MAROONED
Self isolated? Practice basic survival skills and get your dinner from the dock!
It’s been a week since Norway pushed the big, red button and closed the shop. Everything is now in lockdown. Every concert, show, and wedding is canceled, and every school, venue, and bar is closed. All airports and harbors are also in lockdown, the borders are closed, and the government is urging self-isolation.
I worry about my sick father, my filmmaking friends, my students, and about losing my income. But otherwise, life in a locked-down country is pretty sweet - if you happen to live on a small, private island! I have been doing a lot of logging, kayaking, fishing, sailing, hiking, and enjoying the resting heart rate of the world. There is a lot of suffering around us right now, but at least mother earth is given a much-needed break.
Taking advantage of the silence, stocking up on sound effects for my sound library.
I also worry a lot about our upcoming sailing season. I miss Isbjørn a lot and have really been looking forward to going sailing again. Now I fear I might not get to her in time for our next trip, scheduled at the end of April. 59 North has called all hands on deck, and we’re trying hard to make contingency plans for our crew and boats. But it’s hard, as the situation seems to be changing hourly. It’s looking bleak, but I have yet to give up hope that Isbjørn and her crew will cast off on the 30th of April.
When I’m not skippering Isbjørn, I teach filmmaking and sound design at Bergen University. Along with the rest of the country, we closed down about a week ago. All campus activity has seized, and we’re in the process of developing online classes and assignments for everyone. A very tough challenge, as most of what they do rely heavily on school equipment or large groups. But we’ll make do!
Prof. Sandberg, recording online lectures for his filmmaking students
I’m very fascinated by this whole situation, from an academic standpoint. This is a major global event, and the world will never be the same. The strategies and policies adopted these days will be discussed and judged by my grandchildren's history teachers, and I hope we’re all doing the right thing. The government is cracking down harder and harder every day, and my National Guard unit is on high alert. Got my gear ready to go, and prepare for the worst! Both me and serval of the guys in my squad used to be full-time Army as border security rangers, so I assume we’ll be some of the first to be called out, should it come to that.
Taking “Skalken” around the block with my co-skipper Karoline
These things really make you think, and I can’t get over how lucky I am. Got a safe, rural space to stay with the people I love, free and abundant healthcare and understanding and compassionate employers. Fingers crossed that the situation stays under control and that we’ll ride it out together!
Wash your hands, then HOLD FAST!
August
