Back alley

Thanks for the words of support yesterday. The spirit is rather low at the moment.

I'm beginning to understand the bleakness that comes when you don't see the sun for an extended period of time. The haze catastrophe in south east Asia has gone on for two months and shows no real signs of abating. In Kalimantan visibility is down to less than 15 meters. According to air quality numbers, anything above 300 is hazardous to health, and the number in the worst hit regions in in excess of 1900. Who knows what the long term health consequences are - likely lung cancer, asthma, emphysema - similar to prolonged exposure to second hand smoke.

We don't get quite so bad air here, but it is unhealthy, the sky is constantly a dull gray. Outdoor activities are severely curtailed. I haven't run for a week and even when I do get out, there's a burn in my throat. sunshine has had 5 football games cancelled in the past week. Those running outdoor bases business are feeling the economic pinch.

We aren't seeing an end in sight till the monsoon rains come. The fires are peat fires burning deep underground and are defeating human efforts. Some abuse our planet and many suffer the consequences.