Most scientists say reaching herd immunity – where the COVID-19 virus can’t readily be transmitted because so many people are protected – is unlikely. Moreover, many think the virus isn’t going away anytime soon – and that it might even become endemic (i.e., permanent, with occasional flare-ups). Even so, thanks to widespread vaccination, a return to normal can at least be contemplated these days, especially by those who have received their “jabs.”
At my end, life recently inched closer to normal thanks to two developments.
First and foremost, partner Carol and I got to see my daughter Kathryn for the first time in approximately 18 months. And yes, I’m referring to an in person visit as opposed to only a virtual one. Thanks to her recent vaccination, my daughter felt safe enough to travel by plane from her home in Missoula to Seattle – and the long-overdue reunion over dinner was absolutely wonderful.
The second positive development was related to the first one! Our home on Bainbridge Island is a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle, and having formerly commuted by boat for 25 years, I can say with complete conviction that there is no such thing as a bad ferry ride. On the contrary, the Washington State Ferries are a huge attraction for tourists, with the relaxing and scenic run between Seattle and Bainbridge Island being one of the most popular cross-sound routes. When one is hunkered down in the middle of a pandemic, however, ferry rides are far and few between – so our recent excursion to Seattle to visit my daughter was our first ferry trip in over six months. Although the galley, unfortunately, remains closed, the weather could not have been more cooperative. In fact, the featured image was shot only minutes before our ferry pulled into the terminal on the downtown waterfront. An avowed cloudaholic who hates to miss any bona fide photo opp, there was no way Carol and I were going to visit Seattle without my trusty Canon in the wings – and we admittedly got lucky to have those ginormous billowy clouds create such a dramatic backdrop for our iconic Space Needle.
Since it is hot-off-the-press, “Needle In The Sky” is not yet available at our online store – but please stay tuned! We do, however, have a wide selection of images from Seattle (including Pioneer Square) at our gallery on Bainbridge Island, as well as an excellent assortment of metal prints, canvas prints, custom-framed black-and-white prints, and fine art acrylic prints. If you happen to be on our side of the pond, do please stop by as we are just a short walk from the ferry terminal. In the meantime, as we keep edging closer to more normal times, Carol and I sincerely hope that you and everyone in your world are staying healthy, safe, and strong.
Ciao for now,
Andrew (“Andy”) Bergh