Brisk Winds and Low Tides

  The blast of cold air that has hit the area came with some pretty stiff winds.  These winds from the north pushed the tide out from the Bay. The shorelines were far more exposed by the lack of water thus providing many critters with a feast of seafood.  Minnows and small mullet were trapped in tide pools allowing free access by birds and coons.  The roots of sections of marsh clumps usually covered by water allowed nutria a bit of fine dining.  Still, the happiest of the critters might have been the otters.  Clams and mollusks were much easier to grasp with the water gone.  Evidence of a massive feast was laid at the edge of the pier.  Shells of all kinds were literally stacked one upon the other where the otters feasted.  

  When the tide is low like it was today, I am always fascinated by what is unseen during higher tides.  There is something almost magical about being able to see beneath the murky waters of the Bayou.  Logs, shells, crabs, fish, trash discarded by not-so-nice folks, all of this lies beneath the surface only to be seen on days like today.  As I was peering into the water, one of those "aha" moments struck. So that was how I was losing all of the hooks!  A new log had been exposed by the constant beating of the waves.  A lot of fallen limbs and logs are usually covered by the soft mud but when currents swish over them, they, too are exposed.  A couple of new "hook snatchers" could be seen.  These will have to be lugged out and put on shore.  Each winter, a chore of clearing the area around the pier is a must.

  I could have stayed on the pier most of the afternoon just staring into the clear water but another round of brisk breezes caused me to be chilled.  Ms. Ez, the old dog, and I headed back to the warmth of the Little Bayou House.  Another log stoked the wood stove to warm both of us.  Life is good.