Juxtaposition...

My assignment for this month with my photography group was the word "Juxtaposition"

John Paul Caponigro

I am very humbled that my new body of work A Quiet Mind made with images from my Namibian journey is featured today on JP's blog!

visit JP's blog here to see

Make sure to enjoy all that JP has to offer on his website as well! especially his Antarctica images!

In mid-February until mid-April I will be spending eight weeks volunteering with a GVI program to help the elephants and communities in the Damaraland region of Namibia. This is an area I visited earlier in the year on my photographic trip to Namibia. I have loved elephants since I was two years old and I am excited to be able to contribute to their preservation and protection!

Track desert elephants and work on a community building programme in Africa

This project takes you to Namibia, Africa and the north-western regions of the Namib Desert, traditionally known as ‘Damaraland’. Here in this harsh tribal wilderness that runs parallel to the Skeleton Coast National Park, a small population of desert-adapted elephants have come into conflict with the local human population, and it is the aim of this volunteer project to manage the conflict and assist in its resolution. The majority of the volunteering will require you to help local farmers with community work, building protective walls around their water points and teaching them the skills they need to manage the conflict with the resident elephant populations. You will also assist the project staff with research by following and monitoring the movements of these elephants.

South Africa Safari Field Guide Course

In January I am joining this GVI program in South Africa.

"This South African adventure takes participants to join our field guide course in the Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Here you can experience first-hand what it is really like to be a Field Guide in South Africa, amid the amazing diversity of landscapes and wildlife that the reserve is home to. The field guide course will allow you to go on spectacular bush walks and game drives, and attend lectures on mammals, birds, trees and more, presented by experienced game rangers. You have the choice between joining the FGASA course or simply the 28-day course, the only difference being that the FGASA requires you to write exams and assessments."

I'm excited to learn more about the wildlife in Africa and to help out. This program will help give me a good base to work from!

Kales comment...

Kales comment to a fellow racer still in the course:
"you look... ! Ummm, you'll be alright."

Obviously he thought better if saying you look good. :)

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Kale...

After a valient effort, kale removed himself from the race around 7:30
am due to injury. We are all very proud of what he accomished!

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Tough times.

I'm waiting for kale to come back. I did the previous lap with him and
he is in danger zone now. Two of the girls went with him this lap...
Hopefully he's pulling through and able to deal with his pain... It's
getting to decision time.

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Rough patch

First rough patch for kale on the run is at 26 miles (after marathon
one). His right quad is giving him some problems so we are giving it a
lite rest and some attention. Updates to follow...

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Observations...

"those are hot legs!" said one crew member

"I'm not sure about hot legs, but he does have hot knees!" came the
reply from another crew member.

Yeah... The fun is begining!

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Follow the yellow line..

Kale is rockin' at mile 20 of 78 on the run! He is in a groove and
going strong... A long night lies ahead of delusions and fun! :)

Triple quotes...

At 9:15 at night. "I forgot to take a light into the porta potty."

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12 miles in...

Kale is now 12 miles in to the run and is cranking off the miles!

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Before the run starts...

A fresh new start with a quick shower! Then off for a fun and exciting
24 hour 78 mile run!

Bike done!

Now all he has to do is run 78 miles. No problem! :)

Last of the bike...

Kale has two laps of 5 miles each left on the bike leg!

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Sleep...

Crew member Sarah and crew member Justin caught up with a few Z's at
the local no tell motel!! Were ready for the long night :)

Comment

Crew member to racer: you need anything?

Racer: I just need a break!

This after 25 hours of racing. I found it hillarious, but then again I
haven't slept an hour yet :)

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A brand new day!!!

And kale is renewed!! He's feeling good!!! He's ready to go, go, go!!!
Still on the bike until late afternoon.

Sleep...

Kale is just over half way through the bike and we decided it best for
him to try and get a 90 min sleep in. This is when I get my 30mon r&r
time! Whoopie!!

Kale is doing well. A little slower than we wanted but still in
excellent shape! His body is holding up well.

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1 am

"It's not right to be up this late and not be drinking!"