Fun
for all in the XTreme
Raft Race at
Community Environment Day
Whale Day 2010,
Maui.
Mokua with his origami whale and mom
Mahalo
to SkateOne for contributing the many great prizes!
Mahalo
to my former Zephyr team mate Wentzle Ruml IV for support of Skate
for the Whale.
Aloha to
all of the Keiki!
Mahalo (Thank You!) to the Pacific Whale Foundation for co-sponsoring
the 2008, 2009, and 2010 exhibits of the "Curtain of (30,000 +)
Origami Whales"
at Whale Day on Maui. `````````````````
Many
Thanks to
for contributing to the
Origami Whales Project
in Dominica
Before
leaving California, I asked a couple of my friends who are school
teachers to help out by asking their students to make some origami
whales to bring along to Dominica with this concept:
"We love whales and
what Dominica is doing for them.".
I'm sharing a few photos (below) of their wonderful contribution
to the project here. I was told that everyone "loved doing it!"
Many
Thanks to my friend Kalyn and her fellow teachers & students
at Crane Country Day School for sharing the love!
Volunteers
needed in
the Santa Barbara/Ventura area in 2010 for
Origami Whales
Stitching Parties.
For further
information, please contact Peggy Oki
To
return to the Origami Whales Project page, please click
here
(photo courtesy of Paul Wellman)
• Sperm
whales are known to dive as deep as 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) holding
their breath an average of 45 minutes in search of squid to eat.
• The Sperm
whale has the heaviest mammal brain. Its brain weights up to 9 kg (20
lb), six times heavier than a human brain. The whale has a very large
head, about a third of its body length, so there is plenty of room for
its big brain.
• The largest toothed mammal ever on this planet, most sperm
whale fossils date from the Miocene period, 23 to 5 million years ago.
Homo sapiens evolved between 400,000 and 250,000 years ago.
Making a rough
approximation:
5 million yrs (Sperm Whale) compared to 250,000 yrs (Humans) means this
species of whale has been around 20 times longer than man.
• Females are extremely
social animals. Females stay in groups or pods of about a dozen individuals
and their young. The members of a pod protect the young, the sick and the
injured. This group structure allows a mother to dive very deeply to hunt
while leaving her young calf, who is unable to dive very deeply, at the
surface and protected by the pod.
• Males leave these 'nursery schools' at
somewhere between 4 and 21 years of age and join a 'bachelor school' with
other males of a similar age and size. As males grow older they tend to
disperse into smaller groups and the oldest males typically live solitary
lives. rmWhale
.................................................
"Sleeping Giant"
(a watercolor that I painted about
8 years ago)
.................................................
Day 16: 642 origami whales stitched so
far!
.................................................
Day
18: Stitching party with "The Wild Bunch" at the Community Center
Zak and
Matt showing how to fold whales
Anna stitching
(most
of) "The
Wild Bunch"
...........................................................
Morning of Day 19: stitching
party of one
End of Day 19: Here is about half of what
was accomplished since yesterday's stitching party.
.....................................................................
Day 20, whales made on the bus.
End of Day 20: Strands organized and ready
to be attached to curtain rods.
Day 21:
At the unveiling event of the "Curtain of 2,000 Origami Whales
for Dominica".
Leeford (a bright light of hope for Dominica, also an excellent stitcher
at our party on "Day 18") at left, and Hal Whitehead and his research team
at right.
Athie (Atherton
Martin) and I , University of West Indies.
..................................................
Day
23: modifying the design by adding a bottom stabilizing rod to
each section.
packing
the curtain for safe storage
ready
for safe storage
contributions
of origami whales
by the children of Dominica
origami
whales by the children of Dominica
and from Santa Barbara, California
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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)
*******************
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.
...............................
Watch
the video about
the
Maui's Dolphins made by students on Waiheke Island, New Zealand.
...............................
One of four groups at Keiki ECO Day Click
here to view a podcast from
Mrs. Gilbert's class from Kamali'i Elementary in Kihei (Maui)
Welcoming
another group on Keiki ECO Day
(photos courtesy of Simone
Reddingius)
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)
Inside
the fisheries complex in Rosseau:
behind the freezer door:
The
fisheries complex in Rosseau: ...downtown
Rosseau
•Reporting Day 4
(23 January 2010)
It was great to meet with Athie (Atherton Martin, who is interviewed
in "The Cove") today to share thoughts on conservation projects,
discuss my amibitious goals for the Origami Whales Project in Dominica,
and possible screening locations for our celebratory event and
screening of
"The Cove". We then visited a few possible sites for the permanent
exhibit of the "Curtain of 2,000 Origami Whales for Dominica"
(Phew, long name! May shorten it a bit.).
•Reporting Day
5: "...before the storm" (24 January
2010)
Sunday was "the calm before the storm" in more than one
way. Its amazing how many hats I wear as Coordinator of the Origami
Whales Project: managing e-mail correspondences, seeking funding,
administration, logistics, photography, meetings... and then the
other hat of "webmaster".
Hours have flown by these past few days has I've been working
on various images and thinking it would be good to have a sort
of "blog" page. Hence, the "News!/blog" you are
reading here, which I hope you are enjoying!
Anyone who has done web work knows of the good mental exercise of
several hours to design, creating new navigational buttons and headers,
and testings links and actions to make sure all of the pages are
connected properly. I hope everyone will like the new look. Please
let me know if there are any missing links or crossed up signals.
I appreciate being informed about any glitches.
So "the storm"
came in yesterday, with bonafide buckets of rain through this evening.
And the 10 day forecast is looking good if you're a duck. Though
thinking intially I'd hit the ground running with school visits,
the disappointment of having to wait a few extra days was the silver
lining before the storm. In anticipation of meeting the goal to make
a "Curtain of 2,000
Origami Whales" in 2.5 weeks, I knew I'd better
get to seeing a few sites while I could.
I've been learning about the "bus" system here. Actually
a "bus" is
a mini-vans modified w/ extra seats to fit about 15 people! A taxi
is the SAME vehicle with only the usual amount of seatings, and much
more costly. Being a somewhat seasoned traveler, I am happy
to ride the bus.
Its good value to have the cultural experience and a bit of excitement
on very narrow winding roads, with the drivers blasting horns around
every bend.
So I
set out on Sunday to snorkel "the abyss". With very rare
bus service on Sundays, after 1.5 hours, I got onto one that was
going about halfway to Scott's Head (and "the abyss").
As luck would have it, I soon caught a ride with a few friendly local
people heading for Soufriere, almost to Scott's Head. And I ended
up joining my new friends Mitchell and Jena for a snorkel in front
of the church in Soufriere, where there is not only another abyss,
but also a lot of "champagne" activity of lots of tiny
air bubble rising from the sea floor alongshore. Its a geologic phenomenon
resulting from the volcanism of the island.
In fact, the whole large bay of Soufriere/Scott's Head is the remnant
crater of a volcano, and hence, "the abyss" so close to
shore.
It was my first time afloat, swimming out over nothing but
deep blue; at first rather scary, but then so aluring. I kept thinking
of the Sperm Whales, families of them in the waters around
Dominica. How
wonderful it would be to have them come from the deep blue to meet
me! Considering the highly unusual encounters I've had with Gray
and Humpback whales, I say I have "Whale Mojo", so who's to know?
•Reporting Day 6: "Thank You!"
(25 January 2010)
My downstairs cinderblock studio apartment has been comfortable despite
living with a leaky toilet and rain coming in the window sill.
I'm learning plumbing skills and wishing I'd brought a tube of silicon
sealant!
Good news: I received confirmation that the Origami Whales Project
will receive co-sponsorship from a continued supporter, The Ocean
Foundation (TOF).
Combined with a
contribution from the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)
and donations from
a few of my friends, the Dominica project is now 25% funded. Every
bit helps, and so I am grateful to everyone for their faith and support
in this important work here.
•Reporting
Day 7: "Visits & Beauty" (26
January 2010)
Today I made my second of five planned school visits, and the kids
were blown away by my cool whale facts and videos. As always, the
enthusiasm of children wanting to be a part of something good is
so rewarding to see. May we never take for granted the delight of
a child's with hands reaching out as if the re-used squares of paper
were candy treats. A few of the boys were especially proud to show
how many whales they made in about 20 minutes!
I caught a ride into the city this morning, so took
the opportunity to scope out options for food preparations as I anticipate
I will run out of my favorite vegan foods in the next week. The "supermarket"
holds little promise. Dinner tonight, a half carrot, some of my vegan
food that I brought along: a tasty ration of Indo Mie Ramen with
half packet of Stonewall's Soy Jerky. Halleluya for the local produce
tables and Cecil in the town of Scott's Head selling fresh coconut!
Until flying over Dominica (photo above), I had no idea of how lush
and beautiful this island is. Here's a view of SW Dominica from above
Rosseau city. I also learned that much of "Pirates
of the Caribbean 2 & 3" was filmed here.
• 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.
.............................................................................................................................................
..."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!
............................................................................................................................................. "Curtain
of 2,000 Origami Whales for Dominica"
"Due to
its unique offshore terrain, Dominica is known as the Whale Watching
Capital of the Caribbean." CLICK
HERE to read about this Sperm
whale, Scar, posted by National Geographic
...home
office, away from home office. the
(much steeper than it looks!) road to downtown Roseau The
"buses" of Dominica^ New
friends from the Good Will Secondary School Environment Club James
hoping to get to Tokyo. "Shoot
for the moon...
even if you miss,
you'll still land among the stars." "Hollywood
Squares" (This is
not an advertisement!)
Project
Dominica Stitching Party #1
~Saving Trees while Saving Whales~ (old catalogs
and calendars for cutting into squares for origami)
.....................................................
Why are
there “Babies” in this curtain?
From a review of Japanese reports from the 2006 - 2007 whale hunt in Antarctic
waters:
505 Antarctic Minke Whales killed, 262 of them were pregnant females, while one
of the three giant Fin Whales killed was also pregnant.
Day
22: a little time out at Trafalgar Falls. 75
foot tall "Mamma
Falls"
lower
cascades into cool pools below "Mamma Falls"
The top of a series of natural hot sulphur
pools at the base of "Pappa Falls" (Trafalgar Falls) This
one seats five.
Soufriere
volcano, Monserat, Antigua
I
found this photo online, of the "budgie-widget boxfish" ,
AKA Smooth Trunkfish Lactophrys
triqueter
Ursula, gracious hostess at the Itassi
Cottages, Carnival Queen in 1948, still beautiful inside and out.
*:-.,_,.-:*’``’*:-.,_,.-
“Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful committed citizens can
change the world;
Indeed it is the only thing that ever has!”
Margaret Meade
-:*’``’*:-.,_,.-:*