Creekside Observations

crackle and spark of a freshly ignited campfire

dribble and trickle of creek water 

in small rippling, graduating circles

a large tree, split into two separate trunks

reaching out in opposite directions 

one arching over the creek like a serpent's head

I wish I took a photo 

the kerplunk of a fish, or maybe a turtle

an A-shaped gateway for kayakers

formed by two tall and skinny trees

leaning into each other at a point

the perfect triangular vertex

the golfball-like domes barely peeking

above the surface of the creek, watching

canoers, kayakers, and perhaps most courageous

exposed, stand-up paddle boarders 

children laughing, running, bicycle riding

families, large and small

some celebrating with festive music

others talking quietly around the fire

a father and his two sons try their luck

with poles and bait and lure

while another man tosses a primitive line

with a hook and piece of bread

the former, hard on his luck

the latter dragging in his dinner

the day comes to an end slowly out here

every minute of lasting light, a chance

to take one more walk

to catch one more fish

to paddle one more time

and the night falls, and the fires burn

the aroma of dinners of all kinds 

are carried down creek with smoke

out here, dinner is served 

under the moon and the stars and the trees

calmness spreads with the departure of the mosquitos

the coolness in the air brings everyone close to the fire

chatter and marshmallow, cocoa and cake

long stretches of silence accompany the children

who have retired to their tents

while the grown-ups stare into the flames instead of screens

until the chatter is replaced with yawns 

deep inhalation of fresh air and heavy eyelids

send everyone off to bed

in a tent, on the dirt, under the stars

Come Camping

Come camping
where the blue herons tiptoe along the banks of the creek
exposed by the retreated water in the dry winter season
and the ganglion roots of the old cypress who stand above
drip down from the majestic trunks into the water
like dangling spaghetti strings
where the puffy white clouds in the powder blue sky
reflect down onto the water, a mirror image of the heavens
where the birds soar high above the shady canopy
and the nature lovers bask below in communion
to enjoy the gentle breezes around a toasty campfire
where campers delight in hot dogs, better than any at home
or in a ballpark, cooked outside over an open fire ring
where the glory of the sunrise and sunset
are gazed at through treetops instead of windows
where the living room floor is made of dirt
and the dining room always has a view

Camping

The weather we've had the past few days in SW Florida has been gorgeous. Last night while we were walking the dog, my husband commented on how perfect the weather is, and said it reminded him of camping. Tonight as I walked the dog, I could smell someone burning a fire- another warm reminder of camping. While the rest of the country is huddled warm inside avoiding the cold this time of year, down here in Florida it's perfect camping weather! Cool sunny days and crisp cooler nights make perfect sleeping bag weather. I love camping this time of year. Then when everyone else is gearing up for summertime camping, in Florida we're heading to the beach or shutting ourselves in for plenty of air conditioning. It's just too hot for camping in the summer Florida heat. 

We went camping as a family last month, for the first time in a couple of years. Admittedly, it was unseasonably warm, and I would have liked the weather to be a little more like it is right now. I love camping when it's a little bit cold outside. Nonetheless, we had a great time. Returning to our favorite spot, Fisheating Creek, I was comforted by the familiarity of the way the trees grow and the sun sets. As always, I took quite a few nature photos. Here are some of my favorites with haikus. 

I.

I rarely take time

To tilt back my head, look up

Until I'm camping

II.

The creek is calm now

Boaters and anglers at rest

Lunch must be ready

III.

 A boy and his thoughts

High in a tree, miles away

Heart and soul at peace

IV.

The twilight sun shines

Peeking through the tree branches

Nature says goodnight