The Nature Trail

At the fork in the path he pointed to the right. After a few steps he turned around and headed off to the left. He stopped to examine pine cones, leaves, and roots. Sometimes we'd retrace our steps for no apparent reason. Every side path was a new adventure. Finally at the sound we halted for a few minutes to gaze out over the marsh and the water. I tried to explain why we weren't going to traipse through the tall marsh grass. We looked for birds.

On the way back we stopped to pick "blueberries" and stuff them in a side pocket. One stick became a horse and we galloped down the path. Another stick was a fishing pole to take "to the lake." On one boardwalk we stopped to bounce up and down, as if on a small trampoline.

Along the way we examined cedars, live oaks, and pines. He's noticing the difference. On other walks we've seen snakes, nutria, geese, and herons. I suppose it was too cold and sunny yesterday. We just had each other for company. But a morning walk on the nature trail with Lachlan is always a delight.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remaining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.