Once again, a lengthy spell has fallen between my last post and this one. I'm sure the loyal readership of Running On has learned on their own, with no help from yours truly, that the crew of Le Ponant was released about a week after their capture. The company that owns the ship paid a ransom, the pirates released the crew, and French commandos then pursued the pirates, capturing six and recovering half of the ransom. The circumstances along the coast of Africa that have spawned this scourge of piracy are sad, largely overlooked, and in need of much greater attention. But I take comfort in knowing that in at least this one instance, the stand-off was resolved with no harm to the hostages. I hope the crew are all recovering and enjoying being back home with their families.
Speaking of families, my own life experienced a bit of turmoil last month when my dad suffered heart problems and had to be rushed to the hospital. That happened the day after the release of the crew of Le Ponant. So, I went from relief to worry in a matter of hours. However, I am pleased to report that Dad has been back home for about a month, and seems to be recovering nicely.
Dad's homecoming took place just in time for me to begin the disruptive and unsettling process of moving. Caz and I loaded up a U-Haul (well, he really didn't help much) and left New York City, to return next as visitors and not residents. The next day, we parked on Charles Street in Boston, right in front of Gary Drug in Beacon Hill, and carried boxes and bags and other junk up to my sunny new studio (again, Caz contributed very little), officially becoming Boston residents. Leaving New York is not easy, since there's really no place quite like it in the world. But I'm really digging Boston, and coming here has softened the blow of the departure.
I'm sure the faithful who are reading this are asking, "What the hell is this? We come here for pearls of wisdom about nature and environmentalism, not the ins and outs of your personal life!" Fair enough, but these things have really had me preoccupied the past few weeks, and the time, energy and focus to write something more insightful have been lacking. But, things are settling down, and - I swear! - something more deep and meaningful is on the way...
In fact, amidst the personal chaos created by Dad's health and the move to Boston, I've encountered some fairly chaotic events in the larger world that are relevant to the themes of this blog. Firstly, I finally got around to watching the "Battle at Kruger," which has now been watched by 32 million people on YouTube. And I have to say: Whoa. Water buffaloes, lions and even a whopper of a crocodile thrown in for good measure, all acting out some of the most fascinating predator-prey dynamics you're likely to see. With jaw on the floor, I watched and thought what beautiful chaos was unfolding before me.
From the African savannah to hallowed halls of the White House, President George W. Bush has apparently decided he is not going to be outdone by a bunch of mangy buffalo, and is looking to steal some of the ecological spotlight for himself. NPR is reporting that the Administration is poised to launch the largest, most ambitious marine conservation initiative in U.S. history. The paradox of the most anti-science, anti-environment President of all time launching such a transformative effort is enough to make the head spin...kind of like watching a pride of lions play tug of war against a crocodile with a baby water buffalo, which goes on to survive the whole ordeal, no less. Of course, Bush's plan is not yet official or finalized, so I'll hold off on further comment until talk becomes walk...
As a final note, earlier today while walking with Caz along the Charles River Esplanade, we stopped for a half hour or so and watched the bluegill sunfish building nests, spawning, and guarding their clutches in the shallows. It wasn't quite as grandiose as an African megafauna battle, but it was pretty cool nonetheless.
Oh, as for the photo above, it is symbolic of Running On taking flight once again, now that my brief period of tumultuousness has passed. OK, it actually has nothing to do with this post. But I just got back from a pretty cool trip to Santa Barbara and wanted to used one of the shots I took. Until next time...
