10 Buckets, 1 Plastic Bag

Human Encounters at Lalo

By Sean Guerin

August 31st, 2023

10 buckets and 1 plastic bag. Divided evenly between 2 small boats to be taken ashore to Lalo. 5 people await their arrival. And yet the encounter is more than a transfer of goods. It is an interaction. Our presence and brief words are the real transfer. The 5 people we see on Tern, and additional 2 on East are 2 months into their deployment, with 2 more to go.

Even with the modern gift of Starlink for the internet, we represent the outside world, personal connection. So, 4 boats, 16 people, approach the dock. 10 buckets, 1 plastic bag and salutations are exchanged. They drink in human presences and other, new faces to look at. We linger, sensing that human urge to connect.

Time and connection are the true currency of this exchange. Halfway through their trip, the 2 months left for the 5 stretch out before them as something to be endured. On day 3, of our 16 operational days, our cruise stretches before us with the glittering promise of possibility.

So, after not even 10 minutes, the hourglass starts to call. There are drills to conduct, trainings to pursue. We exchange farewells, cast off lines and trade a few lingering glances. Our 16 pull away and drive off from their 5, all because of 10 buckets and 1 plastic bag.

Meet the Author

Sean Guerin