Sleeping River
I recently received a surprise adventure. Climbing the stairs that would lead from parking lot to walk/bike trail and river, I met upon two big black dogs. Despite their leashes and owner, I was wary. They ignored me and continued ground sniffing. I crossed the trail and walked in the sand. In a different season I would have been knee deep in rushing water. As it is winter, the trees were sleeping and the undergrowth appears dull and lifeless...but looking a little closer surprises abound!
The water hyacinth that blooms purple and perfumes the air was shriveled and gray, but it left behind these “marshmallowy” shells that are soft and “pop” when squished. I searched for a good walking stick but was distracted by squeaking birds that seemed to “peep” more than cheep. I pocketed a small bird-shaped piece of driftwood. I found wonderful tiny “porcupiney” pods growing on a sleeping sage. Like nature’s legos…sticking together quite fantastically despite the prickles. I learned the hard way not to store them in my pocket as my pocket became stuck shut!
Like a child and a butterfly, I followed a miniature bird trying to snap a picture. But it chipped and hopped from branch to branch then flew off. Beneath the tree lay lacy heart-shaped leaves, a quiet reminder that God’s love is all around. At river’s edge, I threw some sticks and porcu-pods in the water and watched them race. Rounding a small bend, only one racer remained…a lone porcu-pod floated off into the sunset.
The day was ending, so I headed back to my car but paused to play tic-tac-toe. A chunk of rebar lined concrete was a readymade game board on the nearby path. I pondered carting it home; if I could lift it…I could not. Nonetheless, I was happy to leave it for another to discover. That is if they too will climb the stairs and look for adventure. For even a sleeping river offers surprises!
Topics: adventure, beauty, fun, nature, river, surprise