Yesterday I took the girls to my favorite place, Fort Williams State Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. They enjoyed climbing on the rocks and playing in the fort. I enjoyed watching the vessels in Casco Bay; smelling the cool salty sea air; listening to the gulls, crashing waves and the fog horn at Portland Head Light; and feeling the cool breeze against my skin. It is heaven and where I go to recharge, clear my mind and connect with nature.

Spring Point Ledge Light

Hayley Michelle

Ram Island Ledge Light

“Overseas Portland” departs the harbor

The girls love to play in the old fort

Portland Head Light

cape elizabeth · coast · lighthouse · maine · nature · phl

Yesterday at Biddeford Pool my daughter found a seal carcass. In order to investigate and appease her curiosity she asked me if she could throw rocks at it. After hesitating to sort out my moral conundrum I gave her permission. Kirsten overheard an older lady nearby question why we would allow them to do such a thing.

brentdanley

Is there anything sacred about an animal carcass? Do we owe our hamburger respect while it’s being ingested? Kirsten and I both agreed that, aside from legal issues and respect for the family, we would NOT allow them to throw rocks at a human carcass. We don’t know why.

During our visit to the sanctuary at Biddeford Pool Kirsten said to me that we shouldn’t disturb nature. What does that mean? If I’m on a nature trail is it okay to pick a wildflower or should it be left for everyone else to enjoy? When a shark kills a seal it certainly is impacting the environment. Beavers harvest surrounding trees to construct their homes. What is acceptable human impact? I think we can all agree that our impact has been excessive but does that mean we shouldn’t pick wildflowers or collect sea shells?

I look forward to reading your comments.

animal rights · environment · ethics · nature · parenting