Dear friends, family, and strangers on the internet! My apologies to anyone who tried to find us on the creek or tried to call me and couldnt reach me after about 8:30 last night. I have a pretty good excuse for going radio silent... After over five hundred miles of travel across some of NYSs most polluated waterways and being hyper anxious about falling or dropping anything into or even touching some of this water, I succeeded in winning the Jackass of the Year award by slipping on some muck on the top of the seawall next to my mooring spot and promptly going straight to the bottom of Newtown Creek. Even better, with my wallet and phone in my pockets. Im fine (or seem fine, well see if I grow a few extra limbs this year). My phone is not fine. Hence why there was sudden radio silence. But after the most warranted shower of my life at my lovely friends Stephan and Annas, some much earned beers, and a very good nights sleep (considering the nightmares of toxic sea monsters I could have had!), Im no worse for wear. And, ultimately, isnt it pretty much the only logical way the trip could have ended?! So again, apologies to anyone who tried to find the extremely well hidden hole in the fence to the edge of the creek and couldnt reach me. And thanks to everyone, seriously, EVERYONE, for being so incredibly generous and supportive and encouraging on this whole excursion. I cant adequately express how uplifting it was to be reminded that people, friends old and new, total strangers, etc, can be so kind, helpful, and supportive. From the guy whose sailboat Im currently moored to, who wouldnt tell me his name, to Flip, the guy who unofficially oversees the dock at Troys Forever Young marina (basically a barge with a long dock and a bar on top, moored on Starbuck island under the Green Island bridge) to everyone who offered me food, beer, water, a place to sleep and shower, and/or just kept me entertained and feeling supported via electronic interface--thanks to everyone! Despite tornadoes, sunburn and biting insects, mechanical and electronic failures, fuel, battery, & cell reception dilemmas, and even an unintentional baptism in the cleansing waters of Newtown Creek, this has been just about the most fun and fascinating exploration Ive ever experience--and been able to call it academic research! If youre in NYC, a few of us are quickly trying to organize a couple of possible talks, one at (or via, as we may do it at the Newtown Creek Water Treatment Plant) 16 Beaver, another maybe at Sunview Luncheonette, in Greenpoint. Ill keep you posted, as it would also just be great to see as many of you lovely, lovely people as possible!! Love (seriously yall, I love you folks!), -paul
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 14:41:33 +0000
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