Sans or sands, either way, time is of the essence.
Yes, that is Judith at two years old with the Cormorant, 1952, Seaside, Oregon and yes, now some 62 years later in her birthday suit, 2014, Kehoe Beach, California. Since that first introduction to the glories of sun and surf, the beach has been her place, "power spot" on the planet. On Sunday, July 13, it was reaffirmed with a long trek from Abbott's Lagoon to Kehoe Beach that included an annual skinny dip baptism in the chill Pacific Ocean. And, although a Cormorant did not present herself, many other creatures large and small did.
It was a glorious day that included a soulful rendition of Merle Haggard's The Day I Started Loving You Again, from the troubadour at the trailhead. Along the way there were many natural wonders — the scampering of a Long-tailed Weasel, the dive of River Otter, the flurry of a Northern Harrier on the hunt, bumble bees on the Cobweb Thistle.
There were special discoveries of a Mermaid's Purse, the expended egg sack for a Skate,
and the feathered nest of some diminutive creature who had taken refuge under the looming shade of a big piece of styrofoam. How about that for a creative re-use?
Richard, mighty friend and stalwart companion, always willing to go the distance — hauled back a hefty duffle bag full of plastic.
To complete the celebration, there was a birthday balloon on the beach.
