Passage

Passage began with a challenge from a potential collector: “find me some still horizons.” I don’t see “still” on my list, but I did start thinking about squares and how they might look intersected by horizons.

Halfway across the Drake Passage from Argentina to Antarctica, we had seas that were slightly rough and sunshine. Unlike the often very rough journey across the Drake, this one had been gentler until this particular afternoon.

There were a number of photographers near the stern of the ship who were taking bird photos. I decided to join them and looked out at the horizon realizing it could be a start.

I looked out at the ocean, but I didn’t look down as I started descending the steps. My wet feet went out from under me and I fell hard down the last few steps landing on my tailbone.

The other photographers were startled and worried. “Is your gear okay?” several people asked. No one asked whether I was okay. They were photographers.

I safely made it to the rail and started taking photographs as the ship moved with the swells. I concentrated on the horizon. Waves were swelling, the ship sailed through. Finally a large wave went across the railing soaking me and my equipment as I hung on worried about another fall.

Once again the other photographers asked: “Is your camera okay?”