A Walk In The Park

Southport  

Today was a planned day off, but I was still up at the regular time excited to go out for a walk around Dutchman Creek Park. Just up the road from the marina and beyond the cute little Potters House Church is the entrance to the park we've visited several times over the years. We walked across a large open field to find a trail through the pine forest. A carpet of pine tags covered the sandy path around the namesake creek. No large boats were anchored as in the past, but several center console fishing boats were spread out with lines in the water. Mother Nature seems to have eaten away at the shore line, creating a doozy of a first step down. Barry stayed on high ground and contemplated the erosion. The lone pine probably wonders also how much longer it has before the sand washes from beneath its roots. Barry departed soon thereafter and caught a ride with David (Daydreaming) to the grocery store. I spent another hour or so following the trails through the woods and exploring every opening down to the water. Warm sunshine, a light breeze, the music of the birds, and a comfy swing combined for a peaceful morning. 

The shoreline was an interesting mix of dead fallen trees and tender young sea grass sprouts. 

Twisted branches shared the area with honeysuckle. Muscadine vines were plentiful and I imagined how sweet those grapes would be in September when they matured. Although there were a few flowers blooming, the day truly belonged to the pines and their cones. I spent a few hours reading on Fiberglass Beach while also watching the boat traffic moving along the ICW. Clouds rolled in by late afternoon and the wind picked up in advance of a front moving through. A few sprinkles fell in the darkness. We plan to leave in the morning, but can also stay another day if we decide not to depart. The "Go or No" decision will be made in the morning.