Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Beach Clean Up


During our last adventure on the Fox Island Spit, while we waited for the water taxi, Ben whittled away at some bark, tied some twine, and created a mobile, half beach trash, half beach nature. Three weeks later, I returned, this time equipped with my dear friend from home, Summer, and a handful of trashbags on a mission to clean up that battered beach. Our team of 13 volunteers removed at least three boat loads of styrofoam, plastic bottles, lines, and even wrappers with Japanese writing on them. The most exciting find, was discovering that little mobile Ben made, still hanging peacefully, exactly where he left it on the driftwood. I pocketed it, to bring it home and ask, "Do you remember this?" It was a meaningful day and a chance to give back. One that I won't forget and one that I look forward to do again in the future.

Monday, May 07, 2007

Snorkel Snorkel







After pondering the idea in Hawaii while gliding over tropical reefs and in only a swimsuit, Ben and I tried snorkeling out in the northern Pacific, where the seas rage against the cliffs and the water temperature is a mere 40 degrees. I could not believe the beautify of the seaweed, floating and swaying in every swell, covering every surface, leaving gaps and holes for fish, sea stars, limpets, snails, and chitons to hide in. The colors were purple, salad green, florescent orange, rich brown, and red. The textures were thin, waxy, leathery, and rubbery. The water was clear and the depths haunting. I felt alive like never before as I at last explored below the surface of the sea I gaze at daily. It is a rich and colorful garden and beckons for more explorations! I'll admit, it was a little awkward learning how to kick with fins and a drysuit, or to put on my mask with mitted hands over a hooded head, but all the extra gear and hassle was unbelievably worth it, for beauty and mystery indescribable.