Bayou Weather....Foggy with gnats!

   We are back into our winter "cycle" of rain, cold, warm and fog.   The cycle has its good points and a few bad.  Just when you think you are all settled in for a nice bit of cold weather, the winds shift, temperatures rise and heavy fog lays in across the Bay.  The fog lingers for most of the day keeping things damp and muggy.  A good side to all of this fog and warmth, the garden is doing well.  Cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower and mustard greens are filling the rows nicely.  One of the bad sides, is gnats and mosquitoes never leave.  Just about the time you think they should be gone due to the chill, you are attacked!  Those are the days you find yourself wishing for a lovely freeze!

  This morning, a light fog shrouded the Bay and Bayou.  It blocked enough of the view to make things appear a bit spooky.  The "Bayou Creature" would love just such a morning to make an appearance!  But...he did not show.  Our Bayou Creature is just about as elusive as Big Foot!  The name is applied to any unusual wail or moan that can be heard coming from the bowels of the Bayou.  Far back where the Bayou meets a creek and turns into a swamp, any number of critters can let out yells that can run chills up your spine especially if you are roaming about in the predawn fog. 

  Years ago, the kids and I loved to hike through the swamps during foggy evenings.  Because our footsteps were muffled by the wet leaves, it was not uncommon for us to stumble upon critters out on the hunt.  Bobcats, coyotes, fox, coons and rabbits were often seen before they noticed us.  To my way of thinking, this was one of the best learning situations the kids could have ever experienced.  They grew up knowing how to react or how to "not act" when encountering wild animals.  Never once did we feel threatened and we respected the critters enough to back off and let them continue on their way. 

  No critters were found on this morning's hike.  It was short and sweet but I had work to do.  It was a fine morning to mulch more of the hurricane debris pile!  The weather was warm enough to work in short sleeves...until those pesky gnats found me!  Weather....Southern Weather....Bayou Weather!  When is that next cold snap??