In Thailand, a group of divers plans to release sharks into the wild September 3, to help reverse and spotlight the decimation of the species. It seems ironic, considering “Jaws” mania has only increased over the years. But the fact remains: although a handful of people around the world will die in shark attacks each year; sharks are slaughtered in the millions, by humans ...
The Pacific Voyagers had arrived in LA; a majestic fleet of Polynesian sailing canoes – ‘vakas’ – having journeyed all the way from New Zealand! With twin amas 75-feet long and thick wooden spars, they look as powerful as the burnished crews who sail them – tugging at the massive steering paddles, hoisting the blood-red sails.
Thirty miles south Sea Dragon had picked up a mooring can in Newport Harbor. Equally impressive – and nearly as long – she’s a sturdy but elegant modern steel-hulled cutter rigged sloop, designed for round-the-world racing. (In fact: it is a reunion for this yacht and me, as I did the web coverage for the 2000/01 Global Challenge and greeted her and her sister ships into seven ports around the world! A touch of déjà vu embraces me.)
Despite their different appearances and venues however, they come bearing the same environmental message.
Duncan Morrison, skipper of Haunui (the pan-Pacific vaka – 15 island nations are represented among the fleet) tells how they left Auckland and saw very little refuse ... a tiny bit more as they neared the equator ... and then, just north of Hawaii, the deluge began. Every 10 meters – 2,000 miles from shore – there was plastic trash. Refillable lighters and disposable razors. Plastic cups and bags. Bottles. Closer to shore, acidification is destroying the coral reefs. Their bilateral cultural/environmental mission calls on people to unite and halt our careless ways ... before the ocean becomes a lifeless sea of debris.
Aboard Sea Dragon, they do research on this type of debris, and skipper Dale Selvam shows me a kaleidoscope of plastic fragments in a vial. Trolling the five oceans (for Five Gyres/Algalita Foundation) they skim the seemingly pure, crystalline waters of the distant seas ... alas their fine mesh net is cluttered with chunks and particles of the partially degraded plastics which now saturate the waters. Yes: our oceans are plastic chowder.
Despite the apparent differences there are more similarities: both skippers are Kiwis. ‘In New Zealand we’re raised to take care of our home,’ says Dale. Neither was an environmentalist – or ‘tree hugger’ as he calls it – before embarking on their eye-opening expeditions, but having seen what they’ve seen, neither one cannot image returning to existence as it was before.
The people I’m meeting, opportunities I have, and work I’m doing are mind-boggling. Life is moving at such a breakneck pace, I need a helmet. It’s invigorating, compelling, stimulating ... and a bit consuming. Transcribing and researching 'til 1AM, interviewing, shooting, working 24/7 – I am beat.
But I am blessed. What a thrill to be able to make a difference in this world – even if only conveying the good works, challenges and needs of others, while ‘double-dipping’ my way around the world, using my Sailing gigs as a vehicle to drive Ecology.com stories. Last month I was working in Belgium, next month it’s San Francisco, New York and Annapolis. And from there (fingers crossed) the agenda continues at a blistering pace: San Francisco, ‘Statia, Guadalupe Island, Belize, Grenada ...
I adore the people I meet, the stories I hear, the passion in the voice of an individual following his dream or pursuing her mission. Friendships are made, networks are woven. After much talk and a beer, Dale and I discover we have mutual friends in England (Valeria), Peru (Andy) and Uruguay (Alejandro). The world feels small, and with that realization, our problems no longer seem too great to tackle.
Look for stories from me on Sea Dragon / Pangaea Expeditions and the Pacific Voyagers, on Ecology.com and Sailing magazine, soon.
On another note: our favorite bow monkey, Jeff ‘Sneddog’ Sneddon, slipped from this earth this morning, after a long and incredibly valiant fight with cancer.
Jeffrey was a close friend and playmate – he taught me much about working the bow on big boats, including how to yell just as loudly and vociferously BACK at someone who is screaming in your face (with great joy and laughter!). We were friends on and off the water, and later when he met and married Sharie, she became a friend (and a Nauti Chica) too.
I was fortunate to spend a chunk of Friday night sitting next to Jeff, holding his hand, whispering, “Remember when (giggle giggle) ... ” as I retold ‘oh shit’ sailing tales and reminded him how much he was loved. What an incredible blessing that is, to have the chance to say goodbye to someone you love. I can only say: TAKE IT, when it is offered to you! It was an incredible gift to me; a reminder how sweet life is, and that the honey is not the places we go or the things we accumulate, but the loved ones we share them with.
May God welcome you with loving open arms Jeffrey. (They have amassed one heck of a sailing team up in Heaven, is all I can add ... )
It’s been a while since I blogged – and I shouldn’t even be up writing tonight, having been scolded righteously about burning the candle at both ends. However I cannot but live life at 120% (hey – THAT’s a compromise!!) so I promise more is to come, as the fullness of life explodes in front of me. XOXO
