Outside My Comfort Zone

“So where’s first class?” The diva walked on to the 40 seat prop plane and stared in disbelief.

The low ceiling, narrow aisle and small seats gave little room to turn around much less change your mind about flying without the perks of first class…or even economy class.

We all become accustomed to certain comforts whether it’s slumming it in economy-coach or flying with warm hand towels, ample leg room and ‘complimentary’ champagne. Anything that pushes us outside our comfort zone creates an opportunity for growth.

When I walked off the water taxi to get a luggage cart, I walked under a gallows for the old ones, the great ones…marlin, tigers, hammerheads. Hunted for sport, murdered, strung up so the killer could have a photographic remembrance of his or her thirst for blood. Hemingway and his cronies stayed here and were part of the pre-conservation, pre-awareness genre of hunters.

It wasn’t my choice to stay at The Big Game Club. (The name even freaks me out). Our group trip was changed to this fishing resort due to problems with the other hotel where we were supposed to stay. So no hard feelings….truly.

I thought I was coming to Bimini to write about playful encounters with spotted dolphins and the spiritual awareness that comes from hanging with them, but sometimes I am led to see things I don’t want to see. Sometimes I write about the things I never intended to write about.

Laws have changed now and killing sharks is illegal and prohibited in the Bahamas. The marina here is now a Shark Free Marina (SFMI) meaning they prohibit sharks from being harvested at their facility. As well, they encourage fishermen to exercise catch-and-release fishing techniques which is an awesome way to protect the great fish and still offer people an opportunity to enjoy fishing. It also provides valuable data for research organizations.

Once upon a time this place was all about harvesting the giant marlin, tigers and hammerheads to prove human stamina and manliness. When I walked under the gallows, I felt the spirits of all the magnificent fish that hung there. An overwhelming sadness wrapped around me and I found myself outside my comfort zone.