St. Martin Wildlife and Nature Fund

On August 4, 2017 I took a plane up to New England from my tiny island home in Saint Martin. I planned to travel for a month throughout New England and Norway before returning to paradise. 

On the day I was to return, Hurricane Irma hit. The biggest hurricane ever recorded, she was a monster. I was expecting to arrive a few days later in case power was lost at the airport... only to find there was no airport. It shattered with the rest of the island. 

I expected this hurricane season to be bad... I believe in science, in global warming, in climate change and the likes. I know humans have taken advantage of earth in every way possible. So I'm not surprised she lashed back out. What goes around comes around. 

So as we start supplying aid to those who have lost their livelihoods, we also need to start thinking long term. How can we try to appease Mother Nature? Start over in a way that we are more gentle on her, and perhaps, she will show us the same respect.

Before homes, businesses, and attractions can be rebuilt in SXM, the natural foundation and landscape of the island must be secured. Inhabitants cannot continue their lives if the foundation they build upon is jeopardized. There has to be harmony between the people and the environment. All land and sea habitats/vegetation need restoration and rehabilitation asap. 

As St.Martin scrambles to bring order to the people, the island itself cannot be ignored. In order to move past Hurricane Irma and restart the economy and livelihoods of thousands, the environment must also take a forefront in humanitarian efforts. This will be a long term fund that will try to help the environment bounce back. Whether it be through planting trees, rescuing stray animals, making sure debris does not damage coral heads, and so on. The goal is for this money to help clean up and replant the lost island of Saint Martin/ Sint Maarten. Every donation will go into benefiting the island's natural infrastructure. We can do much better for the planet. 

As much as I appreciate people sending their prayers, we need tangible donations. The only way the island will be able to come back to fruition is through money, supplies, sweat and tears. I've got the second half covered. Please help with the former. 

The glory days:

Hiking High

Preikestolen is a famous hike that rises a mere 604 meters (1981 ft) above Lysefjord, an area close to Stavanger, southwest Norway. Otherwise known as Pulpit Rock, it usually takes 4 hours of hiking (roundtrip). The trail is laid out well with stone steps supervised by Nepalese Sherpas. Why fly Sherpas over thousands of miles to place stones in the ground? Because Norwegians are thorough, that's why. 

Streams run throughout the area so freshwater is always near by. Although I knew the water was perfectly good, I still had strange thoughts as I sipped my yellow-tinted water. Tasted fine, looked a bit dirty... just close your eyes.

Most semi-conditioned persons can make it to the top with a few breaks. I felt the burn after 2.5 hours of powering through. I may be lucky to have muscles after this trip.

Because I did this hike in August, the sun was still shining past 21:00. That meant we did not have to go during the rush hour/noon time crowd. A local drug enforcement officer/dog handler and his service pup took me to the top. We left Sadnes, a town close to Stavanger, at 16:30 and arrived to the trail head at 17:30.  I didn't realize it was so far from town. We had to take the car with a ferry as well. Conclusion: friends are good to have. Friends with cars are even better. Because we started so late, we had a very easy time navigating the trail. No congestion or dog fights.

Although I don't have photos of the trail up to the top, you can imagine there were a lot of stairs involved. And I remember thinking as I climbed, "Good thing I like rocks." My friend (and guide) also complimented me that I had complained the least out of all of his guests. Though I can't remember if I had a single one. Like I said, good thing I like rocks and free water.

 

Around 8 o'clock at night on the way down the mountain. I was nervous there would not be enough light for good photos. Wasn't the case.