A few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of introducing my son to Ecuador, to my new home. It was quite a shock to hear him say he was coming, and until I actually saw him, was afraid it was all in my imagination. The other gringos here in the valley have had visits from family, but for me I didn’t hold out much hope that my son would have the time to make the journey, although when the idea first came to me to do a documentary, it was Lucas who I wanted behind the camera. So the idea that was birthed last summer became a reality for me last month. Unfortunately I had such a short time with him, only 4 days. When we said goodbye at the airport, and I took the bus back from Quito, it felt as if I had just dreamt he was here. Loneliness settled into my spirit in a big way, I suppose because I had a taste of what I really want in my life, and then it was gone again. I could see how much energy I have put into forming a protective shell around my heart so it can’t be broken again, and now I had to begin rebuilding that shell with him gone. And now with the virus issues, I truly wish he was still here. I feel like we have so much more to do together, and he feels unreachable once more. Long distance communication is not really his forte.
He recently sent me his travel video, which I watch over and over. It makes me feel as though he is still here when I watch it. How wonderful it was to see him “do his thing” , make something so beautiful with the tools of his trade. His videos speak to me, even if he is not here, so I treasure them. His photographs and his ability to capture what most cannot see, amaze me. When he volunteered to come here to shoot my documentary, I was over the moon, a prayer answered. My son was coming to see me. My family may be small, but it is still big in my heart.
Lucas’ FB page please feel free to explore the site and share, share, share. His video from Ecuador is down the page a bit.
https://m.facebook.com/ApolloMultimedia11/
We struggled with the weather when he was here, the rain determined to be present each day, with the exception of his first day here. He started his journey on the coast of Ecuador, wishing to have some diving time, relaxation and enjoying a break from the many demands of his career. So the beginning of the video begins with his great coastal footage including the amazingly rare visit from the Eagle Rays swimming in formation in front of him. I understand this is a rare and wonderful experience. I was so very happy for him knowing the value of such a gift as I treasure my wildlife experiences so much. It seemed fitting to me he was rewarded in this way.
I was terrified to hold his camera because I am such a clutz. And of course I am not a photographer, but although it may not be the best photo, I think it still says much about how much he loves what he does. I mean really sitting in the cold river to get “the right shot” is probably not something I would do. But then wait a minute…..he made me get into the river to take this shot haha. So now you know how much I love him 😎.
We were lucky to get this shot and any footage for the documentary on the one day there was no rain. The rest of the time we had to wait until the rain let up long enough for us to do anything, a bit of a challenge for a photographer.
The day before his departure, we drove to see Jenny and her family so they could meet the son I speak so highly of. They were so happy for me and excited to meet this handsome man. Unfortunately, although we were meant to stay for the day and leave for the airport from their home, we could only stay a short time. The rain had changed our plans rather significantly and the day we were meant to film in Otavalo got bumped. This day was all we had left to get the necessary footage.
On the way to Jenny’s home we had Silvio our fabulous driver, stop along the road so Lucas could capture the splendid cloud forest. The mountain ravines were indeed filled with clouds, there was a misty rain, and so we had to pick our moments. The drone cannot go up in the rain. But, spirit gave us opportunity and we took it. Lucas got some amazing photos, most of which I have not yet seen. The documentary footage will be almost as much a surprise for me as it is to you.
Sapphire, my great companion joined us on the mountain top, flying low over me as Lucas captured the valley in all it splendour. I was so excited to have Sapphire fly so close and although I tried, could not capture him on film. He never allows me to take his photo, so I accept there is a spiritual reason, but can’t help be a little disappointed.
I do not have any photos from that road trip which became quite an adventure. However in the video link above, there is footage of this great experience. I hope you can imagine further, the beauty of the cloud forest as I see it riding the bus into Otavalo. I am so happy to be able to share this experience with everyone who is looking.
In that footage you will see lucas’ drone with something hanging off of it which doesn’t really belong. A lightbulb went off in his mind while we were driving and he had to try it. This great idea almost cost him his drone, but wow! it worked and Lucas was pretty excited. Silvio was such a trooper, truly a great driver, very considerate and helpful. The extra weight of the additional camera Lucas attached to the drone took its toll and the drone went down into the brush on the side of the road. The bank had about a 6 foot, very steep drop in the area where it crashed. Silvio went down with Lucas to find the drone, not as easy as it might sound. We could hear the locator beeping, so it was at least within manageable distance – it had not gone further into the ravine, a blessing indeed. It took some time, the brush was thick and the razor grass made it a bit of a challenge, but they found it and brought it up safely as you can see by the footage. The bubble camera (not sure of the technical term for this camera) was what was attached to the drone giving……yes the bubble effect. Please feel free to enjoy Lucas FB page and all the photos and videos to date. And share, share, share……
There are so many amazing people in Ecuador. I never cease to admire the different faces, the life in their eyes, allowing me to wonder about the stories I know they carry. There is so much beauty in the diversity, that I truly love to watch them as they go about their business. So often when our eyes meet, their faces erupt in a smile and they walk up to me to shake my hand, say hello. I find this so rewarding. I love that Lucas was able to capture some of what captivates me on my excursions.
We made it to Peguche Falls, dodging the rain as we walked the paths and tried to photograph the beauty of this place special to my heart.
I had such a good day with Lucas, it was difficult to accept he was leaving the next morning. I didn’t want him to go. We spent the last part of the day visiting Plaza de Ponchos, before getting a taxi to Quito where we would spend the night. His flight was to leave at 8:30 in the morning. It was late when we arrived at the hotel. We still had to do some voice recordings and there was not really enough time to fit everything in. I would have to finish the recordings and send them on.
The time passed so quickly, my ability to hold back the tears as we said good-bye non existent. Today as we all wait to see where the world is heading because of the virus, I have to believe it would have been better had he got stuck here. But then I know that is a selfish perspective due to my loneliness. He is where he is meant to be, just as I am. We cannot predict the outcome of the story unfolding, one that is uniting the world in a common fight, one that does not require violence for a change. We cannot always know the direction we are heading, although we do our best to make our lives predictable. I find that for both Lucas and I predictability is almost non existent. Every time we think our lives have hit solid ground, a virus comes along to upset the balance, plans swiftly go out the window. The earth has moved beneath our feet, but then it has for so many this time round. Predictability seems to give us comfort. So, as a reminder that there is also beauty in the unpredictable aspect of life, I leave you with the hummingbird which challenged Lucas patience for the better part of Monday while he was here. This little guy was anything but predictable as it flit from flower to flower, and was a master at evading the camera. It became quite a coup to get such an amazing shot.
