PINK WORMS AND SKIES! HOW ABOUT A SHRIMP OR TWO?

You never know what gifts may await an outing. I headed out to breathe the fresh air and catch a late afternoon low tide. It was cloudy with only a few pink clouds to indicate a setting sun. I headed toward Joe's Head to turn over a few rocks to see what was hiding. The most active and numerous animals were the amphipods. This must be the season for them. They were under every rock squirming and hopping in their usual curved forms. They wouldn't sit still for a picture, of course. Under one rock I found a segmented worm that almost matched the color of the sunset. I had to dig for this animal which easily bores down into moist sand. Fortunately, I was able to extract the worm without breaking its long body with the fringe-like appendages. I found the color fascinating. Suddenly, I realized there was more color to the sky. I ascended the trail to campsites on Joe's head and marveled at the transformation. The sun had slipped out from the clouds and formed a ball descending into the ocean. I sat on a dry picnic bench and absorbed the beauty. Meanwhile, the worms and amphipods hid under rocks, missing the whole colorful scene.

We still have snow, but it is melting fast leaving large puddles. After our zero temperatures of a week ago, this January thaw is welcomed. I even spotted a diehard clammer out on the flats digging out a living. Shrimp are also being brought into the docks, and I will add their picture since the color lives up to this page's billing, though they are not as pink as our earlier discoveries..though they sure could match a vivid sunset.

Rain is on the docket for today. Here and there, grass is being revealed with the snow melt. Instead of ice, mud is now underfoot.

1/9/08 Ronnie, in the pink.