The "Boat Ride"

   Last week, we had several days where the rain was nonstop.  These heavy downpours filled the little skiff so Son and I made several trips down the pier to bail the boat.  Thankfully, he does not mind as I am getting a bit too old to do much bailing.  I tag along to keep him company.  

  During one break of the rains, we scurried down, he climbed into the boat and grabbed the 5 gallon bucket to start sloshing the water back into the Bay.  I stood on the pier snapping photographs of the marsh birds and Bat, the cat, who joined us.  Suddenly, Son stopped bailing and said "I've got a visitor."  Looking over, I scanned the water thinking the alligator was nearing or that perhaps one of the snapping turtles had popped up from the depths.  Nothing....I could see nothing.  He pointed to the edge of the skiff.  There was one of the largest spiders that I have seen in a while!  The thing was a good 3 inches across and the palest sandy-grey.  Hmmm?  "Where did that come from?" I asked.  Son shrugged his shoulders and mentioned that he just noticed the spider then said "I guess he was just going for a boat ride."  We watched for a moment but the spider made no effort to move.  Son started bailing again with the bucket and water being heaved just inches above the giant.

  While I have found several spiders that look similar to our friend, none were as pale in color as this one.  I am still quite undecided as of the type.  Happily, the spider stayed put in the same spot until the skiff was emptied.  Both Son and I decided that the poor thing was probably seeking shelter from the rain in the boat and we disturbed its peace.  I am sure once we left, the spider hid away in the skiff once again as torrential rains pounded again.