On Boredom
On Boredom A scene from Gus Van Sant’s film Gerry is a three and a half minute tracking shot of the profiles of the two main characters, both named Gerry, in tight focus as they trudge across a vast and empty desert. While the audience might marvel at the technical virtuosity, they also feel and […]
Walking to the Smoky Mountains, Day 1
Walking to the Smoky Mountains Day 1, May 29 Day 1 Amicalola Visitors Center to Three Forks 15.1 miles (Approach Trail, then 6.1 on BMT) Walt Whitman opens his “Song of the Open Road” with enthusiasm that is hard to match: Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road, Healthy, free, the world before […]
In Patagonia Day 42
In Patagonia Day 42 Valparaiso: La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda’s house There were no seashells, there in Neruda’s house. Maps, boats, and bottles, but no shells. Pablo, where did you leave them? And why is there no trace, except a mother-of-pearl inlaid table which I’m sure didn’t come from your beachcombing? They said you thought water […]