DRAKAIOI, Greece (AP) — On the forested slopes of an island mountain, early morning mist swirling around its peak, the unmistakable form of a traditional Greek wooden boat emerges: a caique, or kaiki, the likes of which has sailed these seas for hundreds of years.
Each beam of wood, each plank, has been felled, trimmed and shaped by one man alone, hauled and nailed into place using techniques handed down through generations, from father to son, uncle to nephew. But the current generation could be the last.
Wooden boats are an integral part of the Greek landscape, adorning tourist brochures, postcards and countless holiday snaps. They have been sailing across Greece for centuries, used as fishing boats, to transport cargo, livestock and passengers and as pleasure craft.
But the art of designing and building these vessels, done entirely by hand, is under threat. Fewer people order wooden boats since plastic and fiberglass ones are cheaper to maintain. And young people aren’t as interested in joining a profession that requires years of apprenticeship, is physically and mentally draining and has an uncertain future.
Brian's Wharf, Hatchet Cove, Friendship, Maine
Unloading `bunker' we call 'em in New York. Catching your own bait helps the bottom line.
Barrels of pogies today. Back at the dock about 11:00 AM - the fish were near and many.
The Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial
Boston National Historic Park, Boston African American National Historic Site
On Boston Common, opposite the Massachusetts Statehouse
"We would not have his body removed from where it lies surrounded by his brave and devoted soldiers....We can imagine no holier place than that in which he lies, among his brave and devoted followers, nor wish for him better company – what a body-guard he has!"
--Francis G. Shaw - son of Col. Robert G. Shaw, Massachusetts 54th Regiment
Van Morrison grew up on Hyndford Street in Belfast, Northern Ireland, not far from the Bloomfield Gospel Hall. He listened to Radio Luxemburg late at night when contemplation is best. He recalls Jelly Roll Morton and other greats. Over the years Van has written many reminiscences about his childhood and growth in music. One of the very best is On Hyndford Street.
Of course many in Belfast grew up listening to his recollections of Cypress Avenue and the clickety clack of high heel shoes. This short film captures a rapturous moment as Van, marking his 70th in 2015, sings to his neighbors at a local music festival on Cypress Avenue. - GWC
When Brisbane man Tom Robinson was 14, he woke up early for rowing training with a big idea lodged in his brain: He was going to row across the Pacific Ocean.
By the time he'd put the oars down that morning, his plan was already in motion.
Fast forward to today and the now 22-year-old — who has completed his apprenticeship in marine craft construction — is putting the final touches on the rowboat in which he plans to make the epic voyage.
Mr Robinson hopes to become the youngest person to row across the Pacific Ocean, and will embark on the solo journey from Chile, in South America, to Brisbane.
"Ever since I was a kid, I've always loved rowing and I suppose I'm a bit of an adventurer," he told ABC Radio Brisbane.
ABC Radio Brisbane: Edwina Seselja
)His boat is named Maiwar, the Indigenous name for the Brisbane River.
Once completed, his rowboat will be shipped to Chile in October.
Mr Robinson plans to reunite with his vessel in January, before making his way to Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Tonga and, finally, home to Brisbane.
"That's the plan, but when you're in a rowing boat, you can't always end up at the island you wish to end up at," Mr Robinson said.
