tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13759368580688627432024-02-19T16:41:26.646-08:00. Wings and Whale Sharks .The mind-meanderings of an all dacron-and-tubing-pilot. Centred on but not limited to flying and whale sharks. All content is copyrighted...................................Why not order the book?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-14875458136195230292014-10-08T04:43:00.002-07:002014-10-08T04:43:44.390-07:00Veronica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQaJL0h0G4OThKhsN8of6Q4TIEazG13trm_NeRkatwzvSKmhzfhW-w-rlXsJ2XkVXNVzu3R802Nig3y-fGEUcmG9VkpFqoGZkYdsbSM0SUwKhMbWmrGCS4aIm0ycK1R9zFrv3j5jShO8/s1600/Ran1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQaJL0h0G4OThKhsN8of6Q4TIEazG13trm_NeRkatwzvSKmhzfhW-w-rlXsJ2XkVXNVzu3R802Nig3y-fGEUcmG9VkpFqoGZkYdsbSM0SUwKhMbWmrGCS4aIm0ycK1R9zFrv3j5jShO8/s1600/Ran1.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We often laugh at the </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">misinterpretations</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> of translators between Chinese and English. It is commonly revered to as being "lost in translation", however personally I believe it is more about that which is "gained" in translation. Of course for the most part we tend to
forget this and so it was when I met Ran Chan, a Chinese lady. Ran’s English
was not the best, something I established when she was about to climb into the
car dressed in her wet-suit and it took almost 30 minutes for me to convince her
to get into something more comfortable like slops, shorts and T-shirt! But her
English was still good enough for us to have a meaningful conversation.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She introduced
herself as “Ran” which of course wasn’t pronounced anywhere near what one would
think. Seeing the frown form on my face, which must have been a common thing to
her when introducing herself, she quickly added, “But you can call me Veronica”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Veronica is
her English name – a common practice among the Chinese given the Wests
inability to cope with Chinese pronunciation and for a while we bemused this
strange affair.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“What do your friends call you?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Vivi” She
said with a smile. I could not help add to my amusement by pondering the strange
results and intricacies of the cultural exchanges – not just in the habit of claiming
an English name and the ability to choose it but also in not allowing the
opportunity of losing out on getting that all important “nick name” with it!
Later on I wrote her name on the observer spot of our recording sheet as “Vivy”
by mistake. Scratching out the “y” and replace it with an “i” I smiled at her
and asked if that was correct. Saying something I could not quite understand
she quickly but politely added, “It’s ok. It’s ok.”, with a generous hand
gesture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Veronica
must have been in her late twenties or early thirties – I admit to never asking
and that I could be completely wrong. From personal experience I have found
the Chinese to be notoriously challenging to assign an age to, their cultural
eating practices often making them look far younger than they actually are - well,
that’s my opinion anyway. But Veronica was an absolute pleasure to be with. She
had an easy mannerism around her and laughed a lot, often at slight nuances of
things that required a deft sense of humour to appreciate. Given her lack of knowing
the full English language it was pleasantly surprising!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soon we were
engaged in conversation, much around the basis of love I have to admit, but
covering a range of spin-off topics including China’s one child policy, of
which Veronica is a result.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I take my
hat off to China for introducing such a policy.” I said. “It addresses not only
their own lack in resources but they are also contributing to what I see as the
only solution to the current world crises which we commonly refer to as ‘overcrowding’.
So you are part of the solution.” I added with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Yes” she
replied tentatively, “but very lonely…”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her simple
comment was profound. Hidden in those three words were allusions to the immeasurable
effects of what it means to be human. The simple act of a one child policy will
alter the basis of relational behaviour in humans with unknown and far reaching
implications. The fact that Veronica grew up without siblings and deprived of the
opportunity to share intimate space in a living environment, she admits, could
have been a great contributing factor to why she is now divorced.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Of course I
could not help share in the use of God’s greatest commandment, to love Him with
everything we have – body, soul, mind, every </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">fiber</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> of our being – but that this
love be carried over to our neighbours. To love others in the same profound way
and that if that was the basis for all humans would she still have found
herself divorced? Of course she seemed to have loved our conversation and I
could not help but see the notion of Christ-like-love being pondered deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I have
never thought of it that way…” She said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later on, while
driving her home I asked quite suddenly, “So then tell me, how do you spell ‘vivi’?”,
my smile making it known that I have not forgotten her gracious acceptance of
my spelling rendition when I wrote her name on the recording sheet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“V and V”
she said while finger writing two V’s next to each other in the air before
adding, “Easy. Like ‘</span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">double</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">you’!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hehe… Its
true! ;)</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSrhP8wZSkKN11xc2drw3fqgd6-4AzEHoC-Ek9e8YRZPdntmcGBgTS6oyEVWQ8OfBFPnWrtTKuTXbKQQXIR0dy6J9ImF1QfoAljhk4yj1KqjNBcxHOASVCOuQCXWi-01lcaZjY2QXlN4/s1600/Chan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSrhP8wZSkKN11xc2drw3fqgd6-4AzEHoC-Ek9e8YRZPdntmcGBgTS6oyEVWQ8OfBFPnWrtTKuTXbKQQXIR0dy6J9ImF1QfoAljhk4yj1KqjNBcxHOASVCOuQCXWi-01lcaZjY2QXlN4/s1600/Chan.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Veronica, knees tucked up behind me and sporting my yellow socks to help with the wind chill.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-45259794723865385692013-10-23T00:08:00.000-07:002013-10-23T00:08:10.829-07:00Are we there already!?<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are we there yet?” Parents know that question all too well.
As a kid I remember the internal frustrations and angst stirred up with those
words, not just in the anticipation of the end f the journey but sometimes in
fear of the reprisal from your parents. Still, as a kid one could not help ask
that question. Some of my fondest memories are of those long journeys to the
ocean - the peering over the hills the closer you got in the hopes of being the
first to see the sea. Oh the anticipation as a kid was almost too much to bear
and asking “Are we there yet?” just the most natural thing in the world to do,
regardless of the emotional consequences (or those that might end up on your
backside! ;)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Full dinner table!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4yViIQr8TQOXAD4TiCEDx8QLepdgmUoybNwNt87I4oXMwVKCqkHf5WCJe-3j89TVHPIOmhvNKucKRQzyZPtzqUsP3MlSyvebWa0yx7VEHKhbRdu9-CXA9May28hfBbILz5wmlPsajJ8/s1600/Dinner+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4yViIQr8TQOXAD4TiCEDx8QLepdgmUoybNwNt87I4oXMwVKCqkHf5WCJe-3j89TVHPIOmhvNKucKRQzyZPtzqUsP3MlSyvebWa0yx7VEHKhbRdu9-CXA9May28hfBbILz5wmlPsajJ8/s320/Dinner+table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Coming and going emotions – if I can call them that – are part of
life for everyone. “Oh I hate goodbyes...”, and whether you say it out loud or
keep it to yourself, you are of course experiencing those come and go emotions.
And though many hate and ovoid the “saying goodbye” moments, I have learned to
embrace them. Embracing these emotions is akin of emotional maturity even if
one does not quite understand them they do remind of life and living.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our season is just about at an end. We have had our farewell
dinner, said our goodbye’s and some have already gone their separate ways. We
are all left with our memories, making of them whatever we want – good or bad,
happy or sad.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VWH3jP1TNk90GMRCKmqElBtTtzT_CTJ7OVbxcFjpI2yMkZt9HmWfhl5JyS1C4vtqDk_Dd3zGQ5Qzl-nqukqqpWA9L5FTKiRZe3Q0p_Z4msJWHqkqSzO9lQvD_C7YYuAi9LFGRE8JWpM/s1600/Interns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VWH3jP1TNk90GMRCKmqElBtTtzT_CTJ7OVbxcFjpI2yMkZt9HmWfhl5JyS1C4vtqDk_Dd3zGQ5Qzl-nqukqqpWA9L5FTKiRZe3Q0p_Z4msJWHqkqSzO9lQvD_C7YYuAi9LFGRE8JWpM/s320/Interns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The 2013 Interns!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing is certain, time brings change and “Are we there
yet?” has changed to “Are we there already!?” and how subtle but mature that
change and shift in life is!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish I could stay just a little bit longer…<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHdggm52dUP_Rvai74aZwS_ODQVV1qkQdJohoW3eabme9F01mPr9vHUsrODv9BhKo76h0FXd2N465UF4_hutYYbkCncN1ATmc5uTf7gHSJXd4XY6QtA5kc_fGEQssnZCyXzwLPjHh-5M/s1600/Team+leaders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHdggm52dUP_Rvai74aZwS_ODQVV1qkQdJohoW3eabme9F01mPr9vHUsrODv9BhKo76h0FXd2N465UF4_hutYYbkCncN1ATmc5uTf7gHSJXd4XY6QtA5kc_fGEQssnZCyXzwLPjHh-5M/s320/Team+leaders.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The 2013 Team Leaders!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-69711884807481320202013-10-11T10:01:00.002-07:002013-10-11T10:01:57.193-07:00Storming action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Quick update...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzWoxK8w6YROQ7QvDbDpbeVvISpGRdWxQ0NkThMKjZLRfbk6J0UW-SURfVovRpA9dD2bcGMUFc-StL8hhOOkEgfuwtESL3fSYqwfW3B-RU9oi8TGQvwI4mc5Pryrnh5EQ6Iz1yhwq_AQ/s1600/Gyro+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzWoxK8w6YROQ7QvDbDpbeVvISpGRdWxQ0NkThMKjZLRfbk6J0UW-SURfVovRpA9dD2bcGMUFc-StL8hhOOkEgfuwtESL3fSYqwfW3B-RU9oi8TGQvwI4mc5Pryrnh5EQ6Iz1yhwq_AQ/s320/Gyro+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Francis and I scanning the water while keeping an eye on the weather</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was not for sissies. Francis, flying his Gyro and I
got chased back to the airport after spending as much time with the boats as we
could. He was just doing it for the fun so sneaked back a few minutes earlier
than I did. As he said, “I don’t want to get too wet…” :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfV2t991YB0-6ccG1TwOj8OzCMalhGnRecpjGMF-kb7Fy1-wSxzVMh1QfmaOxg_C2FjOliV_-QksYfHvlfeAnyy8N-aNf5i2gDlGeRf3KhzNoKh8F6KIsuG6Z48cTPUVk8EHt_OATtoA/s1600/Time+to+make+a+move+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfV2t991YB0-6ccG1TwOj8OzCMalhGnRecpjGMF-kb7Fy1-wSxzVMh1QfmaOxg_C2FjOliV_-QksYfHvlfeAnyy8N-aNf5i2gDlGeRf3KhzNoKh8F6KIsuG6Z48cTPUVk8EHt_OATtoA/s320/Time+to+make+a+move+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With rain coming in on the right it was a run over those clouds and the island back to the airport.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a hard and fast run to make it back - even if it was 20 k's away. I still got
somewhat soaked. The storm actually moved past the airport to the south but our
survey area was flooded. The interns said they took the boat passengers to
snorkel at the Four Season but they refused to get in the water since it was pouring
with rain. Hehe… :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even with two aircraft patrolling the oceans we didn't see
any sharks which was a bit disappointing but certainly there was no lack in
action.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
;)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTWwBRRSJ58v22txj_RRkt18NxavzoPwXrcmiLp2iOlP2gSI-op_C95DtP2ie6RRwJUmuA_11_ZPOQ6hLNmBVRqd4TT_BMFyCGx78lS7S1SJe-48IEDrRVqL8FX6CCWwusLQuAzEH2Gk/s1600/Rainhits+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTWwBRRSJ58v22txj_RRkt18NxavzoPwXrcmiLp2iOlP2gSI-op_C95DtP2ie6RRwJUmuA_11_ZPOQ6hLNmBVRqd4TT_BMFyCGx78lS7S1SJe-48IEDrRVqL8FX6CCWwusLQuAzEH2Gk/s320/Rainhits+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No, its not a hangover!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-60972726561001220652013-10-10T03:33:00.001-07:002013-10-10T03:40:58.000-07:00Squeaking tires...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho28bWSXC1e2wiLrSvHOA43qFQ4Xjs1CowvTYrOjDqI2mAp16YzzhjLHIVfJbg6WWHyiTxb8q4mTwALJ4jxLrUBD_NrwSJ8Xo0MrkhxiLlqAht1tbv2_bN3ziUdw9KRbRst8v3FKioDXE/s1600/Shark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho28bWSXC1e2wiLrSvHOA43qFQ4Xjs1CowvTYrOjDqI2mAp16YzzhjLHIVfJbg6WWHyiTxb8q4mTwALJ4jxLrUBD_NrwSJ8Xo0MrkhxiLlqAht1tbv2_bN3ziUdw9KRbRst8v3FKioDXE/s320/Shark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.hangglidingschool.com/Shop/Wings-and-Whale-Sharks/" target="_blank">Wings and Whale Sharks!</a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dirk was beaming from ear to ear. He had just walked through
the door after his afternoon flight. As usual he had a bag with some snacks and
groceries but I could not help notice the two empty beer bottles in his hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We got 5 sharks this afternoon!” He said. OK, so perhaps the
empty beer bottle weren't the reason for his happiness – or at least all of it.
“It was amazing!” He continued. “This morning I got 1 shark but this afternoon
we got 5.” He was shaking his head in a kind of elated disbelief. “Five!” he
said again, this time with more emphases. Of course given the recent drought of
whale sharks this was good news.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Awesome!” I answered enthusiastically before settling in to
listening to Dirk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to him the interns and clients are going to sleep
well tonight, some most probably were going to be sore too – they had a lot of
encounters so were clambering in and out of the boat all the time. It was great
to hear – nothing like a good bunch of encounters to lift the spirits of
everyone. What made the day even more
special was the fact that the wind was just 5 knots. In these light wind
conditions flying becomes more a pleasure than work and Dirk made full use of
it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jis!” He says with boyish enthusiasm, “I have forgotten how
fast the micro-light lands when there is no wind. The wheels made the same
noise as a Boeing!” and Dirk whistles his rendition of tires hitting the
runway. I of course have a good chuckle. It is so good to share in his happy
state.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIvC7LhIUTndWVcX0RR5llRx_SIJ6u7V_UvbMnUB-7m1_uBWKKEqbTOLKQ9ltK4n0NnYzj-CDemq78baV594OUv_l5UwPSaBi7HpUUavCJiXsjmn0FQSOMuBPumIOiMRsY5mCgdzZzYQ/s1600/Low.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIvC7LhIUTndWVcX0RR5llRx_SIJ6u7V_UvbMnUB-7m1_uBWKKEqbTOLKQ9ltK4n0NnYzj-CDemq78baV594OUv_l5UwPSaBi7HpUUavCJiXsjmn0FQSOMuBPumIOiMRsY5mCgdzZzYQ/s320/Low.jpg" width="320" /></a>:)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
PS: Savvi just popped in inviting us to the bazaar. He too is
in a happy state and sure is looking sun-burnt!<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-34328451208949556782013-10-09T09:50:00.001-07:002013-10-09T09:55:36.430-07:00Pretty woman and chocolate éclairs...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvw_obw9oiAVwXk7s7x-qey_42eaP3VqYFsPN3bur0AtbzNIVM4S-AWoYfJKx-vJ7QI8YBPVFiFiYeDJgzzrRRXyl1UfiLMml0vomO4EwGa-QfwYdhSglhKZRGMNjQrgQakXrHTyCYYQ/s1600/20131007_121816-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvw_obw9oiAVwXk7s7x-qey_42eaP3VqYFsPN3bur0AtbzNIVM4S-AWoYfJKx-vJ7QI8YBPVFiFiYeDJgzzrRRXyl1UfiLMml0vomO4EwGa-QfwYdhSglhKZRGMNjQrgQakXrHTyCYYQ/s320/20131007_121816-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
“Does it have a chocolate filling?” I asked while pointing to
one of the long bread-thingies covered in a layer of chocolate.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oui” she said. I had to admire the perfect French accent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Great! Can I have one please?” I smiled being all warm and
friendly. Her mannerism and dress was more akin to a secretary rather than
working the bakery till. My admiration came with a slight tinge of sadness too as
I remembered that once, some time ago, someone had told me too that I was a “lucky
‘bastard’”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She sure was pretty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was lunchtime and I was doing my usual routine but for
the discovery of the new bakery that had just opened next to my favourite take
away shop. Moments ago I called Sam with the news that once again there were no
sharks. (Dirk and I actually feel quite guilty to call Sam with the news of no
sharks – her disappointment is rather disheartening!) Of course it is not just
Sam that was being effected, the interns too were feeling frustrated. After
starting on such a high, the lack of sharks over the last week and half have put
a slight damper on things. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That will be 30 rupees” she said while her eyes locked on
mine. They were emerald green and exquisite, the beauty not lost on me while I
fumbled through my pocket for some money.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thank you” I said before adding, “and I wish you all the
success with the new shop.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mercy” came her reply. Ah, there was that perfect French accent
again. Taking my chocolate éclair in its pretty box I walked out of the shop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later on, back in the hangar I shared lunch with Donn – he was
a Captain in the Seychelles Air-force. We often have a good chat and over the
years have built up a good friendship. Of course he could not help admire the tempting
and enticing look of the chocolate éclair and what a rare find that was on the
island.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Talk about tempting” I mentioned. “I have to tell you about
the pretty lady working at the bakery…” Soon we were discussing
the merits of admiring a beautiful lady. Suddenly Donn looked at me with a grin
before adding, “Well, at least you could take the chocolate éclair home with
you…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-27833828154232116842013-10-02T10:10:00.000-07:002013-10-10T03:37:26.655-07:00Aware are you Romeo?<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo5W-fytk2xGNsFk1ZrcIO4h8P5hDCdp_ud8k70ptM_bkH2ZToa2tQHJzeBilnBKEjt_i_D7zTpCtIbxn2pNdZV8WHa_pi2i7tB4wZCjqx5S-H7lSNrkZBayYopajxqSegVwEmwnWZJw/s1600/Savvi+and+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo5W-fytk2xGNsFk1ZrcIO4h8P5hDCdp_ud8k70ptM_bkH2ZToa2tQHJzeBilnBKEjt_i_D7zTpCtIbxn2pNdZV8WHa_pi2i7tB4wZCjqx5S-H7lSNrkZBayYopajxqSegVwEmwnWZJw/s320/Savvi+and+I.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Savvi and I</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">The other day Savvi and I was driving home after a day’s flying and I
tuned into BBC. I think Savvi was perhaps not as pleased about the BBC thing but
I think he was being very polite about it. They were talking about the distinguishing
emotions between animals and humans. One guy mentioned his sense of nostalgia
was what made him different to animals. That there were a few different kinds
of nostalgia but in essence, an animal can’t become nostalgic. Another said it
was the degree of love or the degree of hate that makes us different. It of
course was my cup of tea and could not help but go along with the train of
though. The fact that we are very different to any other animal on this planet
is unmistakable – of course many arguing that we are the worst of the animals
on the planet, with good reason too. However the fact that we are different was
not the debate but rather the range of difference that separated us from all
other animals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">“I can sit and think. I know that I am a human being. I know I have a
choice to act accordingly.” I asked while looking at Savvi. Personally I
thought it was being aware or knowing about the sense of Self that made us so
different. And as I said being able to exercise a choice – this choice is the
very thing with the potential to makes us the worst – or the very best, kind of
beings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Savvi was being quite unresponsive so I continued, “Does a dog sit and
think, ‘I am a dog. That’s why I act like a dog.’, or, ‘I like being a dog but
I’m going to act differently!?’” This time with a bit more persuasion in my
voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">“I guess” Savvi mentioned with his typical loud and dry American accent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">“Or another way of looking at it Savvi,” I continued, “I can act very
civil towards another person while inside I might be plotting to kill them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">“I suppose…” he ventured, slightly uncertain and unwilling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I had a bit of a mischievous glint in my eye. (OK, maybe it wasn’t that
obvious!) But I was trying to entice him into the conversation which was a bit
of a heavy topic for any young man. It was an old habit of mine and perhaps
Savvi was used to me ‘pushing’ him along many of these ‘heavy’ topics whenever
we go flying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">“This sense of Self, and the ability to reason about that awareness and
control it, is what separates us from animals. Of course that is my humble
opinion. Did I miss something you think?” I looked at him, kind of forcing him
to answer and take part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">“Makes sense…” He said, while once again I detected an underlying hint
of an unwillingness to commit to the conversation. I mean, who can blame the
man? He was still high from spending time above the clouds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlarE8ovdgh1ZrNRPaOOEgUwsEucR8-Dk9jsx97WpH4kne2EwZi5H2aHppAHqxffY33akrb5-HmtPQ28ajMJKqWg8AoaMrGM0D5o79jp1AJvh5JqqrcUwc2q9kEfgjn55rn83G5sIAHQ/s1600/The+gap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlarE8ovdgh1ZrNRPaOOEgUwsEucR8-Dk9jsx97WpH4kne2EwZi5H2aHppAHqxffY33akrb5-HmtPQ28ajMJKqWg8AoaMrGM0D5o79jp1AJvh5JqqrcUwc2q9kEfgjn55rn83G5sIAHQ/s320/The+gap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pic taken by Savvi</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The next day I was sitting at 7500’ cruising above the rain and dismal
weather falling on the Northern point of the island. At that moment, I was
struck by an overwhelming sense of Self. It was magical. I was floating through
a land of cloud-castles, akin to Jack and the bean stork; mysterious and
enchanting, surreal yet certain, weightless yet seated, unencumbered yet
limited. It brought to me a sense of freedom and love and blessings that
becomes hard to put into words. Over and above my reasoning and navigating
skills to safely move through the clouds, I have the ability to be aware of
having this capability. And to top it off, I could recall my conversation with
Savvi in the car the previous day. I suddenly realized that he was being civil
and polite while disliking our conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">All too human!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">:)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-78118296367794020632013-09-29T10:24:00.001-07:002013-09-29T10:24:44.218-07:00Short and to the point<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was an interesting day. Savvi accompanied me on the
flight as an extra set of eyes. (Four is so much better than two! ;) The winds
had gone east and the west coast was thus off shore. If you were low you would
get bumped around by the rotor turbulence and if you were too high you couldn't
see much. It was kind of a toss-up between the two and we just made
it up as we went along. I managed great navigation on the morning flight to
stay clear of the bumpy stuff but on the afternoon things changed a bit and in
one area we got hammered. For all the work we only got one shark – the boats
did not go out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is a pic of some of the action.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2iRe81MY2aby8NU7l0TcelCIkspLn5duqn88RZPkXJcHZQkZ4VLxFCqQAX6Iyti2wEOaL91yV5FxKOCx3xh6bQKt_-2WaO4HS8xaeFPk-VgzB4cJ2qzK2Ip43rUqeSTcjFoT_czYGrs/s1600/Point2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2iRe81MY2aby8NU7l0TcelCIkspLn5duqn88RZPkXJcHZQkZ4VLxFCqQAX6Iyti2wEOaL91yV5FxKOCx3xh6bQKt_-2WaO4HS8xaeFPk-VgzB4cJ2qzK2Ip43rUqeSTcjFoT_czYGrs/s320/Point2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Savvi and I still on
the east coast passing “the point” – half way between the Airport (just off the pic on the right) and South point (off to the left).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tomorrow they predict rain. We will just wait and see…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PS: Would you believe that all the interns have turned down
to fly with me tomorrow morning? Are they insane!? Who would turn down the
chance of flying around a beautiful tropical island in a micro-light?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Should I take it personally?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hhhmm…. No. Perhaps they all have seen the weather forecast!
;)<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-12221695500918504602013-09-27T02:37:00.001-07:002013-09-27T09:41:17.920-07:00Time and the speed of light not constant?<div>
Just a reminder that my new book -<a href="http://www.hangglidingschool.com/Shop/Wings-and-Whale-Sharks/" target="_blank"> Wings and Whale Sharks</a> - is now available. In fact, why not check out my web, put and entry into my guest book and you can stand a chance of winning the book for free.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Makes sense to me.. ;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
What a cliché to say that “time sure flies when you are
having fun!” But every now and then I get glimpses of the hidden truth behind
these often quoted but seldom fully understood idioms. The amount of time I
spend up in the sky, looking down on the earth provides a very different perspective
on life. It is very much a matter of being hoisted above our usual two
dimensional living while being afforded a three dimensional glimpse of the life
we live. Looking down and “into” our world really opens the mind to
contemplating the meaning of it all. Of course it is no secret that this
perspective has convinced me of the existence of a Master Creator and even now,
after thousands of hours and many years of being offered this “three
dimensional glimpse” of life I honestly just don’t get how people can miss
that.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a mystery to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course I know too that we live in a four dimensional
world but few are aware of that – mostly it is exactly as I described it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But coming back to the idea of “time flies when you have fun”
concept. I managed to get an interesting little video clip of the Seychelles
barred-ground-dove. These little doves are actually really cute and found everywhere
around these islands. They have the sweetest call, though personally I think
they do not possess much between the eyes if you get my meaning. ;) Look at
this interesting photograph I lifted off from the video clip. Notice the view
of the wings versus the shadow of the wings. Is this an optical illusion? Does
it point to the differences between the speed of light – that the light
reaching the camera from the bird is slightly different to that reaching the camera
from the shadow of the bird? Or is there another explanation?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To me it certainly puts me even more in awe of how our world
operates – down to the most intricate but perfectly designed complexities!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxV6Kfcpw0wyAAzv0HrX_sjS-oLiFpUocmcdMSfmLQi4CO2OqIogSRY6-EbZBXqcDjtyAJidY4fGKYszt3mFRsO1mJQh1x-GDt1D3Q3FO8JY7aTFTXSjaIJZS01QUeNc5XZWja0uXPjc0/s1600/Dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxV6Kfcpw0wyAAzv0HrX_sjS-oLiFpUocmcdMSfmLQi4CO2OqIogSRY6-EbZBXqcDjtyAJidY4fGKYszt3mFRsO1mJQh1x-GDt1D3Q3FO8JY7aTFTXSjaIJZS01QUeNc5XZWja0uXPjc0/s320/Dove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-30165552425605368472013-09-24T10:40:00.000-07:002013-09-27T02:40:39.503-07:00Vienna...<div class="MsoNormal">
We have been having a bit of a blow for the last few days
but today the strength pattern broke. The sharks were still there and the boats went out! Apparently there was a mellow shark around again – one of those that
hanged around and hanged around. Everybody had a good time, according to Dirk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His mom and her friend Bettie are here so he has been giving
them a bit of a tour – making sure that every night they go to bed totally
exhausted!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijo6M7W_r9OgjV9oVQht4AenAZaGhQuGc_rp3eH_C7IWvQRlmkfKR3SjlZ0NI31IhEuaBChduYzHswM-tHmhTJrpC3kFFzxY9Bbi7E56dQvsdV4ohcIntJBVzIBJXwrQYbkj-mlRqRdg/s1600/Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijo6M7W_r9OgjV9oVQht4AenAZaGhQuGc_rp3eH_C7IWvQRlmkfKR3SjlZ0NI31IhEuaBChduYzHswM-tHmhTJrpC3kFFzxY9Bbi7E56dQvsdV4ohcIntJBVzIBJXwrQYbkj-mlRqRdg/s320/Boat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having Dirk here is heaven sent. Not only does he help with
the flying duties but he is also a very good friend, one with whom I have
shared many an adventure with. Dirk is actually as Afrikaans as they get and I have
been enjoying his conversations in the evenings immensely. He has that typical
thick, drawn out Afrikaans accent, something that the ladies find attractive – according
to Dirk. Of course nothing quite beats that feeling of comfort when one
recounts homely stories in your mother tongue, especially if they are of “Spyker”
and “Vienna”, Dirk’s two trusted dogs. Yes Dirk is very much a dog lover – something
I observed too while watching him with our adopted cat, Lilly. Lilly is a small
cat and she is quite the treat, often showing-off to us boys while jumping from
curtain to couch and doing wild scrambles around the slippery tiled floor of
our flat. On occasion she has graced us with the odd gecko and even a tiny
little mouse. But when Dirk grabs hold of Lilly, he typically hoists her high
over his head with just his one hand, the other hand casually hanging by his
side while he talks to her. There is no scratch or tickle – just a kind man with
a wide grin of pleasure peering up at Lilly while she hangs like a sack of
potatoes draped across a man’s arm wondering ‘what the?’ It become very easy to
sea Dirk is used to handling only dogs but Lilly loves him none the less.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDioVvt3GBBE-CPTe5Bqbob62n8N1Zw19PZFqoYozUf8HEZIoKErApVIkx66GvdmFw2cpHFuzC4JHOloaGIrECOKmWrHkgC00xIjeT_oMKEmPCHDoO6RXDAGbfUiU4Ypctdd52kdn_qY/s1600/Lilly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDioVvt3GBBE-CPTe5Bqbob62n8N1Zw19PZFqoYozUf8HEZIoKErApVIkx66GvdmFw2cpHFuzC4JHOloaGIrECOKmWrHkgC00xIjeT_oMKEmPCHDoO6RXDAGbfUiU4Ypctdd52kdn_qY/s320/Lilly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Lilly in a more dignified pose...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was saying, Dirk has been reminiscing about his dogs: “Spyker”
a bull terrier (“Spyker” is Afrikaans for “Nail” but the name has other connotations
too which I will refrain from mentioning here), and “Vienna” a Dachshund, with a name that needs no translation but in this case needs to be pronounced with that wonderful Afrikaans accent. I have long
ago learned too that unlike one would imagine, “Spyker” is the timid one while “Vienna”
is the terror, apparently with no fear what so ever and with a pet love for
cats.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“Johan,” Dirk says, “His eyes glaze over when he sees a cat.”<br />
I of course chuckle at the though. Even Dirk, who rules with a stern hand (I
can vouch seeing him with Lilly), admits that when Vienna sets his eyes on a
cat he becomes unstoppable. Apparently he gets tunnel vision to such an extent
that he would often charge right past his quarry, having worked up such frenzy
in thought alone that he seemingly loses sight of the actual feline during the
charge. With a growl and huff Vienna would grind to a stop, sniff the air, look
around in a daze, before setting eyes on the unfortunate cat to follow through,
if the cat has not used this opportunity to make its escape. Though he has not
killed any cat, none apparently have stood up to Vienna’s challenges – even the
ones who rule the house, supposedly in charge of large dogs such as Rottweiler’s
and the lot. It seems no one has ever told Vienna what the rules are.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So Dirk starts to chuckle as he gleefully recounts the tale
when once again Vienna set sight on a feline and before Dirk could stop
(shouting does absolutely nothing), Vienna was off in full charge – this time
towards the neighbour’s cat who was blissfully sitting next to their pool.
Vienna apparently got just the slightest of glimpses of the cat since they are
surrounded by a thick hedge with the swimming pool trellis around the pool.
Well, Vienna flies through the hedge, through the trellis and surprises the cat that it cartwheeled into the pool. By this stage Dirk is having a good
laugh at the recollection of the event.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvkGrLsYSzaebnm4AEtKfmsuVD0sZs54O0MricESNBvWVKJKZVA8qlfWUHBpzXuSRB0QaHLm9bvAuwFUYDrH90m1IOSnyG9jtEQixvrBYqzWv_uzWxqh2GagRThLGpft_-SSk6X67HOU/s1600/Vienna+en+Spyker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvkGrLsYSzaebnm4AEtKfmsuVD0sZs54O0MricESNBvWVKJKZVA8qlfWUHBpzXuSRB0QaHLm9bvAuwFUYDrH90m1IOSnyG9jtEQixvrBYqzWv_uzWxqh2GagRThLGpft_-SSk6X67HOU/s320/Vienna+en+Spyker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Vienna and Spyker...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He goes into such a state, like he ran through that fence
so hard during the chase that he could not get back out. There was no way he
could fit. I don’t know how he did it but we had to go fetch him out of the neighbour’s
yard to get him home.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And while I had a good hearted chuckle about Vienna it was
even more meaningful listening to Dirk in our home language. It’s a bit of ‘home
away from home…’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
PS: Later Dirk added, “I felt quite sorry for the cat since
it was the middle of winter…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-38592551577804859612013-09-20T05:11:00.003-07:002013-09-20T05:11:56.434-07:00Wisdom without experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEn3k8pbBvo5WJrgNKZg_oJVCWL-qINPar4hJNH-YyzBsgHfionCwMEGBrg8osNmrKZJfKsul2DzAFJzIynewwa4lzVCDSsC6h0TFR_-mTTc4kHdFewPMjN_Seao0d4c_mDlUUFTUfHBs/s1600/Savvi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEn3k8pbBvo5WJrgNKZg_oJVCWL-qINPar4hJNH-YyzBsgHfionCwMEGBrg8osNmrKZJfKsul2DzAFJzIynewwa4lzVCDSsC6h0TFR_-mTTc4kHdFewPMjN_Seao0d4c_mDlUUFTUfHBs/s320/Savvi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Savvi and I before the morning flight.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s raining cats and dogs. Our little flat sure is cosy at
times like these. And the sense of familiarity is welcomed too – how else after
11 seasons on the Islands of Seychelles. I am reminded of a quote from General
Chuck Yeager – the best pilots are the most experienced pilots – or something
to that effect, which brings me to my point: the correlation between wisdom and
experience. The famous idiom expresses it quite well – experience is the mother
of wisdom – and it is no wonder that we are sold on the idea that age and wisdom
goes hand in hand. But does it? Is it possible to gain experience without
wisdom or wisdom without experience? Is it at all possible to separate these
two concepts? Though I am sure some of you will probably swear you know someone
old without wisdom, (and personally I believe being young and foolish is
actually cool compared to just being an old fool! :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course with all the rain one can hardly help from being a
bit philosophical. ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpHRNlfz5AWmWxndMdt1H957Aqh384PuUU7n-Ucv12khKHObJKE11iNGzuTm09OgJfk0UPp3fFEFuSF80wVbAOwZPLf37XY6gZlH6eLZ209WHEu8TCzgiBy0x6s5IYOEFJF0vXL7C55o/s1600/Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpHRNlfz5AWmWxndMdt1H957Aqh384PuUU7n-Ucv12khKHObJKE11iNGzuTm09OgJfk0UPp3fFEFuSF80wVbAOwZPLf37XY6gZlH6eLZ209WHEu8TCzgiBy0x6s5IYOEFJF0vXL7C55o/s320/Boat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The boat doing a plankton tow. (You can just see the little drag net behind the boat)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two days ago we had a fantastic run. The afternoon encounter
trip was one of those memorable ones where interns, team leaders and the
tourists (some Chinese) went home having lived a dream. The boat crew was completely worn out even before
my air support time was up – they had a record number of 23 encounters in less
than 1:45 minutes. That is what Seychelles whale sharking is all about; that is
why dive tourists come visit these islands – loads of encounters with whale
sharks. It turned out a relaxing day for me as the boat was constantly busy
with sharks with my just occasionally guiding them along. (Many times there
were 4-5 sharks visible within a 50m radius of the boat.) In the morning Savvi
and I saw 6 whale sharks in the south. This is Savvi’s second year with the
MCSS though last year his whale shark experiences were a bit on the slim side –
the six whale sharks were also his first from the air. In the afternoon he was
one of the spotters in the boat so his day was full of experiences!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5qu0912bI5_YnwtI9Pyydid6aClMEVqSyJMyUcNJ8G0QXts__OD6BByjK7UKiIl15qloNRY2q9zeziIlJ1ad4dXyRAkRI4sFApSQ62iZk-BgMeSTYf4tNgmG7wm-x1OlZBTkiLU-h5U/s1600/Twix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5qu0912bI5_YnwtI9Pyydid6aClMEVqSyJMyUcNJ8G0QXts__OD6BByjK7UKiIl15qloNRY2q9zeziIlJ1ad4dXyRAkRI4sFApSQ62iZk-BgMeSTYf4tNgmG7wm-x1OlZBTkiLU-h5U/s320/Twix.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
With all
the sharks around I too was allowed to enjoy something sweet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to the experience/wisdom concepts… The best way to
learn is from others mistakes. This is something that is a wise mantra in my
chosen sport! Though I found a nice variation of that on the net:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A smart person learns from their mistakes.<br />
A wise person learns from others. (mistakes)”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did the writer mean it is possibly a mistake to learn
from other’s mistakes? :))) Hehe…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And is it possible that you are gaining valuable experience
just by reading this without even putting a foot in the water or setting a bum
in the air?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hhhmm…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps one can become wise without experience after
all...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-56696512883684890472013-09-15T08:20:00.003-07:002013-09-15T08:20:49.761-07:00Shark news - 15 Sep15 Sep. 13<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeOi2quCTdKS-7aXpPYPi-jOSb_mt3uJmfOIT-_YFZdFDQVp91UF-SGeRA_9MQcEUipz7uSAZqiGLEvpW1nhLkp97xSGTG5RtdY3IxCo_AvX8og04zU7M-PVkJqj0Uf53bppe6aqoo_4/s1600/WS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeOi2quCTdKS-7aXpPYPi-jOSb_mt3uJmfOIT-_YFZdFDQVp91UF-SGeRA_9MQcEUipz7uSAZqiGLEvpW1nhLkp97xSGTG5RtdY3IxCo_AvX8og04zU7M-PVkJqj0Uf53bppe6aqoo_4/s320/WS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is a whale shark in the bottom left of the pic with swimmers chasing hard. A rare light wind day at the beginning of the season.</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, my turn to fly turned out to be pretty good, even if
the winds were very strong. Both days yielded plenty sharks - Friday afternoon
we spotted 11 individuals – but like I said the down side was the strong winds
which made for very rough seas limiting the boat to access the shark infested
waters. (He he, that does sound pretty sinister doesn't it? “Shark infested
waters…” ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our basic daily routine is a survey flight in the morning – collecting
data on all sorts of things and of course where the sharks are. After the
flight a decision is made; do we run the boats for a shark encounter trip or
not? This season we have an abundance of sharks but rather ironically the winds
have been playing havoc with the sea conditions – open water conditions for
inexperienced tourists being rather on the rough side. Most days have been tottering
on the just doable scale of things and David has had to do some tough calls – sometimes
getting it right but rather frustratingly on other occasions the encounter trip
cancelled while the weather suddenly turns peachy, like on Friday afternoon,
contrary to weather forecasts. Jo and I spotted 11 sharks while the boat
remained in the bay. We find solace in that we are only human – we can’t
predict the future and at least decisions were made erring on the safe side.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dirks is up flying again. Conditions are strong. Def not for
the faint hearted but I believe the boat went out and they had something like
19 encounters. No doubt a couple of very weary divers are going to have a good night’s
sleep tonight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuxbzAYBoVkx6xW_CYt077yogXiAU3YQQ44xkShUxTmM8ct0gFga6gc-ZBu3FmtmAxIYL1tIE-AIuXhbBoSKKkY4XXRaVxrEOOq4C7imk1ZlfXNsVIauWeCcp_mEJCtA-Dw2ZFIztVx0/s1600/Dirk+and+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuxbzAYBoVkx6xW_CYt077yogXiAU3YQQ44xkShUxTmM8ct0gFga6gc-ZBu3FmtmAxIYL1tIE-AIuXhbBoSKKkY4XXRaVxrEOOq4C7imk1ZlfXNsVIauWeCcp_mEJCtA-Dw2ZFIztVx0/s320/Dirk+and+I.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dirks first flight after a two year lay-off. We are heading out over Beau-Vallon bay with a large threatening cloud near the island. I had to accompany him in the back seat to make sure he did not get lost! ;) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-76272350204600863782013-09-12T11:07:00.000-07:002013-09-12T11:07:02.623-07:00Shark news...12 Sep. 13<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a good feeling about this year. So far the season has
been great. We have seen sharks on almost every flight we have done and every
time the boat has gone out they have had good encounters. The last three days
the weather has been a bit disappointing though. Flying has been difficult and
Dirk has managed to pick up some good decision making experience along the way.
Unfortunately the seas have been too rough for the boats to go out. Today the
wind averaged around 22 <o:p></o:p></div>
knots with gusts close to 30 – the very limits of our
operating weather window – but Dirk did excellent. He saw 6 whale sharks even
if the weather limited him to survey only the southern parts of the island. He
did mention that he had a thorough workout in keeping the wings level while on
the ground. ;)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tomorrow is my turn to fly and as I write the rain is
pouring down. I do see some hope in the Windguru reports. Time will tell…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb7s_F4cNKzUFKRP7YOXNGziMFAWM_5X-QZp0d9EwozFAu95aDBxImEuW9_7DlmKiWLPwxoI0wl2xWWujyEIf_pinSza6tvZxsxy_XlCcE0Pt7BAiKrxQYPc-mLJ2RuPDZM8s176CgkM/s1600/Mat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb7s_F4cNKzUFKRP7YOXNGziMFAWM_5X-QZp0d9EwozFAu95aDBxImEuW9_7DlmKiWLPwxoI0wl2xWWujyEIf_pinSza6tvZxsxy_XlCcE0Pt7BAiKrxQYPc-mLJ2RuPDZM8s176CgkM/s320/Mat.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb7s_F4cNKzUFKRP7YOXNGziMFAWM_5X-QZp0d9EwozFAu95aDBxImEuW9_7DlmKiWLPwxoI0wl2xWWujyEIf_pinSza6tvZxsxy_XlCcE0Pt7BAiKrxQYPc-mLJ2RuPDZM8s176CgkM/s1600/Mat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;">This is Mat in the back seat - one of the interns for the year. He is very good at voice impressions and keen to get going in the journalist and broadcasting careers and did not do too bad at piloting our little orange plane! ;)</span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-23107946406279697562013-09-07T23:41:00.000-07:002013-09-08T00:16:12.557-07:00Slow punctures and purple blades…“What is a ‘slow-puncture’?”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Freya was leaning out of the passenger window while I was
busy pumping the left front tire. Looking up at her I realised she was being quite sincere so I could not help a good
hearted chuckle. Perhaps it was a
case of a difference in cultures or probably just a lack of experience I
thought while returning the air hose to its rack. Freya is a beautiful young British
lady – tall and slender with black curly hair and a super smile that makes every
young man’s head turn. (Besides the fact that my head is not young or that my
neck does not turn so well any more, Freya reminds me a lot of my niece!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It is exactly as the word describes. There is a slow leak
in the tire and it goes flat after a few days so every second day we need to
pump the tire…” I explained as I got back into the car while not being able to
help myself fall into a light-hearted and happy mood – not that I wasn't in a
similar kind of mood before but her question just seemed to fine tune our happy
state. Our conversation on the way to the airport, though quite serious as far
as topics are concerned – conservation and saving the planet kind of stuff –
the overtones was always humorous.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course the fact that we have been blessed with good
flying days with whale sharks to boot, just added to our lifted spirits. The
whole MCSS whale shark team has been on a high and unlike the previous two
years which has seen slow starts. (Last year it would not be far off to say we
did not really have a start at all). Already the team has managed to do 3 whale
shark dives, spending hours in the water with these amazing fish – one encounter
was for almost an hour with a seemingly very happy whale shark. This year our
team consists of 5 interns and three team leaders. (See the pic). So far I have
had the great privilege of taking each of our interns for their first flight in
a micro-light – Freya being one of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcz4_6NZ4vnKFt8V0yfIvhBEfj-H3xfoLIGjgHPHUKibDWGQVM3KxRDW-mSVkK3SjI2VV5lc90T5D_XSwndyXQpqpa-i0PiY41_5EKTtRfq84kLdU3uP2skzdsd2QaiP38upOtLsCWt0/s1600/Team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcz4_6NZ4vnKFt8V0yfIvhBEfj-H3xfoLIGjgHPHUKibDWGQVM3KxRDW-mSVkK3SjI2VV5lc90T5D_XSwndyXQpqpa-i0PiY41_5EKTtRfq84kLdU3uP2skzdsd2QaiP38upOtLsCWt0/s320/Team.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From back left, Sam and Jo who are team leaders. Ali and James - Interns. Front row is Sarah, Freya and Mat - Interns. Savvi, an intern from last year is enjoying a lie-down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Would you believe
those wind turbines actually look cool?” I said as we drove down the hill into
Victoria. Before us as part of the magnificent tropical island scenery, eight
brand new wind turbines adorn the seaward side of Victoria bay. These wind
turbines are a step in the right direction for Seychelles in becoming more energy
efficient. The wind farm is a 6MW facility with each wind turbine generating 750kw
of electricity. When considering that the islands sole energy source is from
diesel generators that consumes almost 40% of the country’s gross fuel imports,
the importance of this step becomes even more apparent. Of course, given that
we considered ourselves nature conservation activists, we had to chat about the
negative side of these wind turbines too, which are not always as green as one at
first would imagine. Strangely enough in the wrong area the large blades have a
tendency to kill birds, the seemingly slow turning blades going fast enough to
strike a bird in mid-flight. Even if the large length of the blades create the
illusion that they are slow turning, on a really windy day it is not uncommon
for the tips to be traveling at more than 100 miles per hour! Later studies found
that the blades actually create some subsonic wave patterns that disorientate birds
causing the high number of strikes. If a wind farm is set in or near a migratory
route it could be disastrous.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh and they strike a lot of bats too.” Freya added.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Bats?” I asked while my mind could not help imagine these
tiny flying creatures with their super acoustic sensors becoming blade victims,
at a time when no one is watching.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes” she replied before adding, “…and they found that if
they painted the blades purple then it would strike fewer bats but the people didn't
like the idea of purple blades. I guess it would make them more of an eye sore,
so they voted against that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Purple!” I said in disbelief, while having a good chuckle. “How
on earth did they discover that!?” I added while we both laughed at the crazy
idea that the colour purple has an effect on the navigational abilities of
bats. How ironic too that people would care more about the colour of the blades
than saving bats.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So these two bats where hanging in a cave and the one says
to the other, ‘listen, I have had it, I’m starvin’, I’m going out there to get
me a nice juicy cow.’ You can’t do that’, the other one says, ‘it is broad
daylight out there and you won’t be able to see a thing’. ‘Well, I don’t care,
I’m starving and I’m going’. So off he flaps and disappears out of the cave.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this stage Freya had caught onto the fact that I was
telling a joke and already was giggling about the funny bat hunting cow story.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ten minutes later the bat comes flapping back into the
cave, blood dripping from his face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘Wow!’, says his buddy, ‘That looks awesome. I want some too.
Where did you get that?’ ‘Come’, says his friend, ‘I’ll show you’. So off the
two flap to the mouth of the cave where the blood dripping bat says, ‘see that
tree over there?’ ‘No’, replied the other. ‘Well, neither did I’.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
;)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMCGhiyJTVbt_14M2xNPFCUNx2Z00b1OJ4HkOyYKz5UkW05SB_YWkOVr67T08YLC_ySKU-7StLYOg6oBolAyz4qt3HRORFkFP96J8q4Q9VtbrPk2_GfFyaA1ygn3Rm75buUUIDbXW0QQ/s1600/Freya+fly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMCGhiyJTVbt_14M2xNPFCUNx2Z00b1OJ4HkOyYKz5UkW05SB_YWkOVr67T08YLC_ySKU-7StLYOg6oBolAyz4qt3HRORFkFP96J8q4Q9VtbrPk2_GfFyaA1ygn3Rm75buUUIDbXW0QQ/s320/Freya+fly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Freya doing a bit of piloting - a sure way of forgetting about slow punctures, purple blades or saving bats!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-86158809970358339392013-09-03T08:27:00.000-07:002013-09-03T08:27:01.807-07:00Shark news 2013Nothing fancy - just a quick update. We are off and running. The sharks are here and we had a very successful afternoon of diving on the sharks to day. One shark remained for near an hour with the boat until they got tired of it and called it a day. So lots of happy customers on the boat and a smiling crew. I am of course a bit flying unfit so the 12 or 13 hours I have spent in the air the last few days is taking its toll. Dirk, the pilot who is helping me this season is only arriving on Thursday evening so my first break realistically speaking will be Saturday only. Oh well... We just better suck it up! (Well, that's the mind part, but as we all know the body we have less control over! ;)<br />
<br />
Wish you where here to help!<br />
:)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-9021546772802917052013-07-25T02:02:00.000-07:002013-07-25T02:02:02.375-07:00Whale Shark season 2013Fourty days...<br />
<br />
I guess after months of inactivity on my blog it is time to restart the creative writing machine - not that I see myself as a creative writing machine - heavens no! Just that I liken my writing prows to that of an old mechanical machine - the old nuts and bolts type - that needs to be thoroughly warmed up before it can function. As to how well it functions I relegate to just that; functioning by producing some words on paper. It certainly does not compare to today's modern gizmos of electronic gadgetry, sprouting forth beautiful poetry, grammatical correct and content rich essays and stories at the push of a button. Heavens no, it has taken me some time to push these mechanical buttons of mine, which I have noticed definitely do have a mechanical nature - I had to push really hard to get it going! But that I got it going of some sorts as the sight of these letter proof, I did.<br />
<br />
All I wanted to say is: Our whale shark season 2013 has dawned. The count down has begun (Even if its a bit late!)<br />
;)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-86580262234284751502012-10-31T03:44:00.001-07:002012-10-31T08:25:23.899-07:00Ordinary...My little dictionary defines ordinary as “not exceptional in
any way, especially in quality or ability or size or degree”. And then, in
addition, as if to emphasize the point, it mentions the words “ordinary
bicycle’ and first off a bland looking bike comes to mind, probably black with
silvery bits, and backpedal brakes, just plain with nothing odd or fancy about
it, but then the little dictionary goes further and describes its idea of
“ordinary bicycle”.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“An early bicycle with a very large front wheel and small back
wheel…” Of course I had a good chuckle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are heading home on Friday. Ordinarily at a time like
this one would go on about what it has been like and say something profound. Instead
of doing the usual write-up of our last few days – which has been brilliant to
say the least; the weather has been fantastic (no doubt as those who have
followed the ‘weather where I’m at’ little project have noticed), we have had a
few lucky shark sightings and many people saw these magnificent fish for the
first time, and there is still a day to go – I am going to leave you with some ordinary photographs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And normally one would not compare photographs to bicycles,
unless it is one of those with the very large front wheel and the
very small back wheel, which of course in my opinion, makes it anything but
ordinary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIXRFS4brniwN2iQBXjTqoCYw9bXt8FEUfmFecCrGlu3S3YJcu3h76nwjE2EeJjHxxYwif25yhyJMzxXs9O5exZy15iOe8sTyW5G18BW1ZafwxGwpRRrjvJaJSlRRnu4zu89TAN_t6so/s1600/Back+stretch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIXRFS4brniwN2iQBXjTqoCYw9bXt8FEUfmFecCrGlu3S3YJcu3h76nwjE2EeJjHxxYwif25yhyJMzxXs9O5exZy15iOe8sTyW5G18BW1ZafwxGwpRRrjvJaJSlRRnu4zu89TAN_t6so/s320/Back+stretch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Stretching on an ordinary sky-cycle...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAegKB4EDxaZo_Pi3jeDXbNZZH9G-XbXSXKqfESVGWt0OFFeAAaCl-dg5BtwSn20cARwI90MW4q6Qc_J8aIb_21np5TaWEWGjwzPpq405Jk3xiHVOmXNml1SOlThMq1PRskbIbRWFKyII/s1600/Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAegKB4EDxaZo_Pi3jeDXbNZZH9G-XbXSXKqfESVGWt0OFFeAAaCl-dg5BtwSn20cARwI90MW4q6Qc_J8aIb_21np5TaWEWGjwzPpq405Jk3xiHVOmXNml1SOlThMq1PRskbIbRWFKyII/s320/Island.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Just an ordinary island...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZMKK2ossmxBZYDwjW-FN4L-tMg9th8aMPnmg-8pzn_VTfrvB8u6VK3723xB8znSBmRx6JWKIj7Mw7F7mporkPZTUdBA_hG6oP7bAAybfRrR8U1cKrksdE6cD42Gw4fAWZVyVyLgKt40/s1600/Rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZMKK2ossmxBZYDwjW-FN4L-tMg9th8aMPnmg-8pzn_VTfrvB8u6VK3723xB8znSBmRx6JWKIj7Mw7F7mporkPZTUdBA_hG6oP7bAAybfRrR8U1cKrksdE6cD42Gw4fAWZVyVyLgKt40/s320/Rainbow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
An ordinary rainbow...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5CL_q0uz7VjyjqvGOghGx1aIhyphenhyphenWOuE_UwYRpdRtk5DwRSDFL7d07tJvS05YGDQOlIJP0DyuvcgTBJnveaqusrXQjxWt7e3CLFgWhyvzMrUCDBQEiJdy8XJV23vA6mMZ94O0uOgcIPcg/s1600/Shark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5CL_q0uz7VjyjqvGOghGx1aIhyphenhyphenWOuE_UwYRpdRtk5DwRSDFL7d07tJvS05YGDQOlIJP0DyuvcgTBJnveaqusrXQjxWt7e3CLFgWhyvzMrUCDBQEiJdy8XJV23vA6mMZ94O0uOgcIPcg/s320/Shark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
An ordinary fish...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrtqisqh7XN6TLeAj0EafPqDbd3jzmtzA2FsW0Y9xW-5rVqgsBMPIQ5q9AtSlj828xudDSCptMkeqC4PxC-3ZrajZJofP-8yjkGqzCfqIZ8P34x_6OwQBPXG5_yDWlRKzulhnRSnD3-M/s1600/Happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrtqisqh7XN6TLeAj0EafPqDbd3jzmtzA2FsW0Y9xW-5rVqgsBMPIQ5q9AtSlj828xudDSCptMkeqC4PxC-3ZrajZJofP-8yjkGqzCfqIZ8P34x_6OwQBPXG5_yDWlRKzulhnRSnD3-M/s320/Happy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And an ordinary smile...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you where here!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PS: The shark photo is courtesy of my friend Luke Riley. :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-44229744805982522002012-10-27T00:15:00.000-07:002012-10-27T04:13:07.245-07:00Slow sweet fools and end times...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2PtwLj6XMIModKAL4Ulq_Mx6Nl88T9DW7IHacPgMAqDm2vLlM_32aIjEKzJxxg9FhIbvKcIXV0_rKnDMTULe4Ch7GrM1ubLUmTJ9yo2aMAdpvWyO6l9T2OD5bRxHtERS5sATc6267tk/s1600/Runway+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2PtwLj6XMIModKAL4Ulq_Mx6Nl88T9DW7IHacPgMAqDm2vLlM_32aIjEKzJxxg9FhIbvKcIXV0_rKnDMTULe4Ch7GrM1ubLUmTJ9yo2aMAdpvWyO6l9T2OD5bRxHtERS5sATc6267tk/s320/Runway+start.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other end of the runway...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time they say is a healer. It is money too. And a dimension.
They say that time is one directional and irreversible. That it is a commodity and
precious. It is invisible, invincible and inevitable. And yet, Albert Einstein said that
time is nothing but a persistent illusion. Of course, I am sure you can forgive my indulgence in some philosophical banter given that time is running out for us – there can be no illusion that the MCSS official whale sharks season 2012
is coming to an end. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has not been the best of seasons. In fact from an
economic point of view it has been disastrous to say the least. Throw in the
devastating fire and we are all left with our own thoughts and interpretations
of past events. The only winning side appears to be science, which given the
data seemed to indicate that whale shark numbers are declining and that
climates are changing. No surprise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday, for the first time this week, Neil got into the
air. Remarkably he managed to do a complete survey of the whole of Mahe, even
if there were threatening rain storms in the vicinity – his descriptions are
quite vivid! But the highlight was being routed over the town harbour by Air
Traffic Control. While orbiting and waiting his turn to land he spotted a large
black square that seemed to be moving – of course we are very familiar with the
shape of Manta Rays. Neil was intrigued that this guy was right inside one of
the ports, among all the boating and shipping action. The harbour is not just a
safe place for boats but for fish too. Many small fry hide in large schools amongst the harbour walls, boats and other kinds of flotsam often found in
these areas. Naturally (no pun intended!), predators are not stupid either and it has also
been well recorded that sharks hang around these areas more often than not. It
was not completely surprising to see the Manta in the harbour but it was a
first.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Talking about firsts, I have come to the conclusion that the
only thing certain this season has been change. To illustrate my point I would
like to invite you to join me in a little project that is bound to prove fun.
Click on the link, “weather where I’m at” and follow the weather forecasts as
predicted for our little island over the next few days. (I have handily put in
the correct link for you :) I encourage you to do so every few hours too. Without
a doubt it will change while at the same time and very appropriately I might
add, illustrate the volatile characteristics of the whale shark season thus far.
(To be honest it was a particular dismal forecast which prompted me to write
this blog entry in the first place. Now it seems to have lost some of that
point I’m trying to make! :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other day, by no co-coincidence I might add, I was listening to music from Diane Krall. With the music in the background I was lost in thought when
quite suddenly, these words just leapt at me.<br />
<br />
“Time is made of honey slow and
sweet...”<br />
<br />
Given that my thoughts and emotions were pondering the notion of end
times, perhaps it is not so unrealistic that these particular words grabbed my
attention, though the fact that I was certainly not listening intently says a lot about the ability of the subconscious. Suddenly I was enthralled by the depth of imagination of not only
likening time to the viscous flow of honey, but that you could actually taste it.
My mind started to consider that honey could actually be slow and just as I recognized the magnificence of such a super personification, the very next line
quite literally made me burst out in a chuckle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Only a fool knows what that means.”! (The song is ‘Temptation’
sung by Diane Krall)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I chuckled for a long time after while the ideas of slow honey,
sweet times and fools danced in my head. It struck me the foolishness lies in
the thought that time could be only slow and sweet – that given our season
events only a fool would deny that sometimes time is swift and bitter too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
;)<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">PS: Could I be so cheese to say, Einstein, 'lick' your heart out!? :))))</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHBAQ-Vuq2LI4Z9L51I8GWP9U9X62dkElsSNkmzxMAQBakpAAzsAWm90SBw-QZluU-9JGwGBr4akLzqcY12Mh8BTWqwWkPv4of9AEWuD9tRl0yXdgL7ibvTVEWxjIZRGtBX_4l99KrRo/s1600/runwayotherend1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHBAQ-Vuq2LI4Z9L51I8GWP9U9X62dkElsSNkmzxMAQBakpAAzsAWm90SBw-QZluU-9JGwGBr4akLzqcY12Mh8BTWqwWkPv4of9AEWuD9tRl0yXdgL7ibvTVEWxjIZRGtBX_4l99KrRo/s320/runwayotherend1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The other end of the runway...</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-41918075700712230932012-10-23T06:39:00.000-07:002012-10-23T06:39:04.269-07:00Chinese lanterns, buttered bread and double edged swords.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NFtBaHPAIeF4UEsy9BW0EuLySBHJTeGsNwDoyUHIbVVSyTCQ3fBucEFUrn4kRDhgrlN-lXhcu_I7fn32MdY69kmh6tbvBeqzkTQxdd8cnI07mIo_8w6TGu-P6_RhsS6QAvvWyw8gGHQ/s1600/Rain+drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NFtBaHPAIeF4UEsy9BW0EuLySBHJTeGsNwDoyUHIbVVSyTCQ3fBucEFUrn4kRDhgrlN-lXhcu_I7fn32MdY69kmh6tbvBeqzkTQxdd8cnI07mIo_8w6TGu-P6_RhsS6QAvvWyw8gGHQ/s320/Rain+drop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Do you know what a rain drop feels like at 60mph? The white streak on my arm is a little bullet of a drop...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I recall one Christmas when Chinese lanterns were the rage. In
fact it proved to be a rather memorable one but not for what you may think.
While we spend some time gazing at the night skies lit up with glowing paper bags,
we ended up having way more fun reading the direct translations from the
instruction leaflets – this had us rolling in laughter for the better part of
Christmas. Though amusing, it illustrated perfectly the notoriety of direct
translations involving languages from the Far East. Of course for translations
to make sense, what is needed is an understanding of the meaning or intent of
the subject matter, in this case operating instructions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it comes to
popular phrases though, especially when one is dealing with a particular
culture that is, say, emotionally rich in expression, chances are that they
will have an existing or equivalent saying already. Take for example, “having
your bread buttered on both sides”. I stumbled upon a particularly humorous translation
of this the other day. It is easy to imagine big burly Russians – perhaps it
is all the fur they wear in those freezing temperatures – but would you believe
the Russian equivalent is, “it’s hard to have a seat on two chairs at once”? And
what about my all-time favourite, an expression that strikes at the heart of those
exuberant pasta and wine lovers, the Italians? “To have the barrel full and the
wife drunk!” :) Hehe..!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the day we all have our own idea of having it
all, of having your cake and eating it. (And some have really ruminated the
meaning of this expression tiresomely!) Take for example my circle of friends –
all lovers of flying, in particular hang gliders, the very best kind of flying
one can do – who work long hours to feed this flying passion. They mistakenly
think that being paid to fly is the equivalent of having your bread buttered on
both sides.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Consider for a moment sitting in a little open cockpit micro-light.
Your only landing option is covered by a large dark cloud, streaks of rain
falling from its belly. And as the cloud grows and spreads you are ever so more
flying further out to sea, putting your faith and trust entirely into God’s
hands and a metal machine to keep you aloft and alive. Inevitably you ponder the
wisdom of flying and your initial weather assessment that sooner rather than
later this cloud will dissipate and the rain will stop. And even though you desperately
try not to, because your reason knows it is futile to do so, you worry. You hope.
You fret. And while your smile, your voice and your demeanor remains calm, there
might just be a reason to visit the Doctor when you land, just to check up on
those pesky stomach ulcers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The startling reality is that if you weren't being paid you
would never be up there in the first place – and how quickly having your bread
buttered on both sides can turn into a double edged sword.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQicNrftcVbcad7DRpStP9dqyAmZ56YE5VVAuYCY00LpU5yMpNgDfagy2E8769EdQWbLGzv6yOwyoaE-neDfHq5T3V_JMB1sYodEPhPsBsstC89Dl-qLgSigs36ks_Nn4FoF0H3dSTq8I/s1600/Rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQicNrftcVbcad7DRpStP9dqyAmZ56YE5VVAuYCY00LpU5yMpNgDfagy2E8769EdQWbLGzv6yOwyoaE-neDfHq5T3V_JMB1sYodEPhPsBsstC89Dl-qLgSigs36ks_Nn4FoF0H3dSTq8I/s320/Rain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Rain over the air port while we wait out to sea...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-87863531845988250452012-10-21T01:44:00.000-07:002012-10-21T05:55:03.705-07:00R.I.P<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FVUifCqaJ2MFJusv3U7PfyNpcMMw6fDUcVlAm46iqMAwyaozRTEABcSbord8y8tEnRgQegpZU6E3dDYpjPa1jHxj-RBDowyMj2-ukyUlVZYf2Dj_CYzSTFKz26NfIayToRw-k_3-F30/s1600/RIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FVUifCqaJ2MFJusv3U7PfyNpcMMw6fDUcVlAm46iqMAwyaozRTEABcSbord8y8tEnRgQegpZU6E3dDYpjPa1jHxj-RBDowyMj2-ukyUlVZYf2Dj_CYzSTFKz26NfIayToRw-k_3-F30/s320/RIP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sailing is one of those gentleman sports. It is man against
the elements and there is something noble about that. When the wind fills the
sails and you can feel her mast and hull taking the strain before there is a
steady surge forward, man is somehow made more alive. Perhaps there is some
spiritual connection between man and that which fills his sail, somehow when
those sails bulge full it strikes at the core of being man. In our modern era we
have many variants of sailing. Even though in my younger years I was an avid
sailor, today I practice sailing of a different kind. I have wings allowing me
to sail, not on water, but on air. There is something ancestral and deeply
satisfying in that. And I have had the privilege of sharing that with others,
which have resulted in close and cherished friendships.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the most clichéd sayings I know goes something like
this, “it’s blah blah blah… what matters is how you get back up” – oddly it
reminds me of Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer – but given the dramatic events of
late; the complete lack of sharks during the most booked part of our season and
the devastating fire, the recovery of the Underwater Centre has bordered on
nothing short of the miraculous – in no great part due to the organising skills
of Glynis and David. Within two days they had set up a kind of field dive
centre right outside the hotel on the grass and it was business as usual. It
has been so effective that guests were none the wiser about the recent tragedy –
which gets me to my point.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tragedy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have recently received an email about the death of a
friend and I am astounded about how deeply it has affected me. Tragedy seems
much more appropriate here. In part, it is the reason for me not keeping up
with my blogging – not that I am making excuses but as far as excuses go… Well,
let’s just say I have not been in the mood for much lately.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Todd Stuntzner and I met in Seychelles some 7 or 8 years
ago. He was working for Helicopter Seychelles back then and as is so often the
case, over time got enchanted with this little micro-light – how else when Todd
was sitting in a comfy helicopter cockpit at 1000ft while hearing the radio
transmissions from a tiny-micro-light flying at 6000ft. If this does not stir your
interest as a pilot you just do not have flying at heart. It was inevitable
that Todd called me to go for a flight in the micro-light. We became friends to
such an extent that he ended up visiting me in Wilderness the year after. Todd also
learned to hang glide and as so often happens, the intimate time one spends
with students on a training slope when learning to fly like a bird establishes
connections and builds bonds way out of the norm. Todd was an awesome guy, a
gentleman, a fellow hang glider pilot, aviation enthusiast – someone whom I
with great honour ended up calling my friend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
After his stint in Seychelles, Todd moved back to the US and
he took up hang gliding as a sport, often keeping me updated on his new found
flying exploits as a hang glider pilot. I enjoyed his emails, picking up on the
excitement of experienced gained and the satisfaction Todd got from sharing
them with me, the instructor, the man whom he perceived as having given him
some great gift. In this day and age of bits and bytes Todd would send postcards,
finding clever ways to express his joy and appreciation of having learnt to
hang glide. All those times it was I in fact, who realised it was me who had
been given the great gift.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The email from his parents came as a shock. They had only
recently gained access to his email friends list – but Todd had passed away in
the end of May of this year, along with three of his friends when their light
aircraft went down while on their way to a fishing weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, I guess I have to mention that the sharks have finally
decided to make an appearance. Of course, whilst our change in whale shark luck
might have come as a result of prayer, or the appearance of carnivorous
plankton, and that it was perfectly timed to lift our spirits, especially after
the dive centre went up in flames, I could not fully share in the joy of this. We
have had sharks for the whole week. The afternoon shark dives have been so
successful with as many as 11 sharks dived on by happy customers, all in just one
after noon. It was like old times and not. The interns too have finally seen what
these enchanting islands can really be like, while tourists, fresh off the
plane and totally ignorant of our last month’s ordeal were totally mesmerized
by the sharking experiences. And while it was something to behold when these
islands decide to turn on, I could not fully share in it. It was strangely surreal to think
that someone who had experienced the islands joy with me was no longer alive. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Given the state of my mood it is impossible not to reminisce
about past good times and of course friendships. Friendships that, like the
wind filling the sail of a yacht, momentarily send you on an exhilarating broad
reach and then quite suddenly, leave – the wind taken out of your sail, quite literally.
One is left pondering the memories while it is inevitable that you realise you have
been moved, physically and spiritually. You are changed forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems good friends have a way of doing that. RIP my
friend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTi-ApscyoYcgpCbRamsCppqLBOH0S0g4YHq2auXgQti4VWM7gC4Uzm0voh3YsRIb42F_O_hLUWbG26J5qNRCdYAxV_nIah5uRAISYUAzXSkYwZgK3E48DgAKPBbOqjRHIljGHmBE4Ybk/s1600/Glider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTi-ApscyoYcgpCbRamsCppqLBOH0S0g4YHq2auXgQti4VWM7gC4Uzm0voh3YsRIb42F_O_hLUWbG26J5qNRCdYAxV_nIah5uRAISYUAzXSkYwZgK3E48DgAKPBbOqjRHIljGHmBE4Ybk/s320/Glider.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-91257838082828646892012-10-11T11:28:00.005-07:002012-10-11T11:28:56.637-07:00Fire…Of course there is always a lot that happens during whale
shark season but this year, well, this year is one for the record books and
will go down in history for more than just the lack of whale sharks.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you should be aware of, for the last months we have
sighted not one whale shark around the island of Mahe. It is a first since the
start of the monitoring program – 1997. Though it has its scientific value it
has been really bad for all parties concerned. No whale sharks, no eco-tourism
tours. No eco-tourism tours, no research funds. As if things couldn't get worse,
yesterday morning we hear the dreadful news – the Underwater Centre has burned
down! Yes. Right down to the ground – there is absolutely nothing left. We are
talking diving equipment, dive computers, BC’s, weight belts, tanks,
compressors, paper records, personal gear from customers (Not to mention the
whole of the Aqua-firma’ dive group who is here for a week of whale sharking
and diving – all personal gear gone, up in smoke – if I can use such a cheesy
metaphor at a time like this.) I believe there are two dive tanks that did not
explode – the only things that survived the furnace. The cause, would you
believe, the pizza joint next door. They left the electric pizza oven on all
night and with the building consisting of thatch roofing, well…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you can all imagine things are a bit rough and out of
joint at the moment. The paperwork and insurances set to probably play on for
many months if not years. And in the meantime people’s livelihoods are on the
line.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For now, the MCSS is continuing with the monitoring program
and have arranged gear to do eco whale shark encounters, in the event we get
these elusive spotty creatures. Of course, we are all pretty down considering.
Fire can be a destructive force of more than materialistic things…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For our comfort, wish you where here!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-11523096759565091192012-10-08T08:46:00.001-07:002012-10-08T08:46:08.352-07:00Quick update - very quick!Today was my turn to fly. The weather wasn't ideal - a moderate Northerly wind made the western side of the island turbulent and unpleasant. The afternoon the wind was lighter and the flying much nicer. Once again the water around the island is exceptionally clean - in many parts the under-water visibility is in excess of 30 meters. It is the 8th already and these spotty creatures are still playing hide and seek.<br />
<br />
Rather reluctantly we seemed to have gotten used to their non-appearance...<br />
<br />
Still...<br />
<br />
Wish you were here!<br />
:)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-9698768884175472362012-10-07T05:17:00.000-07:002012-10-07T05:17:38.694-07:00Humour me with fear...Darren, our third house mate, always whirls in after work –
he just whisks in to grab a few personal belongings before heading out to his
love for the night. Sometimes though, we would squeeze in a quick chit-chat about
the day’s experience.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I had to go down to see if the ruvs was ok today.” He says
with a note of increasing excitement.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0X6qJV53NsipU_yFsD-NWYwDXm0Qpnftz5weMq_2RYh6M4h8bhQJNSBne_XZG-SxDUiTz5YEDIeqFMX93Zg940Kl9lGU_dGMVYb4nUweCzFg8jhFAObKTW0PHQAY_eh5TSxrnhWph5u8/s1600/Ruvs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0X6qJV53NsipU_yFsD-NWYwDXm0Qpnftz5weMq_2RYh6M4h8bhQJNSBne_XZG-SxDUiTz5YEDIeqFMX93Zg940Kl9lGU_dGMVYb4nUweCzFg8jhFAObKTW0PHQAY_eh5TSxrnhWph5u8/s320/Ruvs.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A ruvs is an acronym for, ‘remote underwater video station’
and has become quite the latest scientific buzz word among the MCSS crew. It’s
a home-made kind of contraption, constituting a steel frame with a can of fish
bait punched full of holes on one end and a Go-pro video camera on the other.
This set-up is just lowered overboard, left on the bottom for three hours – as long
as the battery lasts – then pulled up and the video content watched with the
hope of capturing something exciting – like a big old shark of course! So far,
none of that has happened except that on some occasions the ruvs would end up
on its side, which after 3 hours of video watching led to a few stiff necks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was not surprised at all that Darren had to do a quick
breath hold dive to go check it out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Phew!” he says while pausing to take a deep breath,
clutching his heart with one hand and then, his eyes draw into little slits while
smiling widely – his sincerity at these moments becomes so obvious that I have
developed my own sense of endearment for him at times like these. Of course I can’t
help but smile too, the sense of recognition of having been in similar
scenarios quickly coming to mind too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This made me wonder whether humour is an acquired skill or taste.
Of course we all laugh soon after birth, long before we have an awareness of it
but I am not talking about the pleasured response or the response from being
pleased, rather the ‘what’ that should cause a pleasing response. I mean, it
would be completely inappropriate to laugh if someone gets mugged. (Or would
it?) The reason why I am heading down
this line of thought is because personally I find myself laughing at the oddest
of things. (Thankfully, I know I am not alone on this otherwise I would have been
very concerned!) And of course we all know that a sense of humour is healthy
but my sense of humour can cross that border of subtlety with such ease that I
think perhaps it is only I who can go so far and see humour there. Of course
the qualifications for seeing, or rather experiencing this kind of humour often
comes with having personal experience of a similar event, which can greatly add
to the hilarity – something which I was experiencing right now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Darren was rubbing his heart in a soothing circular motion,
as if still needing to calm himself down from the experience. “But the water
was like, so green and the viz just 2 or 3 meters…” he continues while visions
of dark, murky green water easily come to my mind. After all I did spend four
years in the Navy as a diver.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And it was deep, maybe fifteen meters..?” for just a moment
he looks at me quizzically before continuing, still rubbing his chest, “And it
got dark the deeper I went and I was thinking.., Phew!” He pauses again while
taking a deep breath – I could see he was reliving the moment, the slits hiding
his eyes becoming even narrower and naturally my insides start to chuckle much
more at this stage. “What if something big suddenly comes up at me? What if a
whale shark suddenly just appears out of the gloom?” He was smiling directly at
me, his eyes opening more to make clear eye contact so he could make sure I was
with him down there… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I would freak out so much!” he says excitedly while I nod
and start to break into an audible chuckle. “And I almost turned around to go
back but then thought about the ridicule of the guys in the boat and then,
Phew!” he says once again taking a deep and loud breath before adding, “Suddenly
it was there, the right way up and I was out of there! Straight-up! Boy I
wasted no time!” He was shaking his head almost violently, eyes drawn to slits again
– very evident of his honest admittance of the fear he had felt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I too laughed with him. “It is nervy hey..!” I mention while
remembering those moments of mind-warfare while diving into deep murky water on
your own all too well. Of course the laughter I felt went way beyond the mere
words of our conversation. I could sense some emotion within Darren that in his
retelling of his experience he was going over some newly discovered personal
emotions resembling the likes of fear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And boy is that funny! ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-8927114793123415722012-10-02T03:14:00.001-07:002012-10-02T03:14:36.500-07:00Does green mean go?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3Tu74JhRwL9Ca9mNqoWElwx2soBt0AlcxUKEdHIXLh4owkylBgLq-4TqPiJUMJF6KLAX_dbpsqUaASa9In8qz7K82cTG346B96EDVk5-_LcGk6KQjEs8vdbsGgfshwJ8PmwfEP_ev5U/s1600/water+clarity2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3Tu74JhRwL9Ca9mNqoWElwx2soBt0AlcxUKEdHIXLh4owkylBgLq-4TqPiJUMJF6KLAX_dbpsqUaASa9In8qz7K82cTG346B96EDVk5-_LcGk6KQjEs8vdbsGgfshwJ8PmwfEP_ev5U/s320/water+clarity2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Anna and I enjoying the good conditions...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just a quick up-date.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The weather has finally started to play along but of course no
one bothered to tell the whale sharks about that. We have been flying consecutively
for the last 10 days (and some before that too) but thus far these somewhat
elusive spotty creatures have not made an appearance – yet. It is somewhat
puzzling. In essence it is exactly this type of occurrence that made marine science
what it is today. The ‘why?’ question (in this case!) being foremost in our
minds. It is a rather intriguing puzzle (Something I elude more about in my
book - Wings and Whale Sharks. :) but trying to piece together why they are not here is a tricky affair.
There are of course a whole range of variables to take into consideration which
makes it difficult to make it an exact science (which it is actually – kind of
like the weather ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The water last week has been exceptionally clear. We had
areas with close to (if not!) 40m of underwater visibility. For mid-September
this is rather unusual. This time of year the water is often more turbid with
plankton bits floating in the water making for abundant whale sharks. Of course
the water clarity was broadcasting the lack of their popular food stuff – a logical
explanation why there is now a lack or rather, a complete absence of whale
sharks! (Of course the reason as to why the water is so clear i.e. the lack of
plankton is another story all together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nTM9gNbZl_2fg-qjrK4mDIWZjk5XcFO9tPZbHmh_NxYTkt1-_ZkvPN5G72dS_kGrtzkJat4YFyECyIg0SCyfApF0SaeWhO1N8TxrTdmU548SzMn-lrc72LWQOhOosDcWJVPswhFblh4/s1600/Water+clarity3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nTM9gNbZl_2fg-qjrK4mDIWZjk5XcFO9tPZbHmh_NxYTkt1-_ZkvPN5G72dS_kGrtzkJat4YFyECyIg0SCyfApF0SaeWhO1N8TxrTdmU548SzMn-lrc72LWQOhOosDcWJVPswhFblh4/s320/Water+clarity3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Exceptional water clarity for September...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week though there has been a slight shift in the
current patterns. There seems to be an accumulation of “green” water regions in
all the bays on the windward side of the island. These areas are very apparent
from the air and are – as we pilots like to put it, a good sign. Though the
greenish tinge to the water is not necessarily the plankton type that whale
sharks like, it most probably is a predecessor to the good stuff and we are all
waiting with abated breath (though it could be a week or two for the plankton
life cycle to kick in).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime we have been flying and taking up the
interns and others that are keen to see what the survey flights are all about. Here are a few pics of those – notice too the exceptional
water clarity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PS: Spot the green line running down the middle of the pic - blue on the right and green on the left.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxOfNQhCXFuXNshPjHWV6bSdXEYtkEpoLr4HMrvk0XSKuyMoXp9lsA9y-QX3dS6R6-jsDZausHA8IoCFUFJrgApfrxr5JYFUAHBYU1hXFKbsNyScLR_Z14MaiLQPEfcBdFpW2tREjhUM/s1600/Planktongreenline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxOfNQhCXFuXNshPjHWV6bSdXEYtkEpoLr4HMrvk0XSKuyMoXp9lsA9y-QX3dS6R6-jsDZausHA8IoCFUFJrgApfrxr5JYFUAHBYU1hXFKbsNyScLR_Z14MaiLQPEfcBdFpW2tREjhUM/s320/Planktongreenline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-24567551418460242972012-09-24T02:36:00.000-07:002012-09-24T09:01:08.869-07:00The truth shall set you free...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zwhZbKLFLnLisG5zLBOjHnN93Irt5v4eNdJsIE30MABNnFdZEpPtDazbW7A_HNbBOdnTSgVw7Qq1Ba_oeyJPL21tvtjJbu7JAp2BPpqs-K-l8RX0JmrqmxuQS7Psw3JML6ccNx0BdtM/s1600/SaviI6000ft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zwhZbKLFLnLisG5zLBOjHnN93Irt5v4eNdJsIE30MABNnFdZEpPtDazbW7A_HNbBOdnTSgVw7Qq1Ba_oeyJPL21tvtjJbu7JAp2BPpqs-K-l8RX0JmrqmxuQS7Psw3JML6ccNx0BdtM/s320/SaviI6000ft.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Savi and I at 6000ft over Beau Vallon bay - pure bliss!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am struck by the paradox of two popular sayings – ignorance
is bliss and the truth shall set you free. If ignorance is bliss then does that
mean knowing the truth leads to some realm that is not blissful? And then knowing
the truth will set you free of what exactly? Ignorance?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To find the real truth about these sayings you need to go to
the source, where these saying originated. (A really great story behind them –
I encourage you to look them up :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The south westerly winds have moved in over the islands of
Seychelles. These winds are not known for their pilot friendliness. In fact I
have had some of my most interesting flying experiences with this particular
breath of air – that it has its origin from a dragon I can vouch for first hand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today Neil is up there flying. (Thank God it is not my turn!
;) But this morning I could read the signs and knew what was in store. Neil on
the other hand thought it a great day and was blissfully unaware of the turbulence
the subtle shift in wind direction brings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Bqg8dYb32igOZvKH02qSh9L1JTl0M6Ivg0S31QQMnw8X7lrvxmzIzsKcxF64Br6viNXhR5tSk04z_hUBQlCuoRHMFj8d63Is3Grxlxmo-_gpW0DEvlgnVOu9XSITqKaK1V_2Ihi9tNE/s1600/SaviIspiral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Bqg8dYb32igOZvKH02qSh9L1JTl0M6Ivg0S31QQMnw8X7lrvxmzIzsKcxF64Br6viNXhR5tSk04z_hUBQlCuoRHMFj8d63Is3Grxlxmo-_gpW0DEvlgnVOu9XSITqKaK1V_2Ihi9tNE/s320/SaviIspiral.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
On our spiral descent. The wind is coming right at you. (Yes, from out of the picture towards you. :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last night I happily showed him the landing footage of yesterday’s
flight. (Yesterday the wind had already started veering towards the south
west.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey Neil… Check this out!” My voice carried a bit of pride –
not for the accomplishments of the flight but just for the fact of having
captured a few rock and roll moments on camera – as pilots it’s always a thrill
to watch these from the ground.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“See where I spiraled down? It provides the path of least
amount of turbulence…” I said while I could not help notice a raised eyebrow
from Neil. There was just a slight shift in the tone of his voice too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I would never have known to do that…” I could sense a tiny
bit of trepidation of ever having to fly in similar conditions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Savi loved the spiral dive” I added. “He said it reminded
him of his tandem sky-dive…” Of course at that stage in the flight I on the
other hand did not think of sky-diving – though the thought of free falling was
probably somewhere in my mind I can assure you it had nothing to do with sky-diving! For Savi this was the most exciting part of the flight – me too of course but for
very different reasons. Afterwards, on the way home as I pointed out some
swaying trees to him I said “Savi, if we were up there in our little orange
plane we both would be screaming for our mommy…” While listening to his laughter
I was entertaining thoughts of dying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning when Neil left for the airport I wondered if I
should have told him about all my turbulence secrets – a kind of aerial survival
guide. “Ag, I will make a decision when I get to the airport…” He said while his dry mouth forced a slow, laborious swallow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth shall set you free from bliss alright!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
After the flight. Savi and I - happy for different reasons!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiZym7eicwD0KezvIKUJnaaVcpvRutn5uPWiECSDWQzuaWjce8LnwDt7z92IRyuPl24Gqz9hpzpjq0lTcdlmYvvDstFmaTf3LIJeAJ13b511PMNlC5n2WzPpv8eeaYxevQx23nRrhWps/s1600/SaviIhappy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiZym7eicwD0KezvIKUJnaaVcpvRutn5uPWiECSDWQzuaWjce8LnwDt7z92IRyuPl24Gqz9hpzpjq0lTcdlmYvvDstFmaTf3LIJeAJ13b511PMNlC5n2WzPpv8eeaYxevQx23nRrhWps/s320/SaviIhappy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375936858068862743.post-52594383690816860672012-09-20T05:42:00.001-07:002012-09-20T05:42:20.264-07:0040 days...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNEqFdLnff4ssjkPB-u3tBODwjepvd1rtU7XV2-uRgUssvqLjy4wM-wZM2PtkFOZyx6cu-C_1jubuoJknUfCJ9vLu-HuvQWo0Qfvo7TFPMJQ53cw8ZPsUNZgnt_37c40mqSOfmLpY1wM/s1600/Windy+stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNEqFdLnff4ssjkPB-u3tBODwjepvd1rtU7XV2-uRgUssvqLjy4wM-wZM2PtkFOZyx6cu-C_1jubuoJknUfCJ9vLu-HuvQWo0Qfvo7TFPMJQ53cw8ZPsUNZgnt_37c40mqSOfmLpY1wM/s320/Windy+stuff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to say it is official but I would be lying, even if I
know I am right. (This personal vrs official business is another story! ;) I am
talking about the worst whale shark season we have ever had. It comes at a very
bad time too. These giant fish seemed to have joined forces with the economic
pressures from all over the world – the recession is not just confined to the
world of commerce.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you all know we were off to a promising start but it soon
fizzled out as the days passed and we could not run any encounter trips. Of
course we have all been very positive about this, “Its still early. Lots of
time left.” Or “This has happened before. Nothing to worry about…”. But for all
this positivity, slowly the wheels have been falling off the wagon. It’s been
twenty days and we have not managed to run even one whale shark trip with paying
pacs. Even though the interns have had a turn to dive with these large
enigmatic creatures, there has been no money generating trips for the MCSS.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles certainly can
do with these additional funds. Like so many other NGO’s around the world
involved in conservation activities, being pro-active in generating some
research funding by the NGO’s themselves has become a trade mark of well
organised and worthwhile conservation organisations across the globe. Certainly
the MCSS is in a favourable position to make use of this – the whale shark
ecotourism program being a great opportunity. Unfortunately, it is a program that is very
much dependent upon external factors of which there is absolutely no control
over at all. Economically that equates to risky business.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Firstly, the aerial observational fights are entirely dependent
upon the weather. Couple this with the appearance of whale sharks and it
certainly highlights the vulnerability of an organisation to this type of
business environment. If the weather is particularly bad for a longer than
usual period of time and if on the few days that it is flyable there are no
whale sharks around as well, then it turns into a test of character for
everyone involved. We have some interesting examples of diplomatic-grumpiness
around these parts of late. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The stats are not looking good – we have only been able to
fly a third of our time we have been here. At this rate we are in for a record which
we have no interest in breaking.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, we are ever hopeful too. After all, there is
still forty days left! And forty days, according to history is a very meaning
full number. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wish you were here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
:)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PS: Neil is up flying today. Let’s hope he got some!<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00371140909646615665noreply@blogger.com0