascar in 1924 and hence became a French colony. Though, Amsterdam island, along with Saint-Paul island, is considered by some Mauritian parts as a national territory. Question of Mauritian sovereignty over these two islands has been carried out by the leader of the opposition in 2007, Paul Raymond Berenger. This new claim could be put on discussion with France, in combination with claim over Tromelin island which has been officially held for a long time[6]. The first French base in New Amsterdam was erected in 1949, and was originally called Camp Heurtin. The Global Atmosphere Watch still has a research station on Île Amsterdam. [edit] See also List of volcanoes in French Southern and Antarctic Lands French overseas departments and territories Administrative divisions of France Islands controlled by France in the Indian and Pacific oceans

Hey Jesse Maybe you vacuum cleaner was trying to say to you "Get me out of here, we'll be home soon and I haven't been out of the cupboard since we left Sydney', mine says things very similar to me all the time. Great piccys, happy sailing. Love Aunty Chris, Tamworth, NSW, Oz

Congratulations,good luck for the rest of the trip. You have inspired me and my georgaphy students to go beyond the comfort zone. Best Wishes for a wonderful life. regards Rosa

Retired UAL Capt. who flew 12-16 hours down under and to the Far East. Young Lady you are one brave soul! Godspeed and may your remaining days and nights be safe.

Jess, you are a good journalist and your information is descriptive and amusing. i keep following your progress with delight (and a little envy) keep up the good work and travel safely Sincerely Lawrie Cremin Elliott Heads

Jess, your are amazing. It's been a while since I last checked out where you were. Let's hope the weather stays nice for you. Lucky you are not in the Cyclonic area of the Pacific at the moment. Stay tough.

you are so alsome I adore you. you are my no 1 fan go jess

Hiya Jesse, How good must it be to now see Australia in your scope.  Wow.  So much blue never never to go yet though eh.  There is not much out there at all except for ocean.  Have you been passing many ships?  Also glad that you are avoiding those troublesome stormy patches, who needs em.  Nah.  All my best to you.  Had a giggle about bumpy seas giving you more motivation to clean up, then your Mum, te he ha ha.  Have fun, Cheers Paula

Hi Jessica I have been following your blog, and I am now on the cruise ship Balmoral heading into Fremantle so should cross your path in a few days!! Dont know our track, but if you see us in the distance Ill be waving. Good luck.

The Great Barrier Return, Ella Pink Lady & Jesse

Might pluck up the courage to go out and meet you as you pass WA. Just a look and a wave mind you. Will keep you in tabs as you get closer. Well don JimM I-HYPO--- Nedland Yacht club. WA.

ConFuseUs Says,


Reality is being real
To I and thy


ConFuseUs, Hyden, WA, Australia

Hi Jessica from Qld What a great inspiration you are going to be for Queenslanders in the next State of Origan Queenslander

I am following your voyage and like to send you my very best greetings from Norway. You are the number One! Peder

Just sending some friendly winds your way. Have been watching your journey from here in Oz and wishing you all the best.

Woohoo Jess, Australia is only on the other side of the chart now. Keep on plugging on! Just out of interest, what have you had to do with customs? Have you stamped out of Australia?? Cheers, Leeroy, BNE

Yea I would agree that seeing Australia on a map after your long time away would be awesome! Keep cranking the sheets and get home safely! :)

Protest ! Somebody is imitating me. I did not write those 2 comments regarding time usage. Stop using my name or I will trace you down to be responsible for this junk. Sorry blogfolks if this has annoyed you. Signing off Regards Victor C.Pankouken

03-04-10 @ 01:08
Hi Jessica,

It’s good to hear from you again, the pictures are great, the first one is naturally the greatest. But I did love them all. I know that sometimes writing can be a pain, but you can always send pictures, and everybody loves them. Thank you!!!!

I still enjoy reading all the posts that you write and that you receive, there’s a lot of love and concern in them
It saddens me to see that this is slowly coming to an end, but I’m trying to make the most of it until it does. So keep them pics and post coming.

@Gayle Ann, Bluefin Annie: You’ve got to take better care of them fingers, just losing one (1) can cause a problem in trying to do something. I’m sure you’re aware of that. I have two (2) numb fingers on my left hand, and it is an inconvenience. But you can always get by…lol… I hope your fingers are doing better. 10 ½ inches, can be a lot of rain if there is no runoff. Good luck in all that.

@Janell in Oklahoma: Looks like you did a fine job to me. It’s not to bad when you get used to it. It‘s always nice to learn something new.

Jessica, I wish you all the wind you can handle so you can get home quicker, but safely. I’m sure Bob’s keeping you in the ‘good stuff’, it looks nasty south of you.
Take good care of yourself and all them Scallywags, do tell them I’m proud of them for being such good pals to you on this voyage. Looking forward to your next post.

Loads of love and hugs, your faithful friend, fan and follower.
May God be with you and watch over you and may the angels keep your sails full, and I, I will keep you in my prayers.
Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV

are you feeling good

Hi Jessica- I haven't blogged you before. But just wanted to encourage you. I was holidaying up on the Sunshine Coast (From Ringwood East/ Melbourne/ Victoria) when you first headed off and my wife and I have taken a great interest in your journey ever since. We loved your determination to get out there again and the support of your parents and friends!!! I know you still have a long way to go but- good grief how far you have already come. You are an inspiration and a credit to the creativity, vision, determination and stamina of a whole emerging generation. We will continue celebrating your journey and wish you God's blessing as you fulfill your dream! John Sharpe

Hi Jess: Your looking great + love seeing that positive attitude after all the months soloing. Yes, u probably will feel strange getting back to Australia, but happy to be reunited with your friends + family. It sounds like everything is holding up well with "Pink Lady" too. Can u imagine what it will be like when u put your feet on the ground, u will probably fall over. :-) Keep enjoying the sailing and stay safe. Robert

Note to the "elderly nearly blind person who loves to read Jessica's blogs": If you are using Microsoft's Internet Explorer, press the Ctrl and Shift buttons simultaneously, then also press the + (plus sign button). This will magnify what is on your screen (press the - button to reduce it...) pj