Friday, May 04, 2012

Swim Across the Sea of Cortez



Want to know what it feels like to be an open water swimmer?  Watch the opening scenes of the video above.

Paul Lundgren is sharing his experience as he trains for the first-ever solo swim crossing of the Sea of Cortez, 76 miles of big water.  

I can feel it, I've done a bit of swimming, and I know this water.  One of my most memorable ocean experiences was near his planned finishing point, when I happened into an incredible feeding aggregation while sailing.  Dolphin and tuna underwater and seabirds above, on, and in the water were converging on a massive swarm of small fish, and they were so excited they forgot to notice a small about drifting into their midst.  We watch from mere inches away as many species of animals tried to eat and avoid being eaten.  I can see it like it was yesterday, even though it was decades ago.  Sigh.

Such is the value of watching Paul's video, I got lost and re-found myself minutes later sitting in a small room in front of a computer in landlocked Switzerland yet somehow feeling wet and salty. 

Go Paul, and thanks for sharing! 

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

TheBlu - what is it?

There's something new in the (virtual) world, TheBlu.  A way to create your own ocean, using fish and habitats created by digital artists everywhere.  Is it anything?  Time will tell, but I'm going to give it a try.