Jamie Fike

Finally. Some updates. Photos of our Bahamas excursion are available. We had a relaxing trip with great weather. Our cottage was right on the beach of Abaco Sound near Great Cistern Bay on Abaco Island. [ Google Map ]

Why all the pictures of trash? During our trip, I read The World Without Us by Alan Weisman. Sitting by the ocean was the perfect location to read this fascinating book about how our planet would respond free of humans, our technology, our agriculture, our consumption and all the other impacts we press upon Earth every hour.

One chapter, titled “Polymers are Forever” is happening right now. Living in America, we don’t often see the impact of our love for plastic. We have recycling and garbage pick-up. Our beaches are, for the most part, combed and cleaned regurlarly by us. In other locations, such as Abaco Island, our love of plastic is evident when you walk down any beach.

Today is the Autumn equinox. Fall and all that comes with it - football, pleasant weather, beautiful colors, less crowded golf courses - has officially arrived.

However, things are amiss.

The foreseeable forecast calls for 90 degree temperatures, severe drought could mute autumn’s color and melting ice has opened the Northwest Passage.

Finally, the Chicago Cubs may be playing baseball in October. Despite the fact that Hell - much less Earth - is not freezing, the Cubbies have a legitimate chance to make the playoffs. Tina and I will attend the Friday night game against the Reds here in Cincinnati to lend our support.