Welcome!
I hope you'll enjoy the reports, photos, and links throughout this page. Please find "Project Dominica" reports below the "Whale Day, Maui" report.

What's a Maui's Dolphin?
•Reporting Day 1: "Aotearoa" (24 February 2010)
Its wonderful to be back in "The Land of the Long White Cloud", seeing friends while in town as my camper van is being readied for another tour of duty.

In 2007 and 2008, the Whaingaroa Environment Centre (WEC) generously shared their booth space at Maui's Dolphin & Xtreme Raft Race for my efforts with the Origami Whales Project. Despite the work of environmental groups such as WEC, WWF, Forest & Bird of NZ to raise awareness and convince the New Zealand government to take further action to protect the critically endangered Maui's Dolphins, there had not been any real progress. I found it hard to believe that with the most recent estimates of 111 of this species remaining, the government still was not initiating necessary measures to prevent extinction of the Maui's. So for the 5th annual event in 2009, I decided to kick off a project to create a curtain of Maui's Dolphins as an art piece involving the participation of the local community including students from the Raglan Area School.

As explained in the "Background of the Origami Whales Project" page: "...based on Japanese legend, if someone folds a thousand paper cranes, the gods might grant their wish." I created a curtain of 1,000 for the traditional wish, plus 111; each origami dolphin representing the last of the surviving Maui's Dolphins. This was done in the hopes of presenting the curtain to Prime Minister John Key, as an expression of the concerns from the community of Raglan about the need to take immediate action to save the Maui's Dolphins from extinction. With Mr. Key unavailable, the "Curtain of 1,111 Origami Maui's Dolphins", was exhibited for 2 months at the Te Papa Museum (in Wellington) and the Waikato Museum for one month.

•Reporting Day 2: "Into Hamilton" (25 February 2010)
Keeping in mind the impacts of carbon footprint, I carpooled with Rachael Goddard from Whaingaroa Environment Centre today. Among a list of logistical matters, I looked forward to visiting the "Curtain of 1,111 Origami Maui's Dolphins" on exhibit at the Waikato Museum. The curator did a wonderful job of exhibiting the curtain in a way that relayed the significance of the two separate sections (photos at right). Also, at the Environment Centre, Hamilon, I met with Catherine, who would be helping to coordinate the second of two planned free screenings of "The Cove" in the district.

•Reporting Day 5: "Lunch at Rachael's" (28 February 2010)
Rachael hosted a small gathering at her home, where I enjoyed catching up with local conservationists, friends who I've met over the years working with them at previous Maui's Dolphin Day events in Raglan. Each year, the event gets bigger, and for this year, has expanded to "Community & Environment Day". We discussed further plans and activities for the upcoming festitivites, and the local issue of need to protect the Maui's Dolphins. In my first week, there were reported sitings of pods of the Maui's surfing around the local beaches. It was delightful to catch up with Liz, who has worked for a number of environmental organizations and co-founded XTreme Waste of Raglan, the nations best recycling center.

•Reporting Day 10: "Tractor Radio" (5 March 2010)
There's a new radio station in town, "Tractor Radio". I was invited for an interview, so had the opportunity to share my excitement about bringing back more activities, this time the Origami Maui's Dolphin Art "comp". With a goal of 111 individually made and decorated Maui's, one to represent each of the dolphins estimated remaining. Yes, just 111 of these little guys.

•Reporting Day 11: "Community & Environment Day" (6 March 2010)
Hundreds from the town and some from cities far and wide, came out for a sunny day at the Kopua Domain Park. The day began with a local Maori blessing and then filled with dance performanse, live music, a children's play, and last but not least, the XTreme Raft Race, one of my favorite things about the event. The rules are that all rafts must be human-powered and made from at least 80% recycled material.

XTreme Waste organizes this activity and gladly opens their doors for contestants to gather materials from their recycling center for raft making. This year, there were 19 entries and big prizes, including $200 - $400 cash winnings! In fact, everyone was given some sort of prize, which I was honored to help with awarding.

Among the play activities and a fantastic organic vegetarian food vendor, there were many environmental information booths. At the WEC booth, I recruited visitors of all ages to fold and decorate origami Maui's Dolphins to contribute to our goal. My thanks to Victoria Travers from WWF NZ, Angela Prain from Raglan Area School, and Patti Mitchley for volunteering a bit of time to help show the many visitors how to fold dolphins. In the final moments of the event, we reached the goal of 111.

•Reporting Day 13: "'The Cove' screening #1" (8 March 2010)
On the way over to the Old School Arts Centre, for the first of free screenings in Raglan, I learned from Rachael that"The Cove" had just won the Oscar for Best Feature Documentary. What exciting news to share with the audience.

•Reporting Day 15: "'The Cove' screening #2 at the Environment Centre, Hamilton" (10 March 2010)
Again, I am grateful to my friends at WEC for their support, this time in organizing free screenings of "The Cove"in Raglan and Hamilton.

•Reporting Day 20: "'The Cove' screening #3: Angela's Class" (17 March 2010)
My friend Angela Prain of Raglan Area School consulted with her students who voted to view "The Cove". They were even willing to stay during their lunch break for the Q&A.

•Reporting Day 22: "'The Cove' screening #4: Movie Night at Tony's" (19 March 2010)
A few friends unable to make it to the screening at the Old School Arts Centre suggested that I present "The Cove" at their friend Tony's house for his weekly potluck and movie night gathering. About 30 people turned up sharing good food and after the screening, questions and thoughts.

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Whale Day, Maui February 2010:
•Reporting Day 1: "The World Rock Tour" (17 February 2010)
With just 3 days to regroup upon return from Dominica, then on to Maui, its been feeling like I'm on a Rock Tour. So onward to island number 2 of 3 the tour. After the 10 hour journey (check in's & stopover included) I arrived into Kahului (Maui) exhausted but glad to see my long time friend and professional photographer Simone Reddingius. Simone has volunteered her photographic service for the exhibit at Whale Day.

We then went to Brooke's home where I will stay through this visit. My friend Brooke (Conservation Director at the Pacific Whale Foundation) and I first met in February 2008 when she invited and made arrangements for the first exhibit of the big curtain at Whale Day 2008. At that time, it was the "Curtain of 30,000 Origami Whales". As always, it was wonderful to see Brooke, her two canine companions Pono and Stella, and the added treat of meeting Linda, Brooke's mom visiting from Kansas City.

•Reporting Day 2: "Real Day 1 of 4" (18 February 2010)
Greg Kaufman, Founder & President of the Pacific Whale Foundation invited me to a radio interview at noon today. It was really good to talk with him about the powerful message conveyed through the "Curtain of 34,000 Origami Whales" along with the current issue and news about commercial (by Norway and Iceland) and "scientific research" (Japanese) whaling. I was shocked to hear of the secret report by some biologists aboard Russian ships recently illegally hunting endangered Humpback Whales around Antarctic waters. This further proves that illegal poaching in the seas continues undetected. Please note that the IWC has no means of enforcing any regulations set forth. We hope that somehow through all of our concerted efforts we'll soon see the end of the cruel and unnecessary slaughter of these magnificent cetaceans.

Following the radio interview, I was then swept off to Kalama Park, the site of Whale Day. With the Keiki ECO Day tomorrow morning, the "Curtain of 34,000 Origami Whales" was hung this afternoon. Brooke was on the ladder weaving layout of cord from which rows of the maze would be lined up. About 5 hours later, with the help of about 5 volunteers, we completed the hanging just in time for sunset.

In between the numerous activities around the Origami Whales Project on Maui, I've also aimed to rejuvenate my body from the Dominica trip. I slept very poorly in Dominica due to the widely broadcast "Canine Telegraph" (dogs barking all through the middle of the night). That along with it being hard to find veggies there, I missed the green goodness. I'm beginning to feel better after cooking (and eating) tofu veggie stir fry on rice vermicelli noodles dinner for Brooke, Linda, and I; and actually sleeping a little better. Yeah, veggies, and yeah, sleep!

•Reporting Day 3: "Hope for tomorrow in today's youth" (19 February 2010)
Today, we had Keiki ECO (Educating Children Outdoors) day as a newly added pre-Whale Day event. All went really well, giving tours each followed by having the students fold whales to add to the curtain. As always, the kids are so enthusiastic about helping. Among the most touching words heard, one of the 7 year old boys said: "I'm going to save the Earth, and I'm going to save the whales". May we nurture these seeds of hope for the future with much love.

I am glad to share that with a lot of activities in just 3.5 days of being here on Maui, I did have Thursday morning (18 Feb) free to go on a snorkel trip as a guest of the Pacific Whale Foundation. I was impressed that only biocompostible cups were the only disposables on board, how the PWF is very pro-active to educate the numerous passengers about environmental matters, protecting the reef, not feeding the fish because of many reasons including the impact on reef ecology, etc.There were petitions available for all to sign, against whaling and the dolphin slaughters in Japan, petitions against local ocean pollution issues too.

It was very cool to get out there and see large Green Sea Turtles (4 ft long), and had a young one come up to me, eye to eye. This was my 2nd close up encounter w/ a sea turtle coming up to me like that. The big old guys (& gals) keep their distance, maybe knowing or remembering the past dangers, while the young ones are maybe just curious. I feel honored either way to be approached by these amazing ancients of the sea. On the 2nd snorkel, I saw some big 3-4ft long fish, kind of like a tuna. But most wonderful for me was hearing the Humpbacks singing. I kept diving below the surface to be sure I "wasn't hearing things". I confirmed with the ship's guide that indeed this was what I heard.

•Reporting Day 4: "30th Annual Whale Day!" (20 February 2010)
For the kick off at 9AM, specators lined the street for the mile long Whale Day Parade, cheering on the fun and colorful floats of mermaids, jellyfish, and even a whale fluke flapping, followed by a pack of about 25 skaters including my former team mate Wentzle Ruml IV and I as part of the entourage escorted by some supportive parents as well. Some of the boys had home made signs taped on to their helmets saying things like "Don't touch the sea turtles" and "Pick up your trash". Good on them! I was getting them to give "shakas for the whales" too. Onward to "Skate for the Whale" event, which had a turn out of quite impressive skaters of all ages. Again, my mahalo (thanks) to Michael of Skate One for ongoing support of my work with children skateboarding and the Origami Whales Project by donations of a big boxful of skate goodies.

The parade lead directly to the festivities of Whale Day, and for me, to open up the 20 x 60 ft tent space housing the exhibit. People were waiting even before the official opening time to see the curtain! Once open, a steady flow of visitors toured through, including some who had walked through last year, wanting to revisit the now "Curtain of 34,000 Origami Whales" (updated since last year's 32,000). There were even more visitors this year, hence more people coming out very moved and grateful for the awareness raised as intended by the Origami Whales Project. Many told me it was very beautiful while also very sad to think of all of the whales perished in the past 25 years.

Upon arrival to the tent, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the Whalesong.net as our neighboring exhibit. They had a speaker system broadcasting live via hydrophone, the Humpbacks singing right off the shoreline. This reminded me of the first exhibit of the "Curtain of 30,000 Origami Whales"at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, in Anchorage, where I played the CD "One Humpback Whale Singing" so that this eerily beautiful song could be heard through the exhibit. And today, you could hear the real live ones as you walked through the exhibit.

It is always fulfilling to meet people who ask questions and want to talk about the issues of whaling. Meeting children along with their supportive parents is a wonderful thing too, and we enjoyed some one-on-one time as I taught them how to fold origami whales which will be added in the future to "the big curtain".

A lot of visitors took photographs, and a few with video capacity on their cell phones were "filming" the experience of walking through the curtain. Please visit their posts at the right hand column.

I wish to extend many Mahalos to the Pacific Whale Foundation for their support in bringing the Origami Whales Project out to Maui for the third year in a row. And big hugs and mahalos to Brooke, Ashley, Linda, Wentzle, Davey Delong and his crew (Skate for the Whale), and to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped from hanging to monitoring, and being my "A-Team" in taking down and safely packing the "Curtain of 34,000 Origami Whales" back into their travel boxes for the next journey.

While here, e-mails have continued to bounce between the Whaingaroa Environment Centre (WEC), OPS, and Madman Theatrical (film distributors in NZ & Australia), and I in our planning for the Origami Whales Project at the "Community & Environment Day", 6 March 2010 in Raglan, New Zealand. WEC is helping to arrange for a venue while I am coordinating screenings of "The Cove" in Raglan. Its reassuring to receive the referals and the very kind words of confidence from Simon Hutchins (Director of Expeditions). He wrote: "You're certainly becoming THE "International Cove Captain". I'll arrive on the 24th of February and will be reporting from New Zealand, so please check back soon.

To view video of partial walk through the "Curtain of 34,000 Origami Whales" at Whale Day Maui, 20 Feb. 2010 (courtesy of June K. Harper)

A fast paced tour of the entire "Curtain of 34,000 Origami Whales" at Whale Day Maui 2010.

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Project Dominica, 20 January - 12 February 2010:
Dominica, the only East Caribbean IWC member nation that does not support Japan’s whaling interests, has recently renewed its commitment to whales. So the Origami Whales Project is currently working in Dominica with youth and conservation groups to create a special Curtain of Origami Whales to remain on exhibit as a symbol of Dominica’s position of protecting whales.

•Reporting Day 1: "Meetings & 'Undercover Work' in Roseau" (20 January 2010)
Yesterday, I had a good 3 hour meeting with everyone. I'm still exhausted but very happy to report that we will begin working next Monday with school visits towards the making of a "Curtain of 2,000 Origami Whales for Dominica" (the rounded up number of most recent estimated whales killed annually by the 3 main whaling nations)*. The goal is to have the 2,000 origami whales made by the week of the 1st of Feb so that we can begin stitching parties for that week, and to have the curtain completed by the 9th of Feb.

For the 9th of Feb, we are planning a joint celebration of the completed curtain along with premier screening of “The Cove” (which to date has received 44 awards, just won Critic's Choice, and is on the Academy Awards nominations “shortlist” for 2009 Best Documentary film) , and hoping our friend Charles Hambleton (Co-Producer, Head of Clandestine Operations in "The Cove") will be able to join us for the event.

I'm including a few photos taken today at the port in Roseau, fishery processing center. As you'll see, the bribery money in the form of "Fisheries Incentives" from Japan is evident here. It is important to note that thankfully, the government of Dominica is the only Caribbean island nation to have so far chosen to no longer vote with the Japanese government's whaling interests at the IWC meetings. The other Caribbean nations have yet to see the light.

It was good to talk with everyone and be filled in on some of the history and politics of the Japanese government's financial incentives and campaigns here and throughout the Caribbean. The Japanese government has placed full-page ads printed here and in other nations claiming that "the whales are eating all of your fish". I am not surprised to hear of such deception. I hope that all of our efforts will help to lead to understanding and appreciation of our cetacean friends.

Dominica is one of the "poorer" of Caribbean nations. So it is important to be aware that though the current position is to protect whales, with a change in government or without support towards conservation, this decision could later be reversed. The curtain will remain on exhibit in Dominica as a symbol of their commitment to protect whales. It is important to educate the children as well as visitors, while showing appreciation to the people and their government here for leading the way to a safer future for whales.

Please join me in thanking the Prime Minister of Dominica for his choice. And please share these two action links with your friends.
• "Tiny island, big on saving whales."
And please
• "Tell Caribbean countries of St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to stop supporting Japan's whaling".
Please support Dominica by visiting and encouraging sustainable eco-tourism here on "The Nature Island", also rated among the Top Ten Best (SCUBA) Diving Destinations in the world. Read more "NEWS!/blog"BELOW>>>

• Reporting Day 9 & 10: "Life Choices" (28 & 29 January 2010)
Despite some concerns over the slow progress and a couple of logistical challenges for school visits, it was encouraging to present to a representation of the Good Will Secondary School Environment Club.Though just 10 out of 40 members were there, all in attendance were teens ready to listen and help; and after the meeting a few of them escorted me through the city to the bus stop about a mile away. With school locations further out, and without reliable transportation, I've been walking a lot these two days!

While walking through the downtown area (Roseau) to get to the bus stop, I've enjoyed seeing the colorful buildings and meeting the colorful characters.

One challenge has been confirming enough help with the labor-intensive, very time-consuming phase of stitching the Origami Whales into 5 foot long strands for the curtains we make. At this point, there are a few new friends here who have offered to assist me with the stitching. I'm so glad that they love what I'm doing here and want to help. This evening I hosted Project Dominica Stitching Party #1. My neighbor and new friend Therese, working here on her PhD in Human Geography stopped by for about an hour. Continuing well into the night, I'm relieved to report that we are now at 10% towards the "Curtain of 2,000...".

In my meeting with Athie last weekend, I told him that if it came down to it, I would do the stitching myself. With 10 days before the first exhibit/celebratory event, I will need to average 200 Origami Whales stitched each day. So beween the additional school visits to recruit the making and stitching of more whales, these are going to be long and very busy days ahead!

With these experiences I can't help but think of and share a few "favorite" quotes from the "messages" page of my online gallery.
"Once you make a decision,
the universe conspires to make it happen."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today, upon arrival at the Roseau Primary School, I first checked in with the school principal who informed me that there had been an organizational conflict, and that my presentation had to be re-scheduled. Despite all of my efforts to confirm plans, my trip to the school wound up to be another "set back".

... That said, about 3/4 mile out on my trek to get to the Roseau Primary School, I stopped to ask for directions from any of the passengers among a car filled with a family. Gifford, who was driving began to tell me of a "short cut", which in the heat and humidity, I was glad to hear of. He just so happened to be heading for the school and kindly made room in his very small and worn out compact car, making for a total of seven of us. He then noticed one of the tires had gone flat, but continued driving as he said he didn't have a spare. Arriving at the school, I saw that the door handles were all "repaired" with wires and such to tug on in order to get out. Since Gifford was then going to have the flat repaired, I mentioned noticing that his fanbelt was squeeling too. He drove off with a happy attitude about "how life happens". And I walked away reminded of all that I am grateful for.
"Everything can be taken from a man but ...the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."
Viktor E. Frankl (Holocaust survivor)

BTW: My little standard Nissan truck back home has 309,000 miles on, and is operating just fine. My friends tell me I should notify Nissan so that we get on a TV commercial for them. The "secret" is: I take care of my truck (with regular oil changes and maintenance), and it takes care of me. Sometimes, as in these past couple of days, I've missed "my trusty steed".

Also while in Roseau, I ran into Jake from IFAW along with his two assistants for the "Floating Classrooms" project that they have been working on. We compared notes on the amazing diversity of corals, sponges, all sorts of sea life one may see while snorkeling and diving here. They shared some photos of a Hawksbill Turtle very upclose to their camera while diving. I'm glad to know that environmental education and awareness are supported here. About a week ago, Athie wrote: "Dominica is fragile and special as is so much of the Earth. Every action to teach protection makes a difference."

I've been liaison between Athie and the folks at OPS regarding the proposed premier of “The Cove”. After a couple of e-mails between us all today, very kind words of confidence came from Simon Hutchins (Director of Expeditions) who I worked with during screenings in the Santa Barbara area. Simon wrote: "Your involvement and participation, and the origami whales, will show the people that they can think, and act, with their hearts."

Also received an e-mail from a dear friend in Carpinteria notifying me of a donation on the way; so this brings the Dominica project to 35% funded. I am gratefully reminded of those words from Margaret Meade (at bottom of page).

• Reporting Day 11: "Synchronicity" (30 January 2010)
Holy smokes. Two hours later, I just completed a series of correspondences regarding the upcoming events of the next 10 days, including a draft of 7 items needed as we continue to work towards completion of the "Curtain of 2,000...:

I'd like to share that in 2006 I felt so honored to meet Dr. Hal Whitehead (University of Dalhousie, Nova Scotia) at an American Cetacean Society (ACS) conference on whales, as he is known worldwide for his decades of studying Sperm Whales. I had corresponded with Hal before coming to Dominica. Knowing they are currently here doing their research work through mid-February, just this morning, I sent an e-mail to Hal and crew this morning, extending an invitation to the celebration for the curtain and premier event (now confirmed for 9 Feb, at the University of the West Indies auditorium).

"Just by chance", as I walked into the Anchorage Hotel for the first time, to view their exhibit of a Sperm Whale skeleton, I bumped into Hal and his research team. They have been out at sea for 10 days, and came in today for provisions and maintenance work on their vessel.

Being the "Sperm Whale Groupie" (see photos at left!) that I am, I was thrilled to chat with everyone there, including Shane Gero who has spent a great deal of time getting to know several of the Sperm Whales around these waters as individuals with unique personality as well as physical traits.

What do Sperm whales think and feel? Considering their level of intelligence, I wonder what their lives are like, what their interactions with each other and other species are like, and how they perceive the environments that they encounter as they roam the vast and deep oceans of the world. How, if they so chose to, would they express to us their perceptions and knowledge of a world that we humans know so little of?

• Reporting Day 12: "Elisa arrives tomorrow" (31 January 2010)
Tomorrow afternoon, Elisa Buller, underwater videographer, will arrive with her friend to stay for 10 days. Elisa is generously supporting the Origami Whales Project by donating her service in co-producing a video about "Project Dominica: The making of a 'Curtain of 2,000 Origami Whales for Dominica'". She does fantastic work, and I am very grateful for her shared passion to protect whales.

• Reporting Day 13: "I didn't climb over fences with the Z-Boys for nothing!" (1 February 2010)
We are on for the event, 9 Feb, 8PM at the University of the West Indies (UWI) auditorium: The celebration and unveiling of the "Curtain of 2,000 Origami Whales for Dominica" and premier of “The Cove”. I've just confirmed Shane Gero will be joining Athie and I for the Q & A following the screening. We are still hoping Charles (Hambleton, of "The Cove") will be able to join us as well. Its going to be a great event!

Due to the challenges noted on the "Day 9 & 10" blog, I decided that as long as I am not breaking any laws, I should coordinate directly with whoever I need to work with. So things have shaped up thanks to this initiative, to a very right on school principal, and Athie who has arranged for a stitching party on Saturday.

Setting out for the 1:30 visit to Roseau Primary School, I walked while watching for a bus to catch. Hearing that familiar sound of squealing fanbelt, sure enough, it was Gifford driving his children back to the school. He offered me a ride, which I gladly accepted. Explaining to his 4 children that I'd be visiting their school, but learned it wouldn't be to their classroom, so like some magic trick, folded 4 "anatomically correct" Origami Whales, one for each to keep. Everyone was happy!

Ms. Roberts, the Principal was so helpful in working with me. The 4th & 5th grade students, about 50 total, were wowed by my whale facts, and just loved making origami whales. I had obtained old calendars and brochures from Ursula (my landlady), which had to be cut into squares (Yes, its about saving trees while saving whales!) as fast I could to keep up with their demand to make more, probably totalling 1,000. We are now very close to the goal of obtaining 2,000 Origami Whales, and have enough to move forward stitching and tabulating the color coordinated strands for the curtain. To insure that we are on track, I have already stitched 261. Things are looking good.

For the evening, I went into the city for the DBS radio interview, stitched a strand of 51 whales at the station, then caught a ride with Simon Walsh (host of the radio program). News travels fast on this small island and we both had already made plans separately to meet with Eric Cheng who is here in Dominica at the moment. There were four of us who were keen to meet him. Eric has been capturing impressive photos of Sperm Whales just off the coast. Had a very insightful discussion between 5 of us on campaigns and the geopolitics of Japanese whaling.

• Reporting Day 14: "Origami Whales sorted & on the ready" (2 February 2010)
Lots of correspondence time as we are organizing a big stitching party for Saturday, managing logistics for completing the curtain here, planning Skate for the Whale (at Whale Day, Maui), and being invited to continue with the Origami Maui's Dolphin campaign in New Zealand. More on these activities as they develop.

Its midnight now. This evening, I sat and sorted, and sorted, ...and about 5 hours later, completed the sorting of heaps of whales folded yesterday. The origami whales are bundled by color and size, organized/designed, and ready to stitch. We are super close to meeting the goal, and I look forward to seeing the curtain in its entirety.

I am glad to share the announcement that “The Cove” is among five nominees for the Academy Awards "Best Feature Documentary".

• Reporting Day 15: "Good company" (3 February 2010)
Another morning of administrative work. We've confirmed some great prizes donated to the Skate for the Whale contest at Whale Day. My mahalo (thanks) to Michael of Skate One for ongoing support of my work with children skateboarding and the Origami Whales Project. And I'm looking forward to what we are planning for the Keiki E.C.O. Day (Educating Children Outdoors) activities prior to Whale Day. Corresponding about fund-raising and activism with my friend Laura who has volunteered to help with this aspect of the Origami Whales Project.

Eric Cheng, his crew of friends, Elisa, Caleb, and I were guests this evening for a very nice evening of good company and good food hosted by Andrew & Rhona Armour.While mingling with guests, Gabriel (Andrew & Rhona's 9 year old son) and I folded a dozen origami whales. Andrew is Scar's friend, and has been guiding Eric and crew for their photographic visitswith the Sperm whales out here. Please visit the Eric's blog page to see what they've been up to.

• Reporting Day 16: "20 minutes left till midnight" (4 February 2010)
Another long and productive day indeed. More phone calls and e-mails, and... Elisa and I have been conferring about locations and schedule for our video project. After being informed this morning of a "secret" snorkeling spot, I set out as location scout. It turned out to be the least among choices from previous scouting missions. Glad I had a look though. I vote for Soufriere or Scott's Head.

My friend Therese (in photo at right) came over this evening to help stitch some whales while watching "Dogtown & Z-Boys", which was her first time, and about the 5th or so for me. It continues to be like looking through a photo album fond memories combined with great rock & roll from that time. There are now 642 origami whales stitched. Then I counted the remaining whales, which tallied to 1,034. So 324 more are still needed, on top of the need to stitch 1,358 to reach the goal of 2,000. I remain optimistic and hopeful that a lot of volunteers will come to the stitching party on Saturday!

• Reporting Day 17: "Up very early, ...again" (5 February 2010)
Up at 5AM again, with a lot on my mind to do. My phone calls to try to rally the rest of the origami whales from the Environment and 4-H club visits, resulted in needing to catch a ride out to the school to meet with the principal. She wanted to keep the whales for the school float in the upcoming Carnival parade the week after I leave. So I went to discuss possible further involvement with the Origami Whales Project for the float project.

Thankfully, Ursula (my landlady here) had extra paper that I cut at the school into squares, with mastery, call me "The Iron Chef of Origami". lt must have been amusing to Lee, the one student witnessing my proficiency with the paper chopper. I can also be "The Queen of Multi-tasking", as I worked with lightning speed calculating in my head the divisions of the paper into squares, while explaining the "Curtain of 2,000 Origami Whales for Dominica" project to him. Lee was very interested and said he might come to the big stitching party tomorrow, and bring his little brother along. The more the merrier!

Busy as ever, with e-mailing a progress report and various correspondences about the upcoming event. I checked in to see if a media release had been sent out, provided poster graphics for "The Cove", and ultimately asked to write a media release. Simon Hutchins wrote: "Good work guys!!! This looks like you have the whole island covered."Yes, its coming together.

In the late afternoon, I went to a spot in Soufriere, on location scout. This was just my second time there, and so it was helpful to go back. I think I can give Elisa a fairly good assessment of areas being considered. Each area has different bottom topography, visibility, and species variation and abundance. And some have the drop offs, while others don't. It was awesome to swim along the underwater cliff face over "the abyss" just over the bottomless deep blue.

With the big annual Carnival events coming up, lots of people are preparing, including the local musicians. Its 9PM here as I'm working outdoors on the veranda where I can get wifi. From up here on this hill, I can clearly hear the sound of two calypso bands practicing as I type. Really nice to be sitting outdoors with melodic calypso drumming filling the warm night air.

• Reporting Day 18: "Stitching party with 'The Wild Bunch'" (6 February 2010)
With Athie getting us (Elisa & Caleb, and I) to the Community Center, with Gloria opening the doors on time, I continued to have high hopes for "Project Dominica Stitching Party #3. We immediately proceeded to set up tables and chairs for stitching, our main objective. Two rows of smaller child-friendly-sized tables and benches,were set up to accommodate about a dozen or so of the youngest to make origami whales. Anna, Zak, and Matt arrived at starting time, and soon after, the little ones came in droves. My only question was: Where are the teenagers capable of stitching?

Beginning with the simple design, we all dove in to make origami whales. Then it was time to hand out the smaller paper (1.5" x 1.5") for making "the babies". Soon afer, I demonstrated how to fold the "trickier anatomically correct" whales which have pectoral fins. With about 20 children powering out, folding and coloring whales, the 300 or so squares cut the day before (see Day 17: "Iron Chef of Origami") were all transformed.

I love the energy and enthusiasm of kids. Hearing that Gloria's "charges" were abandoned youth, I especially looked forward to bringing the Origami Whales Project to them. With over 20 children bouncing about, it felt like I could add "Day Care" to my already many professions (as written, Day 5: "...before the storm"). And imagine trying to stitch while 6-9 year olds are asking if they could stitch and braiding my hair at the same time. Thank goodness Zak, a wilderness youth program director from California, helped to keep some of today's "Wild Bunch" together and happy with a little play time break outside.

Having the experience of coordinating the stitching of over 35,000 for the Origami Whales Project, looking at the time frame for today's stitching party, and assessing the very few number of volunteers capable of taking needle and thread in hand, I "did not have a good feeling about this." It takes some time to train volunteers how to stitch; and as with most things, time to develop a rhythm. There was promise in ten plus adults anticipated. With about half actually turning up, 3 hours later, we stitched about 200, leaving 1,100 short of the goal for the day.

Upon return to my humble "home office away from home office" I continued to work till 11PM. Another 200 are now stitched. Thank goodness for "... a little help from my friends", as a few of my friends offered to take whales with them to stitch at home. However with the Tuesday night "unveiling" closing in and video scheduling with Elisa, I need to collect all remaining whales today from these friends, stitched or un-stitched to get this done myself if necessary.

Even before all of the logistical roadblocks, I had told Athie when we met on Day 4 that I would stitch the curtain on my own if I had to. Maybe I am psychic or ...just experienced.

Its now actually morning of Day 19, and I am signing off to get onto stitching more whales.

• Reporting Day 19: "Post Superbowl Report" (7 February 2010)
Well its now quarter past midnight, so actually 8 Feb. I decided early this morning that I would set a goal to wrangle all of the origami whales that my friends took home, and finish stitching whatever ones they weren't able to get to. After signing off this morning, I stitched another 150 or so, leaving me with about 50 "babies" (~1.5" long whales) then set out to meet up with Jenna to pick up origami whales. She had finished two strands, totalling about 100 whales, leaving less than 100 "babies", so this was perfect for me to sit down this afternoon, consolidate and sort these to stitch into two more strands.

When I rang Zak, he suggested I meet the gang (he, Matt, and Anna) downtown at the Garaway Hotel on the waterfront, where they would stitch while watching the Superbowl. I hadn't seen a Superbowl game in about 15 years. And I hadn't yet been downtown in the evening, so I accepted the invitation. Hence the "Superbowl #44 Origami Whale Stitching Party at the Garaway Hotel, Roseau, Dominica, West Indies"! Between the four of us, we finished stitching another 250 or so; which left about 50 "babies" that I will stitch in the real "tomorrow" morning.

After the final strand is stitched, I shall proceed to arrange and attach the strands to create the curtain. Just a sneak preview, that I just couldn't resist sharing (photo at left).

And by the way: Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints.

• Reporting Day 20: "Phew!" (8 February 2010)
Up and then out & about. First thing, my daily yoga practice. Then off to the University of West Indies auditorium with Athie to assess the space and discussed logistics for the event. Then it was a mad scramble to get outdated magazine, calendars and catalogs at the DHTA office. From there, walked across the city to use their paper cutter at the Sutton Place Hotel (again, Ursula to the rescue). Every spare moment: While waiting on the bus to get back up to Morne Bruce (where I'm staying, at the Itassi Cottages), I have been folding whales to be sure that the goal of 2,000 would be met.

How wonderful it was to have my lunch break snorkeling out at Scott's Head for 20 minutes. I visited "the abyss" where at the edge, drifted over a school of fifty. Not sure what the species is, and I haven't found a good resource for all of the sea life here. There are amazing barrel-shaped sponge, some 2 feet in diameter, and long bright yellow "organ pipe" sponges. I always delight in watching groups of little yellow wrasses. There's an awesome triggerfish which I have yet to identify, whose colors seem to change with mood. I didn't see them today. But consistently so far, observied in the same area near the shallower part, "the school of baby baracuda". Not sure, but they sure look like Baracudas, so it is a bit unnerving to think of it, and I move slowly by with caution. I've seen Needlefish in the same vicinity too. I miss my "Grand-Daddy Puffer Fish Friend" from a couple of weeks ago.

Back for more phone calls, coordinating logistics and video with Elisa, dinner of my Indo Mie ramen with Stonewall's Soy Jerky. And yes, this evening I completed all stitching, arranged the strands into the OWP traditional rainbow of whales, and six hours later, voila! the "Curtain of 2,000 Origami Whales for Dominica". I think I need to contact the folks at Guiness Book of World Records for the fastest production of a curtain of 2,000 so far, all completed from first school visit to exhibit in 2.5 weeks! That is, after a majority of 14 hour work days.

• Reporting Day 21: "the unveiling and screening of 'The Cove'" (9 February 2010)
Up at 5 again, and working on the outline for this evening, e-mails, etc. Getting in an early yoga session anticipating Elisa's arrival at 8:30AM to film the interview segment of our video. We then had the 9AM plan to install the curtain for the evening's event at the University of West Indies auditorium. Everything went farely well, leaving us a good 15 minutes prior to our scheduled whale watch outing.

As it turns out, there was no boat at the dock in front of the Fort Young Hotel, where Jerry (the whale watch operator) was to meet us. Speaking with a security guard there, Elvis (yes), I was informed that 9 people on the cruise ship of the day were raring to go at 10:AM, vs our scheduled party of 5 at 10:30AM. So he left without us. What's up with that? Remembering "Day 13", don't get me started.

We had a good turn out for the event, and Athie served as host and moderator. After a few minutes of sharing the background of the Origami Whales Project, I invited everyone to fold an origami whale to represent Dominica in "the Big Curtain", which currently stands at 34,000. Then we watched "The Cove". It was clear, the shock and discomfort felt by many with "what the world needs to know."That said everyone stayed for the discussion afterward. Athie kept the topic focused around "The Cove" and how what we saw applied to the future for youth and conservation of whales in Dominica.

• Reporting Day 22: "After the storm, an afternoon of R & R." (10 February 2010)
Up early (but not 5AM), and managing logistics. Still working on determining the permanent exhibit space, the video project, and correspondence with friends on Maui and in New Zealand about upcoming OWP exhibits and projects.

Went downtown for internet since it hasn't been accessible at "the home office" for 2.5 days. Athie with all of his enthusiasm last night announced he'd like to show "The Cove" to "all of the children on the island". So after my inquiry with OPS, yes, he now has the go-ahead.

Having most of the project here completed, I thought it might be nice to take a short trip out to see one of the many waterfalls that Dominica is known to have. After a 45 minute bus ride, dozing most of the way (Its been an exhausting effort breaking the world record curtain making project here!). A 10 minute hike takes you to the viewing platform of Trafalgar Falls, which are actually two waterfalls coming from two different sources, about 100 yards apart. "Pappa Falls" is 150 feet tall, and delivers warm water to the hot sulfur pools below. And yes, I sat in and soaked my sore knees (a lot of walking these past few weeks!), and just took in the peaceful greenery of the valley. "Mamma Falls" at half the height, more than makes up for it with "her" width and power. If you squint and look at the very bottom center of the photo at left, you'll see a person in a white shirt between the tree fern and large boulder. The are cool water pools below to sit in. I enjoyed scrambling the large boulders, cascading water into pools, and "chilling out". This two hour time out spelled "rejuvenation."

The bus ride back with the usual number of 15 or so of us "packed like..."and pretty much all or just another non-local on board. Unlike some of the stressed city bus rides, with really loud obnoxious who-knows-watt music, this was a "happy bus". Our rectangular metal box rolled down the valley with a merry group at the end of the day, sounds pouring out with raucous jokes and laughter. (smile). Many roads are so narrow that while passing in opposite directions, buses are literally inches apart; ahem: "Please pass the poupon".

Back downtown, pre-Carnival activities kicking in, the streets are buzzing with preparations and live music announcing the big festivities just days around the corner. Today's "to do" was to correspond with everyone about, and seek and find a cardboard box large enough to safely store the "Curtain..." until a permament exhibit location is determined. The large flat boxes used to ship 32 x 40 inch foam core are ideal for shipping and storage. I didn't even venture finding one like that here, but managed after inquiring at a distribution warehouse, an appliance store, and supermarket, to acquire 2 boxes that I can work with to build a suitable storage unit.

OK, photos readied, blog written, dozing, ...time for sleep.

• Reporting Day 23: "Positive vibrations" (11 February 2010)
There's a sort of running phrase for those of us working in grass roots, as additional tasks arise in our already busy lives. We say "Just one more little thing to do". So today's additional project to the project was to organize a photo shoot with Athie and I with the curtain at the UWI auditorium. All went smoothly being just two more hours of a little thing.

Getting back up to Itassi, more e-mails, phone calls, logistics, scitsigol (logistics backwards), yoga, hours whiled away till the afternoon was well on its way. This meant my latest start for lunch break snorkeling at 4PM, and I just hoped the buses would be going both ways in favor of a relatively smooth outing. Such was pretty much the case, and I managed 20 minutes of water time.

Before setting out, I wondered if it would be too late in the day for the snorkel. And I knew it would have to be a short session. Should I even bother walking the 2 miles to catch a bus, etc, etc? I am so glad I went for it. Within the first minute that I slipped into the ultra clear shallows, there "he" was, a very small Boxfish, my first ever seen. Wow! I was his captive audience for 10 minutes, watching this spotted budgie-widget foraging away around the rocks. Then out to the abyss, the "superhighway" were the greatest density of fish occurs. Today, my efforts were rewarded by being in the midst of hundreds each of 3-5 different species. I couldn't tell what they were feeding on other than to guess it was plankton. How cool to have them all around me so close.

So now back at it, with the "more little thing to do", actually two. I proceeded to create the safe storage box for the "Curtain of 2,000 Origami Whales for Dominica" by extending the largest, then cutting end pieces for it, and reinforcing flaps. Then on to the second "little thing": attaching all of the strands of the curtain to bottom rods. Not knowing what amounts of winds the curtain might be exposed to, I felt it best to secure the strands so that they remain in line. Hopefully this new "tapestry" concept will prevent entanglement from continual breezes. Hand-tying each strand to connect loops to the bottom rod complete, 3.5 hours later. These little things add up!

• Reporting Day 24: "A Three Budgie-Widgets Day" (12 February 2010)
Early this morning before sunrise, I noticed the strong smell of "something burning". I wondered if it was someone burning rubbish. Looking out the window at first light, the sky was gray with a sort of foggy look. It turns out that last night a volcano on Antigua exploded, sending volcanic ash 40,000 ft high. Like drizzling fine sand, everything covered in gray. Flights were canceled, and I can only hope after my many inquiries that tomorrow mine will be as scheduled.

This being my last day, I made sure to get out earlier for longer time out. Back to Scott's Head, entering the shallows, I looked for my "Itty Bitty Boxfish" at first not readily found. Then I spotted one that I was sure was larger than my friend yesterday. Sure enough, my little one appeared, so I got to watch two of these fascinating budgie-widgets. After about 5 minutes, I set off outward, and very shortly then saw another even larger. Three in one day! Then over to the abyss, again amongst hundreds of fish.

OK, must finish packing and get to sleep early for the 3:30AM wake up to the airport across the island.

• "Happy Valentine's Day" (14 February 2010)
Holy smokes, or in my case while on Dominica my last day, holy exploding volcanoes!
I've made it back to my "real home office" in Carpinteria, and continue the pace as I prepare to leave for Maui (flying out early Wednesday morning). I must be on Dominica time still as I woke at 3AM, and have been working away.

The explosion from the Soufriere volcano on Monserat, Antigua resulted in canceled flights on Antigua, Guadeloupe, and Dominica on Friday, leaving air travel Saturday unconfirmed till further notice. All passengers checked in and waited at the departure terminal, although we didn’t see our plane on the tarmac. Though delayed considerably on the first two legs of the 1.5 hour shuttle bus plus four-flight journey, I did (barely) make it back after 22 hours of travel.

Ironically, on the same flight leaving Dominica, there were two groups of passengers from Japan. This was my first sighting of any Japanese presence on the island. Speaking with the wife of the one couple for quite a while, I learned that they have been living there for a year now with her husband’s business in Dominica. When I asked her about the other group of 4 Japanese, she told me that they were involved in “a building project in the northern region of the island”. I am fairly certain that this is the new fisheries complex in Portsmouth (the other major city of Dominica) funded by the Japanese fisheries incentives. At the initial meeting for my project in Dominica, I had heard that plans for this were moving forward despite the previously announced position of the government on the issue of voting at the IWC meetings.

While in Dominica, I was honored to meet quite a few key conservationists and whale watch operators. Speaking with some of the conservationists on the island, I learned of the Japanese government campaigns. Still fresh in their memory are full-page newspaper advertisements showing photographs of fish as the stomach contents of whales. This was the propaganda to convince all connected with fisheries in Dominica that the whales were eating too much of “their” fish.

A shift in public opinion toward protecting whales in Dominica is only a few years old. Considering all that I observed and learned of the Japanese government activities there, I concur with concerns expressed by the conservationists and believe it is essential to further educate the people about the truth and fact that whales alive are worth far more than whales slaughtered.

It was a good trip accomplishing the "world record making of a curtain of 2,000 origami whales", and making many new friends. I wish to acknowledge and thank Athie, Ursula, Zak, Anna, Matt, Jenna, Therese, Elisa, and Leeford, Gloria and all of her charges (AKA "The Wild Bunch"), Ms. Roberts along with the students of Mr. Pascal and Mrs. Austrie at Roseau Primary School, the class at Morne Prosper Primary, 4-H and Environment clubs at Good Will Secondary School, Felix Wilson at University of West Indies, Simon Walsh of DHTA, for all of their support. And again, I wish to express my gratitude for co-sponsorship from TOF, EIA and donations from friendsm, moral as well as "ground support"back in California from my friends Sue, Brian, Diane, and Laura, towards the Origami Whale Project in Dominica.

In an earlier e-mail Athie wrote: "Dominica is fragile and special as is so much of the Earth." With hard-working people like Athie along with grassroots conservationists on "The Nature Island", there is hope for the environment of Dominica, and whales of the world's oceans. I would gladly return to further expand outreach by working directly with various schools and members of the community. Depending on funding for the Origami Whales Project, perhaps I will do so in January 2011.
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..."Here today (soon) gone to Maui" for Whale Day to exhibit the "Curtain of 34,000 Origami Whales", and lots of fun activities with the youth there. Please check back soon as there is much more to come!
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"Curtain of 2,000 Origami Whales for Dominica"

These are links to pages within this website, with information & action regarding Japan, Norway, & Iceland's whaling activities.

A Call To Action To PROTECT WHALES WORLDWIDE

Background information on commercial whaling

Information on various issues
regarding marine mammals