The sun is streaming in the window and I'm enjoying a cup of coffee listening some music by Adele. Astrid's reading a book in the chair behind me, quoting random sentences as she goes. Have had a really nice week settling back in, lots of resting. Today is like my Sunday, I start doing shifts in the Cluny dinning room tomorrow (saturday).
I'm happy to be in the dinning room for the first month, though the decision to work in this department 'disappointed' park maintenance, which is unfortunate. There is a relationship that is developed between the individual and the work department, and since I'd spent time with, and was supported by maintenance in the VISA process, they felt I should have returned. Which was my plan originally. However I was asked to do a month of the 'Living in Community Guest' or LCG program, before joining the long term Living Education Apprenticeship Program or (LEAP). This may be a bit confusing but, I was accepted into LEAP for Park Maintenance, which was what allowed me to apply for the 2 year visa. So I was hoping to come back, make the move to the Park, and start in on the long term commitment. Instead I have a month where I need to live in Cluny, and felt better about living and working here instead of busing back and forth between the Cluny campus and the Park. Buses leave 45 minutes before work shifts start in the morning and arrive back 30 minutes after work ends in the afternoon and lunch break of two hours on the campus in which I don't live isn't so nice as being able to come back to the room if I feel like it. So long story short, I'll be in Cluny for the next month, and, as always, am a bit unsure of what happens next, although I'm intending on moving down to the Park and joining the Maintenance team still...
Enough about work though. Had a nice dinner out with Astrid on Tuesday, went down to the Kimberly for a burger, Astrid had the chicken tikka, and yesterday made it in for a tour of the closest of many distilleries in the area 'Benromach.' It was good to see the whole whisky making process spelled out so clearly ;)...
I'm going to go have a soak in one of the original and massive tubs in the building,
until next time,
Adam
Friday, August 12, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Hello All
Free day (and a rainy one) on the Island of Erraid, seems like a good time to step back into the blog and catch people up a bit. Where to start?
First off the program is whizzing along and is closing in on its final two weeks. All is going very well, couldn't really hope to explain it away but in brief; it's been a fascinating, at times challenging, at times blissful journey through my psyche, group life and dynamics, community life, complete with a good look at our current global situation. Some really inspiring presenters, some intense, some insightful, some deep, some confusing and maybe others even a bit boring, from a 70ish year old permaculturist, to the 32year old [female] systems theory and process oriented psychology trained "CEO" of the finhorn foundation, to a former president of the global ecovillage network, to individuals in charge of conflict resolution in the community, to a man who has a track record of curing certain cancers who works with people from all over europe and has a schedule booked months in advanced, and on and on. So many people (at times it seems like too many) have shared and added to this experience on a daily basis, and I'm only talking about what went on within the formal meetings of the program, outside of our regular 9-12 and 2-5 meetings all sorts of things have been happening.
Meeting and getting to know Astrid has been a huge part of my time over here. We seem to be each others teachers, counselors, agitators, lovers and friends. She just celebrated her 26th birthday, and came here originally with her mom from Denmark when she was much younger and came back a year ago to work in the garden/landscaping at the Cluny campus (the former hotel). In the past month or so she was presented with the opportunity to 'focalize' or manage the garden landscape crew at Cluny and just recently stepped into that role. She becomes Staff in June on a long term contract...
Other highlights include; Having had the opportunity to witness a concluding meeting between the board of trustees (including one titled 'Lady') and the local management of the foundation, that was open to all community members. Got a interesting snapshot of what was hot in the community, namely the issue of being an 'aging' community, also the budget [which apparently is in the rare position of being in good shape], the need for a new model of governance within the community and extended networks, and expanding housing for staff and 'living education apprenticeship program (or LEAP) members. Interesting evening...Also participated in a four day 'Conscious Medicine Conference', five rhythms dance, the four day silent retreat, weekly saunas, so enjoy the food and the gardens that i've been working in from time to time, also watching all the new eco-buildings going up, reading great books, conversing, watching random events in the universal hall, open mike nights at the blue angle cafe, fish and chips and drinks in the village and more...
Snapping back to the present, I'm out with the group on the Island of Erraid staying within a much smaller, very basic community (12 members) that is associated with the Findhorn foundation. Buildings of granite from the 1840's, rainwater collection, composting toilets, chickens, sheep, gardens, the ocean, candle making, wood burning for heating of homes and water, survivalist feel, (with a good internet connection). Yesterday I went exploring on the island and found the 'hanging stone' feature, as well as a cave close by, it was suggested that I bring a torch - but i forgot, and sure enough it was pitch black inside this cave, a little disappointed *and slightly scarred, I turned around to make my way out when something caught my eye. Reached out to what seemed to be a rock shelf and found a candle. Felt around a bit more and there was a jar of matches! Pretty fun, lit the candle and entered some classic mindset inspired by the candle lit cave, hearing drops of water and breathing in the dank cave air, this experience was only heightened by the discovery of a golden bottle of whisky sitting back on the same shelf where I found the candle. Pretty sweet sitting in this cave having a swig by candlelight, felt like i was one treasure chest away from dreaming.
I'll be back in the Findhorn area this weekend in time for some professional clown doctoring. Traditionally fearful of clowns I'm hopping to overcome this fear with the help of Patch Adams who is coming to the Foundation and holding a workshop this coming weekend. I guess saturday is his birthday as well and I'm told there will be festivities to match. Astrid has tickets for the weekend too so I'm thinking it will be a great time.
I will likely stay for two more months (I need to clarify if I have six months from my last entry in march or if Im still on the six months from when I entered in january) before returning home with the possibility of applying for a longer term visa...Still very up in the air...
That's it for now!
Lots of Love,
Adam
First off the program is whizzing along and is closing in on its final two weeks. All is going very well, couldn't really hope to explain it away but in brief; it's been a fascinating, at times challenging, at times blissful journey through my psyche, group life and dynamics, community life, complete with a good look at our current global situation. Some really inspiring presenters, some intense, some insightful, some deep, some confusing and maybe others even a bit boring, from a 70ish year old permaculturist, to the 32year old [female] systems theory and process oriented psychology trained "CEO" of the finhorn foundation, to a former president of the global ecovillage network, to individuals in charge of conflict resolution in the community, to a man who has a track record of curing certain cancers who works with people from all over europe and has a schedule booked months in advanced, and on and on. So many people (at times it seems like too many) have shared and added to this experience on a daily basis, and I'm only talking about what went on within the formal meetings of the program, outside of our regular 9-12 and 2-5 meetings all sorts of things have been happening.
Meeting and getting to know Astrid has been a huge part of my time over here. We seem to be each others teachers, counselors, agitators, lovers and friends. She just celebrated her 26th birthday, and came here originally with her mom from Denmark when she was much younger and came back a year ago to work in the garden/landscaping at the Cluny campus (the former hotel). In the past month or so she was presented with the opportunity to 'focalize' or manage the garden landscape crew at Cluny and just recently stepped into that role. She becomes Staff in June on a long term contract...
Other highlights include; Having had the opportunity to witness a concluding meeting between the board of trustees (including one titled 'Lady') and the local management of the foundation, that was open to all community members. Got a interesting snapshot of what was hot in the community, namely the issue of being an 'aging' community, also the budget [which apparently is in the rare position of being in good shape], the need for a new model of governance within the community and extended networks, and expanding housing for staff and 'living education apprenticeship program (or LEAP) members. Interesting evening...Also participated in a four day 'Conscious Medicine Conference', five rhythms dance, the four day silent retreat, weekly saunas, so enjoy the food and the gardens that i've been working in from time to time, also watching all the new eco-buildings going up, reading great books, conversing, watching random events in the universal hall, open mike nights at the blue angle cafe, fish and chips and drinks in the village and more...
Snapping back to the present, I'm out with the group on the Island of Erraid staying within a much smaller, very basic community (12 members) that is associated with the Findhorn foundation. Buildings of granite from the 1840's, rainwater collection, composting toilets, chickens, sheep, gardens, the ocean, candle making, wood burning for heating of homes and water, survivalist feel, (with a good internet connection). Yesterday I went exploring on the island and found the 'hanging stone' feature, as well as a cave close by, it was suggested that I bring a torch - but i forgot, and sure enough it was pitch black inside this cave, a little disappointed *and slightly scarred, I turned around to make my way out when something caught my eye. Reached out to what seemed to be a rock shelf and found a candle. Felt around a bit more and there was a jar of matches! Pretty fun, lit the candle and entered some classic mindset inspired by the candle lit cave, hearing drops of water and breathing in the dank cave air, this experience was only heightened by the discovery of a golden bottle of whisky sitting back on the same shelf where I found the candle. Pretty sweet sitting in this cave having a swig by candlelight, felt like i was one treasure chest away from dreaming.
I'll be back in the Findhorn area this weekend in time for some professional clown doctoring. Traditionally fearful of clowns I'm hopping to overcome this fear with the help of Patch Adams who is coming to the Foundation and holding a workshop this coming weekend. I guess saturday is his birthday as well and I'm told there will be festivities to match. Astrid has tickets for the weekend too so I'm thinking it will be a great time.
I will likely stay for two more months (I need to clarify if I have six months from my last entry in march or if Im still on the six months from when I entered in january) before returning home with the possibility of applying for a longer term visa...Still very up in the air...
That's it for now!
Lots of Love,
Adam
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Scotland so far...
The highlights so far include; nearly being turned back to the States at customs for lack of proof of what my plans were, lesson learned always have something to show, after a good twenty minutes of negotiations I was allowed to enter the UK. Too tired to get at all worked up seemed to work out well as I dont think the guy was joking about sending me back.
Can't say London was much of a highlight, but enjoyed waking up on the bus ride north ( a 12 hour journey) to fresh snow and sunshine over the countryside.
Forres has been a good place to walk out and around and see the sights, the countryside, the buildings, etc. Weathers been mostly dry at least, might need a vacation at the end of this one to warm back up though =].
Enjoyed a good night out at the Red Lion aka The Red Beastie, met a couple locals, closed the place out only to walk home and be locked out. The door is normally locked, but my key normally works. A little strange but one ring of the door bell and the host appeared with a "so sorry, didn't realize you'd been out" so that all ended well.
Looking forward to starting on with the Findhorn Foundation at least for more of a regular diet and having something more to do than wandering about watching the pounds slip through my fingers (not the weight watchers type either).
All is well, I'll stay in touch when I can, a few shots from the journey so far...
Looking into Forres through one of the parks
Token rainbow shot
Cool house on the walk out to the coast
View out over Findhorn Bay, Forres, and surrounding area
The B&B where I'm staying
Can't say London was much of a highlight, but enjoyed waking up on the bus ride north ( a 12 hour journey) to fresh snow and sunshine over the countryside.
Forres has been a good place to walk out and around and see the sights, the countryside, the buildings, etc. Weathers been mostly dry at least, might need a vacation at the end of this one to warm back up though =].
Enjoyed a good night out at the Red Lion aka The Red Beastie, met a couple locals, closed the place out only to walk home and be locked out. The door is normally locked, but my key normally works. A little strange but one ring of the door bell and the host appeared with a "so sorry, didn't realize you'd been out" so that all ended well.
Looking forward to starting on with the Findhorn Foundation at least for more of a regular diet and having something more to do than wandering about watching the pounds slip through my fingers (not the weight watchers type either).
All is well, I'll stay in touch when I can, a few shots from the journey so far...
Looking into Forres through one of the parks
Token rainbow shot
Cool house on the walk out to the coast
View out over Findhorn Bay, Forres, and surrounding area
The B&B where I'm staying
Friday, July 2, 2010
What a week
Trial by fire. Kevin and I survived the first big push of fish, 12.5K lbs netted, landed and delivered. Sunday was a textbook beautiful day in SE Alaska, motoring out to the grounds it didn't seem like very fishy weather. After our first 45minute soak I learned it wasn't all about the weather, ninety fish came up over the roller, just enough wind to hold us off the gear while picking. My largest set of the previous week was for 32 fish. This was a whole different story. After that trickled down to forty fish and thirty fish sets, decided to go try a nearby nest of islands out in the middle, and got back into them. Largest set so far 169 fish, I guess 200-400+ can happen during peak chum run. Hope i'm out in the middle with plenty of room to drift and pick if that happens.
Learned a few things about wind and currents this week, floating over the net once while picking, grabbing the net pusher and sinking the corks down under the boat was a little nerve racking but worked well. Also drifted down on someone else's net way to close for comfort once while picking. The net acts as a huge sea anchor while it's all out of the water, when hooked onto it the boat acts as a sail and starts pulling the whole set, when everyone is floating along at the same pace it's not a problem. When I started picking the net it was like slowly removing my sea anchor from the equation. I'm still unsure if there were opposing currents or if I just started drifting quick in the wind, but by the time I drummed the last 10 fathoms of net on we were within 25ft of someone else's cork line, It was intense, no sea anchor = pick fast.
The second night I was able to sleep for two hours while Kevin watched a sleeper set drift out in the middle, the boat is attached to the net and his job is to make sure our flashing light at the other end of the net keeps it's distance and that we're hanging off the net right. Woke up to 140 fish in there, that was a great start to the day.
Third day the large area we were fishing in closed and the 'postage stamp' opened meaning lots of boats in a much smaller space. Got the web in the wheel, called over the Jacob to see if he could give me a tow, turns out his crew just went over board and the motor blew, I wasn't the only one having issues. Back on the Max Power we were able to free the net from the hang up by cutting a good bit out and started drumming on a 130 fish set, still unsure if we were dead in the water or not. Got our tender to tie along side and discovered that the prop was still turning well in forward and reverse. Idled into an anchorage and dropped the hook for the first time. Got in the water and cleared to prop shaft and rudder. Stayed on anchor for the night only to return to the line up at about 4:30 for a 125 fish set that sent us drifting into an area we'd rather not have been...
The Welder guy came down to the boat yesterday to move the level wind out away from the drum to prevent the last couple rows of corks from hitting the heavy hydraulic driven arm, bumping it off and sending it crashing onto the deck (which it broke a hole through in one of its crashes). Repaired the damage on the end of the net from where we had to cut it out from under the boat, and put a glass patch over the hole in the back deck...
I think i'm growing accustomed to the pace of fishing and frequency of projects and demands required to keep the show on the road. Maybe elephants can be eaten after all...
Learned a few things about wind and currents this week, floating over the net once while picking, grabbing the net pusher and sinking the corks down under the boat was a little nerve racking but worked well. Also drifted down on someone else's net way to close for comfort once while picking. The net acts as a huge sea anchor while it's all out of the water, when hooked onto it the boat acts as a sail and starts pulling the whole set, when everyone is floating along at the same pace it's not a problem. When I started picking the net it was like slowly removing my sea anchor from the equation. I'm still unsure if there were opposing currents or if I just started drifting quick in the wind, but by the time I drummed the last 10 fathoms of net on we were within 25ft of someone else's cork line, It was intense, no sea anchor = pick fast.
The second night I was able to sleep for two hours while Kevin watched a sleeper set drift out in the middle, the boat is attached to the net and his job is to make sure our flashing light at the other end of the net keeps it's distance and that we're hanging off the net right. Woke up to 140 fish in there, that was a great start to the day.
Third day the large area we were fishing in closed and the 'postage stamp' opened meaning lots of boats in a much smaller space. Got the web in the wheel, called over the Jacob to see if he could give me a tow, turns out his crew just went over board and the motor blew, I wasn't the only one having issues. Back on the Max Power we were able to free the net from the hang up by cutting a good bit out and started drumming on a 130 fish set, still unsure if we were dead in the water or not. Got our tender to tie along side and discovered that the prop was still turning well in forward and reverse. Idled into an anchorage and dropped the hook for the first time. Got in the water and cleared to prop shaft and rudder. Stayed on anchor for the night only to return to the line up at about 4:30 for a 125 fish set that sent us drifting into an area we'd rather not have been...
The Welder guy came down to the boat yesterday to move the level wind out away from the drum to prevent the last couple rows of corks from hitting the heavy hydraulic driven arm, bumping it off and sending it crashing onto the deck (which it broke a hole through in one of its crashes). Repaired the damage on the end of the net from where we had to cut it out from under the boat, and put a glass patch over the hole in the back deck...
I think i'm growing accustomed to the pace of fishing and frequency of projects and demands required to keep the show on the road. Maybe elephants can be eaten after all...
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Finally some photos!
Just a few shots from the run and first days of fishing, more to come. This is quite a wild ride, reminds me of a quote from a former captain Greg Vietenhans "fishing is controlled chaos." At a glance it seems so simple, but there are a few hidden complexities to this lifestyle. I'm hoping the peak of the hill is close at hand or already behind me. Thinking about diving into the whale hole project tomorrow, we'll see what happens. Hatch project came out awesome and I'm confident that I'll be holding water where it needs to be, though only time will tell. Other projects on the horizon: gaining confidence to drop and sleep on anchor, fixing the net bar (while i'm setting the net, it rises up, and several times now my leads will loop down behind the net bar putting me in a very uncomfortable situation.) All and all the idealistic side of fishing is still shinning through the temporary chaos...thanks to everyone for staying in touch,
Adam
Adam
  First $$$$ |   Set off the stern (back) of boat |
 First Deleviry | |
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Day X (Sunday) Gone Fishing
Just talked to Skipper Adam on the good ship Max Power. 
His net is wet!! So far today he has brought in 60 to 70 fish. Mostly chums and a couple sockeye and a humpy or two. All is working well with the boat and the day has gone well 
other than putting up with some sea lions having lunch at Skipper Adam’s Seafood House (his net). The weather has been good but he has spent most of the day in his rain gear. He said this period would be open till Tuesday so ad $5.00 per fish he will be doing some serious fishing. Oh yes the pictures are not of Adam or his dinars. Just some stock photos
Monday: Sold my first load of fish. A little over 800lbs (paid for the fuel to get here) I just talked to Adam and he had first bout with reality. A humpback whale just cruised thru his net. He was just getting ready to try another set and see if the net works. If not the good news is the period is closing down tomorrow so while he can’t fish he will have time to mend his net and chase down a few leaks in the fish hold. REALITY! He is doing great and in good humor.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Voyage North
Thursday May 10th 2010: Departed Bellingham along with the Brown Sugar (Bobby) and the Armada (Jacob)
Met up with the Buryl E (Guy Hoppin) Pictured above. Cleared Canadian customs in Bedwell harbor,BC. Ran until around 7pm over night in Buccaneer Bay, NE of Namino ,BC.At this rate we should arrive in Juneau in about 10 days. tommy
 |  | ________________ The_Fleet uncle_tommy_the_editor_& dad_Billy reporter_at_large_&_map_guy |
  |  |   |
View Adam 2010 in a larger map by Billy & tommy
Day II: 0700 Off and running towards Campbell river. Boat and crew(Adam) are 100%. Ran about 120 mi in about 12hrs. (120mi / 12hrs= 10mph / 1.151 = 8.7knots) The weather was sunny, low to mid 60s. Called it a day around 9pm and dropped the pick (anchor) in ??? bay south of Port Nevill,BC. tommy
Day III: Talked to the skipper around 0700. He reported they were underway @ 0500(5am) partly cloudy and smooth seas. Possible weather problems ahead. Queen Charlotte Sound which is the first stretch of open ocean. Got to keep an eye on that! Stopped for fuel in Port McNeill,BC. Took on 353 liters. Wait! Another math problem:)
1 US gallon = 3.78541178 liters so 353Li / 3.78 = 93 US gallons
Distance Covered ~ 275Mi / 93G = ~3m/g
Wow that sounds like poor gas mileage but it ain’t a Preis So I guess that’s pretty darn good:)
Last Contact with Capt Adam was about 3pm. At that time it sounded like they were starting to cross Queen Charlotte sound. The weather was still holding. It should take around 4hrs for the open water crossing. At the time I talked to him our cell connection was very poor. He mentioned he was not getting any bars. So far the communication has been great and a lot of fun. Hopefully we will regain communication when they get back in protected waters back in the inside passage. One never knows when we will be able to communicate again . Sure hope it’s before he gets to Ketchikan,Ak . Let’s all keep our fingers crossed. If we do not communicate for a couple of days it certainly won’t be for the lack of trying. tommy
Day IV: (sunday) It’s 7am here in Seattle (mission control) and the fleet is still on the dark side of the moon.
1130am. Great news the flee has come out from the dark side of the moon. Adam just called and was coming up on Bella Bella,BC. They spent the night in Safety cove. Arrived there last night around 9:30 and after a good nights sleep the were underway around 6am. The weather is still holding. Once again life is good here at mission control. As I was thinking I might not make contact for possibly a couple of days. So far the journey has been great. Along with spectacular scenery they have spotted killer whales out of Bellingham and a number of groups of dolphins.
It’s now around 845 and the fleet is still on the dark side of the moon. tommy
Day V: (Monday) 
0545 No word from the fleet. According to my calculations they should be passing Prince Rupert around 2pm. From there hopefully I will get a progress report. Once again my math failed me. Billy heard from Adam around 4pm and they were shooting for Prince Rupert. Called the Max Power and spoke with the skipper. He reported that they had spent the night in Swanson Bay (sort of close to where I estimated. The set the pick(anchored up) around 8:30pm and set out again this morning around 5:30am. The weather was still holding. Adam reported spotting a number of whales. He was thinking they would possibly be hanging in the Prince Rupert area. Possibly for the night and day tomorrow as there are predictions of strong winds crossing the Dixon Entrance. (more open ocean) Hopefully we will be able to get a little catch up time as there should be cell coverage in that area. Hey maybe if they end up hanging around Prince Rupert. Adam may possibly be able to get some WIFI and shoot us some pictures.
Special Weather Alert
Entrance to Cape Decision- 400 PM akdt Mon Jun 14 2010
...Small Craft Advisory due to seas tonight...
.Tonight...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 8 ft. W swell. .Tue...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 7 ft. .Tue night...W wind 20 kt. Seas 8 ft. SW swell. .Wed...W wind 15 kt. Seas 10 ft. W swell. .Wed night...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 10 ft. W swell. .Thu...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 9 ft. W swell. .Fri...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 7 ft. .Sat...SW wind 15 kt. Seas 6 ft.
Day VI: Decision made the weather is looking ok so it off across Dixon Entrance Adam called at1025 and said they were pulling out. Hopefully the weather holds to get across the entrance. Hey they are in great hands (Guy and Ann on the BurylE )
7pm: Made contact with the Max Power. They had a smooth uneventfully crossing of Dixon Entrance :) Capt. Adam was giving a 9pm ETA in Ketchikan. They are planning on over night there and fuel up in the morning. We plan for a phone contact then. Hopefully our cell signal will be much better and we can fill in some details, facts and figures. All in all the day went great especially with all the worry about weather forecasts that did not materialize. “The Skipper must be living right) Also from this end family included it’s a weight of our minds that today was a success!
Day VII: (Thursday) On to Juneau!!! Talked with Adam around 1130am (Poor connection) He said they were about 9 or 10 hrs out of Juneau. I put a approximate marker on the map. (the green pushpin) I did not get where they spent last night. Hoping I would get a better connection a little later. It’s now 4pm and I tried to call , But got his voice mail. Hopefully we will make contact later this evening and possibly then I can fill in some of the blanks.
7:30pm PDT = 6:30pm ADT Talked to Adam he figured he was about 40min out of Juneau. He IS ready to call it a voyage!!! Tomorrow will be spent getting the boat ready to fish and start bringing in the MEGA BUCKS!!!
Day VIII: Hanging in Juneau Alaska!
Day IX: Hanging in Auk Bay near Junear. Getting the Max Power ready to go catch fish. Having a little problem getting all that net to fit on the drum. Hopefully pulling it in wet a few times will pack down the windings so the damn thing all fits.
Day X: Gone Fishing!!!!
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