Calm before the storm.

There is a sense of urgency on the Coast this week. A tropical storm is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico and even though it is expected to move away from our area, problems are arising. Alex is a broad storm covering much of the Gulf with squally weather and it is rapidly intensifying. Already, these squalls are moving into this area with higher than normal tides and some strong winds. Mind you, not winds that cause damage..winds that push water. Winds that push oil. Oil is on our beaches and is at the mouth of the Bay, soon to be threatening my placid little bayou. This sense of urgency makes us feel the need to prepare for the arrival of the oil and tar balls. There is also a sense of despair among many of us. Frustration at what seems like the eons it is taking to cap this leaking well. Frustration at what seems like our inability to fight this battle. Where do we begin? Here on the Coast, we are used to enduring storms. We know how to prepare for them..we know how "ride out" hurricanes..we know how to clean up and repair after them. This is a new experience, though..a storm like no other. One that will likely cause more damage than any hurricane. In spite of all of this, there is also a sense of unity among the locals. As usual, we will band together, sharing ideas, emotions and love of our waters. This area is known to pick up the pieces and get on with our lives, making changes where necessary but still keeping our heritage intact. We will survive this, too.

Tonight though, the Bay was calm and beautiful. If I had no news of the looming problems, I would have thought that it was the perfect evening. The rains of today cooled the air to an absolutely marvelous 77 degrees and the winds calmed to just a very slight breeze. My evening visit to the pier, was rewarded with amazing sights and sounds. Black Skimmer birds were out in full force along the shore getting their fill of minnows and tiny mullet. Purple martins and bats dotted the sky scooping up the many gnats and mosquitoes. Whip-Poor-Wills called back and forth to each other from the woods. The sights and sounds that make it the best place on Earth! Glorious! I wish I could preserve all of this like I do the fruit and vegetables from the garden and save it for a later date.

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