I can't believe how time has flown by. It wasn't so long ago, or so it feels that I came across an article about Plastiki. It also turned out that that lovely little catamaran was being built here in San Francisco. 

I've always been drawn to people who's curiosity and determination has guided them to fulfill their dreams no matter what the outcome. I've also found that these people of exploration LOVE what they do. You can see it and you can feel it. There's nothing more inspirational than that. 

So what is Plastiki? It's a boat made completely out of recycled materials, PET plastics and of course reclaimed plastic bottles. The focus is to bring awareness of the frightening amount of plastic in our oceans, as well as environmental issues caused by global warming.

Plastiki sailed from San Francisco to Sydney, Australia in March 2010. The expedition leader of Plastiki is David de Rothschild and skipper Jo Royle along with co-skipper David Thompson, as well as Olav Heyerdahl (Grandson of Thor Heyerdahl), Max Jourdan, and Vern Moen.

Plastiki name was derived by the Thor Heyerdahl Kon-Tiki expedition back in 1947. If you want to understand the oceans before being polluted by plastics and castaway materials read the book: Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl. It's also a true adventure of man and nature. 

Back in 2010, all it took was a phone call and an interview, and I was able to volunteer with this wonderful team. Although it was for a short period of time I still had to pinch myself as the company I was with was extraordinary.  I'm going to pinch myself again, I can't believe I was able to do this! Special thank you to Kevin Williams who took me on as a volunteer and Martin Metz who taught me all about Plastiki, and who was a fun weekend volunteer partner.

I just wanted to share a few photos I took during a blessing ceremony in February 2010. It was one month before the crew took off on their adventure. My goodness Five years ago this month!

Spoken from a true explorer. Drink it in:

                  "Boarders I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people." 


                                                                                                                - Thor Heyderdahl

This awesome kid pretty much summed up the afternoon. She LOVES the Manatee. She is probably the Manatee's number one fan, and I mean that whole heartedly. 

As soon as her mother purchased the t-shirt, this cutie threw it on. Stoked to show it off. She was jumping up and down! And then she drew a picture of a manatee in the snowflake she's holding. 

This is the stuff I love. And this is why I enjoy sharing my love of mother nature. I see happy faces a couple chuckles and most importantly a conversation. 

Let's talk about the Manatee! 
Right now the Florida Manatee is cozying up to warm freshwater springs to keep from freezing in the winter. They do a seasonal migration, beginning in November. Which is called Manatee Awareness Month! This means boaters have to keep a keen look out for these slow moving creatures and reduce speed so not to bump into them. They will be relaxing in these warm springs eating yummy greens until they return to the Ocean in the Spring.
Guess what the Florida State marine mammal is? Thats right, it's the MANATEE!!! 

 

Back in August Catch The Cuteness Ran with the Seals, at the Marine Mammal Center. While we were there we adopted this little guy! How cute is he?! 
I'm a little bias with this place since I used to be a volunteer way back in the day. Every little bit helps to assist in marine mammals rehabilitation. If this little face melts your heart as it did ours check out the Marine Mammal Center and make a small donation.
The center is also designed to educate so swing on by! They give fabulous tours! And meet the patients, from a distance of course.