Autumn mourning fly!

Dovetail with solace and soul amidst the brand new morning.

Listen to the dew and crisp.

Talons grip tightly only to release

Winter’s reign.

Rejoice!

Use Caution.

I was heading due east to investigate possible evidence of River Otter tracking on Big Club Beach. Rounding a bend by bicycle, I was “bullied” by this tailless and unprovoked aggressive young Raccoon. Reacting to its grouchy growl, I waved to FIDCO Security's Aaron Rice as he drove my way. Thus, reporting the animal.

Symptoms for “furious” rabies include disorientation and also paralysis of hind quarters, which I also happened to observe in this instance.

Ask any Chipmunk-“Time and tide waits for no man”.*

I find myself mimicking the essential rhythm of seasonal change especially as the last of lengthy shadows follow me and precede winter.

Hibernation – the slowing down of activities and conserving energies has my bicycle resting on its kickstand by 3:00 pm and my gloveless palms wrapped around a hot “cuppa” minutes later. Timers for indoor lighting are reluctantly readjusted and the 7pm ferry horn wears on my nerves….slightly.

Begin to take note: Cormorants and Canada Geese vying for V formation now appear to head south over Wilderness Point. Voracious and vocal Cardinals, Jays, and Chickadees fluttering between piney branch behind Naval fencing. The peculiar scent of trailing Ladybugs sneaks and rests into sunny corners of a windowpane in the Community Center.

Meanwhile, a mainland Chipmunk reaps a harvest of berries, seed and nut; then pauses-a  slow, swirling maple leaf beckons the both of us to seek refuge and burrow. 

*Chaucer