Joy in the Wind

Photos.

I swim twice a day in the pool, but  haven't yet taken a dip in the Gulf of Mexico. I like to play in the waves and then warm up on the beach, but in 55F weather, there is no warming up after a swim so I haven't been tempted by the waves. Besides, I really prefer a good pool to any kind of fresh water -- almost unbelievable for someone who grew up in the north woods, but there you are.

Too windy!

On Monday, we drove over to Fort De Soto Park to check out the beach. The day was windy and the sun was not quite warm enough to make one linger on the pier looking for dolphins, a usual favorite thing on visits to the park.

Not much joy among the huddled egrets or other shore birds, none of which lingered very long as they pecked for food on the beach. We moved on to the beach at the far end of the park, where we could see kite sails in the distance.

Soaring!

The white sands looked like snow, and the fine grains of sand in the air made photography difficult. I walked over to the shore to watch the sailboarders. They were gleeful, talking with great animation as they rested between runs.

I felt apprehensive when a lone woman walked over to the water with her sailboard. Some of the men had taken some time to get their boards set up, and I was afraid that the wind and heavy waves would be too much for the woman. I shouldn't have doubter her! She righted her sail and got her feet positioned on the board.

She was soon speeding over the waves, indistinguishable from the men. Even better, no one seemed surprised. It was an awesome afternoon.