|
|
Picture
of the Day
|
Wednesday
March 26, 2025
|
 |
despite
apocalyptic forecast of dire weather--lightning!
2" hail! tornado?-- the day started partly sunny and mild, the proverbial calm before the storm. as i was putting finishing touches on building a rolling garden gate, sarah, on her way back from seattle, called to say there'd been an orca sighting near belfair. so of course i dropped everything and went out to the spit, where other locals were already glued to their binoculars. one of our neighbors pointed out there was a kayak up for grabs, tethered to a mooring ball where it's sat all winter after it was found adrift. after confirming with owner that it was ok to take, i donned wetsuit and set out, thinking it was reasonably close. but once i got in and started swimming, it seemed pretty far off. the water was flat and a relatively warm 58F, but i'm way out of shape and doubts started creeping in, even that first distant whisper of panic-- am i gonna make it? relax, i told myself, nothing to do now but take it one stroke at a time, no need to rush. i settled into an easy rhythm and enjoyed the rest of the swim. when i finally got there it turned out not to be a kayak but a hollow plastic standup paddle board. ok, good enough! paddling prone with arms spread wide was exhausting but gratifying, more of a workout than i'ver had in months, all of it a nice reminder to focus on what's within control vs. succumbing to dread. |
