"Blackfish"

I randomly happened across this movie when I was reading an article on nbcnews.com about how the contents of this documentary had forced Pixar and Disney to make changes to the storyline of the movie "Finding Dory"; the sequel to "Finding Nemo". From there I was intrigued and looked up the movie trailer on youtube; see below. My next step, find out if it was playing in Portland. A quick search on flixster revealed that I was in luck. I went yesterday.

Growing up as a kid I for so long wanted to be a marine biologist. More specifically, I wanted to work with dolphins and whales. In fact, I had dreams of working at Sea World. We went on a family vacation to Orlando when I was in elementary school and yes Disney World was cool, Cape Canaveral was fun, but it was Sea World who stole the show and was by far my favorite place.

Sadly, I did not pursue my marine biology dreams. This was mostly due to the "Jaws" movies. After watching those I decided that working with sharks was not in my future and figured at some point when studying I would have to do that, so I decided to follow other career avenues. I've never lost my love for marine mammals and have on many an occasion considered rekindling my childhood interest.

I found this movie to be an amazing film. It was eye opening, thought provoking and emotional. I used to think that Sea World was doing important work and that the trainer's working with the animals were leading experts in their field. This film has shaken that long held belief in me.

I feel fortunate that when I worked at UCSB that I had the opportunity to go on a whale watching tour and see these majestic animals in their natural environment. It is an experience that I very much want to do again in the next year.

I highly encourage everyone who has gone to Sea World and has a love for marine mammals; specifically orcas, to go and see this film. It may change your thoughts and ideas on animals in captivity.

Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls

Last weekend I got up early and headed back out to my favorite hiking area; the Columbia River Gorge, and hiked the Eagle creek trail to Tunnel Falls. It was a solid hike and to get some of the shots of these amazing waterfalls I waded through the water and had a few treacherous trips down some steep trails, but the end results were more than worth it.

Angel's Rest

A couple weekends ago the weather remained nice, all be it hot with the temperatures hitting above 90 degrees for most of the week, so I took the opportunity to hit the trails of the Columbia River Gorge again. This time I decided to take a trail that I had not taken before and did not include a waterfall; sorry mom. The Angel's rest trail is about 2.3 miles in length one way and is pretty steep. The work getting up to the top was completely worth it as the Angel's rest has some amazing views of the Columbia river gorge. Here are the shots from that hike. Hope you enjoy them.

Horsetail Falls Revisited

We had a break in the weather here in Portland last weekend, so I headed out to the Columbia River Gorge to go hiking. I decided to return to the Horsetail falls to Triple falls trail. The weather was perfect and the hiking was awesome. I also ended up doing a little bouldering to get some of these shots. Overall, it was a good day and I think I got some good shots.

AIDS Lifecycle 12

For the fifth consecutive year I have volunteered my skills and services to cyclists riding 545 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Every year the event raises critical funds in the fight against HIV and AIDS by supporting programs of the San Francisco AIDS foundation and the LA Gay and Lesbian Center. Every year on the event is different and yet the same. The community that the ride creates is truly one in a million and luckily I am able to live in this world; also known as the "love bubble", for an entire week every year. I look forward to that week each and every year. This year there were 2,203 cyclists and over 500 volunteers and together we raised a total of 14.2 million dollars for the cause. For all those that donated, thank you, thank you, thank you so very much for all your support.

Here are a few pictures of the Sports Med team from the week:

Opening Ceremonies

We were a popular group even at 6am

My Co-Captain Jo!

Candlelight Vigil on Day 6

Denise

James

Tim

The Bowery Bruisers

Much Love!!