When I go through and look at the stats for how many views I've had for certain blog posts, I've come to realize one thing in earnest. People like "action." Yeah, I know..."duh."
One of the pitfalls in doing a website and blog, while still filming the documentary is that it provides plenty of down-time between action. If this were a pure nature doc (that is to say, if I were filming animals in the wild), every post would contain some kind of "action."
Truth is Journey Home is still waiting for a few key events before I can start putting the exciting bits together. Don't get me wrong, the rehab center is still going full-tilt and new turtles come in every week. For me, now, it's like a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle and I only have about four or five pieces to put in.
So, for now, the exciting news is that I fixed my HD underwater camera! I was really bummed when one of the waterproof latched malfunctioned but through a little research (and a lot of patience keeping me from hurling it across the room) I was able to find and apply a solution.
So, when it comes time for the "big" release scene, I've at full strength in the camera department! :)
...now, if I could only find a volunteer to act as my second camera person....

Cheers,
-Rick

The end run.
The final moments of a game are usually the most intense... filming a documentary can be like that, too.
I filmed a release of a juvenile green sea turtle today that was a great practice run for the upcoming release of one of the film's "stars."
I hate to call them that, really. They didn't ask to be injured by humans and they sure as heck aren't happy to have suffered through unimaginable pain and peril just to end up as patients at LMC.
Watching center staff gently place the young turtle into the lightly rolling surf is almost a religious experience. It sure is spiritual in the moment.
The turtle took off, its flippers flapping in anticipation before it even hit the salt water. Then it was simply gone.
Part of me hopes to see something different when my "star" is released next week. Part of me wishes for a quick surfacing just past the breakers...a momentary look back towards those who cared so dilligently for it. A larger part of me sincerely hopes the little turtle shoots away like a torpedo and never, never looks back.
I'll cry. I didn't think I would be this attached...but I am. It won't happen in the moment. I'll film it, all of my attention will be on that moment behind the lens. But later...watching the footage...I have no doubt it will hit me.
I was there when it arrived, injured and sick. I was there when the LMC staff and volunteers nursed it back to health. I was there when it went from a small, shallow pool to a large deep pool. I was there for all of it.
They will be happy tears and grateful ones for having been allowed the chance to get to know such a brave and courageous survivor.
In the end, the release only lasts for half of a minute. The lesson I'll carry away...the story I will share with the world...will last a lifetime.

A lot of great footage today! Man, it feels great to back in the saddle again!
Eggnog was released on Wednesday and as thrilled as I am to know he's made his journey home, I can't help but be a little sad that I missed it.
Of the footage taken today, the clip I've posted below is my favorite. :)
Cheers,
-RW

Yesterday, I was forced to take a break. I had planned on cutting video from the interview and creating a new clip to put up on here.
In the morning I shot a gorgeous sunrise over a fairly calm ocean. I came home backed up that footage, cleared my CF cards and headed back out. It was a short drive to Round Island and I was out on the trail within moments of my arrival.
The wildlife at Round Island never fail to deliver. Usually there are resident manatees hanging out in the still, murky waters around the island.
There were no manatees to be seen. Most likely they've had to swim south for warmer waters as we've had a bit of a cold snap.
But the osprey were fishing like mad and the sky was just as blue as a saphire.
After getting some good stills of the osprey, I drove home, made a quick lunch and then suddenly was overcome with vertigo. My old pal, Meniere's Disease had decided to pay me a visit.
You see, I'm not only hearing-impaired and going completely deaf as a result of this fun disease, I'm also at its beck and call as far as unpredictable vertigo is concerned.
It was a severe and lengthy attack. Today, I am worn out but mostly recovered today. So, back to the film. :)

Cheers,

-Rick

OK, now I am calling in all hands to help secure funding for the film! 12 days left!!! Eek! Please visit the site below, pledge or re-post EVERYWHERE! Together we can do this!!!!