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.  

Following in her mother's footsteps

    Not too many folks are elated to see spiders about their place.  I guess I am one of the few.  Even though I have been bitten numerous times and once by a black widow, it never riles me to find yet another web with a female dangling within.  Spiders are good things to have about the place.  I do understand not wanting them inside the house but in the garden, they are our helpers.  This morning, it pleased me to find an tiny orb weaver.  She was obviously very young as her web was not the huge ones normally found but a tiny six inch web. The web did have the telltale "writing" or zigzag design of a weaver spider.  The spider had chosen to weave her home in the marsh near where her mother had done so last year.  The spider and later her egg sac became a source of entertainment for me.  Each day, the spider could be observed carefully wrapping some hapless insect tightly with silk.  This would be used as a later meal since the marsh provides plenty.  Then that lovely golden orb or egg sac appeared.  It was thrilling to know that yet another generation of spiderlings were to come.

  This is a black and yellow garden spider who allowed me to visit for a spell.  She and I came to an understanding that I would not harm her and she would eat as many gnats and mosquitoes as she can along with any other insects.  I do believe that is a win/win situation.  I let her know that she will always be welcome.