It was late this year, arriving the night of All Hallows Eve. Halloween morning presented a crystallized white carpet on the brittle, brown sea grass. First frost was upon us. "Late this year," a hardened off Mainer would say. Yes, it was about three weeks past normal. Indian summer had blessed us with an extended stay.
Frost is the final beat, last statement, au revoir to the season of growth. We have now begun the months of slumber where vegetation takes a rest from its silent energy force. No longer swaying and bending with the south eastern breeze, marsh grass crunches and crackles with the north west wind. Button up, hood, hats and mitts on. We're in for the chill. It will last awhile.
Our friends the ducks, now huddle on the iced banks looking like black rocks deposited from the great glacier. The barren clam flats at low tide no longer dispense of that brackish, salty scent indigenous to tidal areas. As temperatures drop, the mud flats and banks harden, ceasing to emit the aromas of sun ripened summer. Anyone not familiar with this natural scent will often ask, "What's that smell?" (Yuck!) For others, the salty-pine essence that permeates our coastal air is forever in our blood.
Although life along the foot path has slowed from its peak summer pace, there is plenty to enjoy. The Great Bl
ue Heron, unaffected by walkers on the foot path, positions himself closer and closer to the shoreline. We are friends. I hope he stays for the winter. Many cultures celebrate the spirit of the heron. Could that be why my camera captures the blue as white? Is it actually "spirit" I am catching with my lens?
At Yardscape, students from Breakwater School give a helping hand by weeding and trimming growth that needs to be put to rest for the winter. They are busy, bu
sy without much direction from their teacher, Mr. J. Coming upon them took me back a few years as my son was a student at that school and participated in nature club. Heartwarming to see that some good things don't change.
Further along the path, a hillside has experienced erosion from the driving rain-wind storm of October 25. It too, needs the helping hand of repair. Winds of 40mph and heavy rain can beat just about anything down. Yet, a good freeze, second frost could harden it off and set it in place for the winter. That's erosion control according to nature.
And finally back to the duck channel where we find a singular "friend" tucked in as the sun sets. late afternoon these days.
Our autumn season is half past. Winter solstice is six weeks from us, yet Indian summer continues to warm most days. We are blessed.
