Paul Schrader

Paul writes, “I am mostly retired, live in Colorado, and enjoy adventure travels.”

Well, Paul, we’d love to hear more from you – about your life, your travels, your family, etc. But for now, we can get a glimpse into your life from the following:

In the Photo Album section of this blog (right sidebar) there is a fantastic collection of photos that Paul sent after one of those adventure travels. Paul, and his wife Carolyn, had recently returned from a trip to Africa during which they were privileged to engage in a trek to view the mountain gorillas of Uganda. I had to do a little e-arm-twisting, but Paul eventually sent the following information to accompany his gorilla photos.

“Karla has encouraged me to share the details of our recent trip to Africa, which included a long-anticipated trek to view the mountain gorillas in Uganda. Perhaps you’ve followed the plight of the 600 or so remaining mountain gorillas that live in the mountains where Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo join. Newsweek had a cover story last week about the mysterious killing and burning of four of the gorillas in the Congo. No one knows why they were killed (12 have been murdered in the last year), but they may be unfortunate pawns in the ugly politics of much of Africa currently.

Several years ago, a group of tourists were murdered in Rwanda while they were also on a gorilla trek, and the treks (and much needed revenue) were discontinued. Our trek to locate the gorillas was in the same general area as the killings, but fortunately before. I don’t know if the recent killings have had an effect on the treks in Uganda.

Our trek was a brutal and long walk over two mountain ranges, but the experience was well worth it. These are magnificent, and very human-like, animals and no one knows if the species can survive. They can’t live in captivity and only live in central Africa. Uganda, in particular, has made great strides in protecting them with the money raised from tourists like us, but the task is huge. The trek is limited to eight (plus guides and guards) and once the gorilla family is located, the visit is limited to one hour. The family is generally 12-20, with the silverback dominant male in charge. Frequently, other adult males will also stay in the family, but they are also routinely ostracized and then become dangerous and aggressive. As you can see, we interacted very closely.

We also spent time in Zimbabwe to visit Victoria Falls, Namibia to see the great sand dunes and finished in South Africa. My wife Carolyn is involved in an Aids prevention project in Zimbabwe and she also spent two weeks there assessing their progress. The incidence of Aids in many African countries is enormous and the life expectancy is less than half of ours.”

Paul concludes: “I hope you will share your experiences also.” Amen to that, Paul!!!

Also, read the post "Paying Tribute" in which Paul recounts recent communications and a visit with Judy Kennedy. We have glimpses into both their worlds through his writings.

Please take the time now to make a comment in response to Paul's biography. You will also enjoy reading the comments that others have left.

CLICK HERE to return to the top of the main section after reading comments below, and/or making your own comment.

Comments

[Clyde ( Sonny ) Jones]

Hey Paul,
Terrific to hear about your life after all these years. Your adventures don't surprise me much because you were always game for anything. Glad to hear you're still in good health, and alive and kickin'.

[Paul Schrader]

Hi Sonny

Very nice to hear from you also. Sheila's bio is an epic compared to yours. Let's hear something about you and your life.

[This was said in reference to the following comment that Sonny left on Sheila's previous very brief bio, "That has to hold the record for 'least informative' blog entry ever. You were always one of the classiest girls in school, not to mention your boundless beauty, unbridled wisdom, and killer wit. How much of that is required to farm hay?" KD]

[Clyde ( Sonny ) Jones]

Paul,
It's among the coming attractions. I'm giving my all to this project in hopes that my secret desire to entertain the masses will be picked up by "Random House", and the rest, as they say, will be history... well, even more history!

Later
Sonny

[Wallace Sisk]

Paul Schrader...

Remains the smartest person I have ever met. We grew up together in Pecan Park. I lived on Keller-he lived on Linden-both of our homes were situated, respectively, the third from the corner of Evergreen. Paul, Guy and I were born three days apart.

It is a shame Paul never went in to politics--I truly believe he is made of Presidential Timbre and our country would be better off today had he had eight years in the White House. I must say I ran with some large brains-- Charlie Smith, Wayne Currington, Franklin Heidi; however, Paul was at the pinnacle of smartz. I think I have only made it this long because maybe by osmosis I gained something.

And not to offend the Milby Lady Buffs--Karla, Mary Liz, Vicki, Linda McKnight, Gail Henley, Merle, Glenda and so many more. I consider myself lucky to have shared friendships with these extremely bright folks. Unfortunately for me, I was never in their league mentally

[Claudia (Tilton) Martin]

Paul, Your trip to Africa sounded amazing! What a great experience. I hope you and Carolyn will be at the reunion. I would love to talk to Carolyn about her AIDS work. I recently read the book "Half the Sky" that chronicles the plight of women and children in the world, which includes the spread of AIDS. Claudia