We went swamping, late on August 1, and early on August 2. Dolphin dropped in for a visit on the first, so we took advantage of the available low tides to play in the swamp. The tides were less than optimal, but we found a couple places to play. Our time window was limited to about one hour on each trip, but we avoided the midday heat, so it was pleasant, just getting out on the water.
We had Heather Blake with us, taking photos and shooting some short video clips. Heather took the photo shown here. She got out of bed at 04:00 so she could be at my place at 05:00 to join Dolphin and me for breakfast and head out with us at 06:00. We were on the water before the sun peeked over the horizon. It was pretty, but nobody should be out that early… nobody. Heather would probably agree.
The drought situation has not improved on the home front. I am hoping that Tropical Storm Emily will swing close to my coastline and bring a few inches of rain, but it doesn’t look likely. My pond gets lower and lower each day. It can’t get much lower before it will dry up completely and force the occupants to relocate or die.
As always, Doug was a most gracious host. The Tuesday early morning canoe trip into the swamp was absolutely beautiful…peaceful, quiet…and watching the sun come up over the swamp grass was incredible…not to mention the ospreys we saw. The mud was thickish but much, much fun to sink into. Wash up was super easy. The evening before was also fun in some even thicker mud…and beautiful also. I’d never been out on the marsh that early or late in the day…quite a memorable experience for me. Thank you muchly, Doug.