I was just doing my job.
Zipping to and fro, clocking endless miles repeatedly between West end at Race Point and the East end’s Big Club Beach,pedaling speedily past the Parade Ground at Fort Wright…
“Remember to put together that field note about invasive plant species”
I meditate on this thought-especially the “remember” part even with the heavy luscious scents I love but should learn to identify….
Treking by bicycle diligently and cautiously around the old Boroleum Factory across from Hay Harbor Golf Course…..
“Remember to SLOW down with the morning ferry’s truck traffic around this curve!”
“And don’t forget to look up the types of migrating hawks”. I see them swooping over the putting greens…
I reach my starting line at the Gate House, always waved on by gracious smiles, and I’m off!
“Remember to check on Osprey nests, remark on autumnal sights-the sky blues of Jays and Kingfishers, and remember the sounds-chirping crickets, zipping dragonflies, look up tidal chart for Chocomount, pack clicker to count Hungry Point seals, photograph and document plastic debris covering area ponds, examine Mussels and Knotted Wrack at Hooverness, remember to slow down for tiny baby Snapping turtles finding their way and Praying Mantis sunning themselves….”
I’m coasting now down carved twists and turns hugging the Oyster Pond.
“Remember to STOP and smell the roses.”
“What?”
I tightly grip my hand brakes and hop off my bike and for the very first time stand quietly upon the newly erected Scenic Lookout.
I am grateful that simple sights fill me with awe (remember this).
A welcoming bench, two Swans with their three gorgeous ugly ducklings(cygnets)grazing on thick algae, an egret balancing on a rock, rows of oyster beds floating in symmetry, tree leaves hanging so still you can only imagine that you see them changing hue right here- right now.
A large, heavy duty dump truck barrels by behind me, a window rolls down, motor revved, an unfamiliar face …
“What are you seeing?”
“You wouldn’t believe the size of this Blue Claw crab! Quick come look!”
The gigantic truck pulls over and stops with the same ease of putting a kickstand down.
Poking out from under the thick algae, there is a crab with size worth noting (remember to jot this down).
“Wow, look at that, that’s a beauty”.
“This is the first time I have stopped here!”I exclaim this like I can’t believe it, like it's history…..
“Me too”. The driver walks back to the truck and drives off to his job.
I pedal standing up, continuing on the path with purpose.
“Remember to post a field note about being grateful today” myself reminds me.
For an Island, and a recreational path, a sturdy bench, sharing wonder with a stranger, a chattering Kingfisher…..
Just for starters.
