On The Beach

We went to a couple of farmers markets and the beach at Devonport yesterday. Boys were bored at the markets, but enjoyed the beach. Started off with the swings, then explored the shells and beach glass. Discovered beach critters we hadn't noticed before.

This is what happens when you

leave Kynan in charge of the 

maypole.

Jedrek, however, prefers everything to 

move... even his maypoles.

Parvulastra exigua Small Green Seastar.

 Kynan found several dead starfish.

Not sure if it's the Purple Sea Urchin or the

Egg-Shaped Sea Urchin... but I am sure it's

not an Ornithorhynchus.

My personal favourite critter for the day was this little beauty.
Actinia tenebrosa aka Waratah Anemone 

All-in-all, a great time out. Looking forward to next time. Also collected shells. Gonna try and identify them. Great education for the kids.

The Earthling

I remember watching a movie as a kid, called The Earthling. The Plot at the Wiki entry for 'The Earthling' says:

"Patrick Foley (Holden) is dying of cancer and decides to return to the outback where he was born. He has stopped taking his medicine and is at peace with his decision to die alone in the woods. On his journey, he notices a family camping. From a neighboring peak, Foley watches as Shawn (Schroder), a 10-year-old boy, begins collecting firewood. The father attempts to move the camper away from the edge. Unfortunately, the camper rolls off the cliff and crashes to the bottom of the cliff with Shawn's parents inside. Shawn climbs down from the cliff finding the camper crushed upside down realizing his parents are dead. Foley has an ethical dilemma: take the stranded ten-year-old back to civilization, and lose his own wish to die where he was born, or continue his personal mission and let the boy die alone in the wilderness. He decides to take the boy with him, and teaches him along the way how to survive in the wilderness. A strong bond grows between the two, and when Foley finally dies, Shawn is equipped to travel out of the outback alone."

Got me to thinking. I no longer doubt that I'm in the early stages of Parkinson's Disease. I believe our civilisation is entering it's declining phase. And I have several young children and a wife who, gods willing, will all live long, fulfilling lives. But like Foley, I won't be there.

There's a tsunami coming... and I need to teach them how to surf.

Cowabunga Dudes!!!