August 17, 2009
Gliding through sunset
![[IMAGE] kayaking](/blog/blogpix/kayaksunset.jpg)
![[IMAGE] kayaking](/blog/blogpix/kayaksunset-.jpg)
…about the musicAhhhh…
Saturday night between 7 and 9:30 p.m., three good friends, Charles, our guide and I kayaked almost silently through the Haro Strait. We were flanked by bald eagles, Dall’s porpoises, small fish that jumped giddily out of the water, rhinoceros auklets, and the memory of a large pod of Orca whales who swam in this same spot just an hour earlier. When twilight surrendered to nighttime, fascinating sparks from bioluminescent life forms lit up in the water with each paddle stroke. Vancouver Island and B.C.’s smaller southern gulf isles met our gaze across the sea, and as the clouds gave way to the sunset which gave way to the stars, I knew I was in my own version of Heaven.
![[IMAGE] kayaking](/blog/blogpix/kayaksunset--.jpg)
![[IMAGE] kayaking](/blog/blogpix/kayaksunset4.jpg)
I chose to accompany these pix with a little excerpt from the “Nunc Dimittis” movement of my “Evensong Suite,” since it seemed so fitting. The text refers to how, upon seeing baby Jesus, Simeon declares that he’s seen God’s salvation– something God had promised he would experience before he died. Well, for me, and for a lot of folks just like me, moments like this are my salvation, and the power of the universe in its natural beauty, in its art, and in the kindest interactions with others, are the only saviours that matter. Amen!
Glenn Buttkus said,
August 17, 2009 @ 5:30 am
“Gottenhimmel” as they say, what a glide, what a ride. You never seem to run out of wonderous sights to share, and wonderous feelings to expound upon. Evensong Suite: Nunc Dimittis @ 1:44 was the perfect background for the lovely lapping of the Salish against your boats, and the quiet sound of your numerous paddles dipping and pulling their way across the Strait. Really some incredibly beautiful pictures, Alex; takes my breath away. Here is the Shapiro poem of the week.
Nunc Dimittis
Saturday night between 7 and 9:30 p.m.,
three good friends, Charles,
our guide and I
kayaked almost silently
through the Haro Strait.
We were flanked by bald eagles,
Dall’s porpoises, small fish that
jumped giddily out of the water,
rhinoceros auklets,
and the memory of a large pod
of Orca whales who swam
in this same spot just an hour earlier.
As twilight surrendered to nighttime,
fascinating sparks from bioluminescent
life forms lit up in the water
with each paddle stroke.
Vancouver Island and B.C.’s smaller
southern gulf isles met our gaze
across the sea,
and as the clouds gave way
to the sunset
which gave way to the stars,
I knew
I was in my own version of Heaven.
Nunc Dimittis;
The text refers to how,
upon seeing baby Jesus,
Simeon declares that
he’s seen God’s salvation–
something God had promised
he would experience before he died.
Well, for me, and for a lot of folks
just like me,
moments like this are my salvation,
and the power of the universe
in its natural beauty,
in its art,
and in the kindest interactions
with others,
are the only saviours that matter.
Amen!
Alex Shapiro August 2009
Doug and Meredith were up on SJI this weekend, and Doug posted some great pics as well, one of Mona the Camel –whom I think has graced this site too, and another of a home built by one of the residents, that looks incredibly rustic and imaginative. Who needs Neverland when you all have San Juan Island!
Glenn
Robin Atkins said,
August 17, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
Nice to make your acquaintence thanks to Mona and Doug’s blog. Your blog makes me want to get someone out here to fix the sound system on my computer. Until now, I didn’t mind not having the “bonk” every time I try to do something it doesn’t like. Now it might be worth the annoyance. I also like your photos… the baby spiders picture was a good one (and I’m glad one survived).
Alex Shapiro said,
August 17, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
Lovely to meet you, too, Robin! I admire your beadwork!
Julie said,
August 17, 2009 @ 6:53 pm
amen, alex, amen!
elizabeth said,
August 17, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
glorious Alex, the photos and insights and soundtrack. It is always inspiring visiting your web world, listening, and I really do know what you mean when you said once nature is your religion. Thanks for being one of the people who truly inspire me.
Anne McGinty said,
August 18, 2009 @ 8:42 am
Ahhh . . . indeed!
Water. (Relative) Solitude. Peace. What are these things? The desert dweller within me seems to thrive on mountains and extreme heat but perhaps I should consider paying you a brief visit someday.
Whatever would we talk about???
Lane Savant said,
August 19, 2009 @ 3:33 pm
Gotterdammerung, was eine sky!
Mike Wills said,
August 20, 2009 @ 7:52 am
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Alex….an absolutely wonderful and soothing offering.
Mike
notes from the kelp » Winging it said,
November 18, 2010 @ 11:24 pm
[…] Gliding through sunset […]