Crossing Over

The outboard on the skiff died, the one that ferries us over. Her father, the waterman, boat builder, sawmiller, got it running again.

“Go on over,” he said around a cigarette, “if you get stuck I’ll come get ya. “

She took our old friends across the marsh. I followed behind, paddling against the breeze that rattled through the sawgrass

Sunrise Paddle in October

direct YouTube link

A few weeks ago I posted photos from this little trip. I woke up before sunrise and couldn’t go back to sleep, so went for a paddle on Totier Creek.

There was steam rising off the water as the sun came up, a little chilly, but I had the whole place to myself. Just a glorious fall day. Leaves in peak color, glassy calm water, birds singing. So worth it.

Back up the creek I came across some Wood Ducks. They’re shy birds, and this was the first time I’ve seen one up close in the wild here. Even got a little video to prove it.

I could use a lot more of this, please.

Trees Dancing with the Moon

The moon was full and bright last night. From the porch I could see it clearly through the trees for the first time since last Spring.

In the morning the maples had dropped all their leaves, now piled around their ankles like crimson silk slips or night gowns, bare arms outstretched to the sky.

I’m sure the moon had something to do with it.

Yesterday and today were in the 80s, and the wind blew all day. By afternoon the color was gone, dry leaves swirling across the lawn into eddies on porches and shrubs.

Tomorrow it will get down into the low 20s, first hard freeze of the season. One last hurrah before winter.

Light Harmonies

Got out for a bit, change of scenery.

Heard a poet singing to a park of children and tent homes,
from the hole where the hearse wasn’t, at a funeral home.

A nice place to watch the slow turn of celestial spheres.