Thinking through what to do. And sharing it in case it helps anyone else think
through their own considerations.
I would love to go whale watching tomorrow if weather allows. There probably
won’t be many people on the boat, so we could keep a good distance between us…
But my job as a volunteer naturalist is about enhancing passengers’ experience
up close, answering questions face to face, showing models and letting kids
touch their barnacles, encouraging everyone to touch the baleen, leaning over
maps together, flipping through whale books, and marveling at sights, often
cheek to cheek. None of these activities work with social distancing. If I go,
I’ll just go for the joy of being on the water and watching the wildlife. A
gift in itself, but not what I expect of myself when I’m in uniform aboard the
boat.
So, doing my part to flatten the curve, I’ll release my spot on the Ranger 85
tomorrow 3/17. And probably on the Santa Rosa trip Sunday 3/22. With caution
and care, we’ll get through this together.
Virtual hugs to all my fellow CINC volunteers, to Shauna and Dave, to the
Island Packers staff, and to every member of all the boat crews!
Leslie
