An Easy Afternoon

Thursday January 26, 2012
Oscar Scherer State Park  Site #95
Osprey, Florida

 

I decide it’s time to get out on the water.

After the bike ride to the historic Venice Train Station,
David declines to go out for a paddle but he
helps me get the Kayak in the water
right off our backyard put in
and I’m plenty happy.

 

 

I turn right and float slowly up the black water stream.
It’s so quiet.  The mullet jump and surprise me.
They throw themselves into the air with
such power and SPLASH back into the water.

The channel is narrow and covered in vegetation.
I feel like I’m alone in the world.

 

 

I float under the bridge leading into the campground.
I surprise a bicyclist who waves.
I wave back but she is soon gone and I’m
again alone in my watery wonderland.

 

 

I reach the footbridge to the Nature Center.
Walking over this bridge it has always appeared that
one could not go under it and further up stream
since I always see and hear the water gurgling over the stones.

But today, the water is high as the tide is rising and I
definitely could go on.   But I decide not to risk
having to portage my way back.

I turn around and paddle back past my put in
at Site #95.   David has put the Earth Flag out.

I recognize home from this very different
view point.
.

 

Everything looks different going back through the same space.

 

 

I come eventually to the mouth of this channel and
everything opens up. 

 

As I paddle around the shore line,
I see a new environment and decide to venture in.

 

It’s so quiet. 
Only the sound of my paddle moving
the water behind me.

The waterway gets narrower and narrower.  I know
that I won’t be able to turn around but I can’t
help wanting to know where it goes.

 

And then I’m in the mud flats.
Well, now I know.
Time to paddle backwards to get out.

Speaking of back, it’s 5:00 and time
to head for dinner and home.

I cross the bigger opening and see my little
channel which doesn’t look so little now
that I’ve been through the reeds.

 

I feel invisible.

From the kayak I can see other sites along the water
but they don’t see me. 

I paddle slowly, floating silently
through this mysterious watery wonderland.

The sun is low in the sky making the water darker

making the reflections more eerie

 

but I love it.

 

 

Things open up again and the Earth flag welcomes me home

 

 

I drag the boat up, get all the gear put away
and surprise  David who has surprised me by
having dinner ready!

 

 

It’s a Wonderful Life!