July 30, 2008
A place to return to…
Riding along the waves of the Marviva Med research boat at 10 nautical miles per hour, looking seaward towards Athens, Greece — time momentarily paused as the air grew still and the sea turned clear as glass. Within the stillness arrived a pod of dolphins that surfed the waves along the boat.
Looking down from the bow, during this surreal moment — that felt like an eternity — we danced in a mental dialogue of non-verbal communication and cerebral understanding. As the flatness of the sea vanished so did the dolphins — but I am sure they will share stories like I am with you.
As I prepare to depart to my apartment in New York City, I feel fortunate to have had an opportunity to document images and experiences with all of you. Behind the scenes, I feel even more fortunate to say that the team of people I have worked with — day and night — have become more than friends — but a close knit family bonded by a love of the ocean and passion to enjoy the place we all call home —the Mediterranean Sea.
Till my soul is full of longing
For the secret of the sea,
And the heart of the great ocean
Sends a thrilling pulse through me.
~ H.W. Longfellow, The Secret of the Sea
Over the next couple of days, while docked in Athens, Greece, the crew will change, and the next phase of the campaign will begin.