Not long ago I started my morning with a barefoot walk along the beach. Usually this is a relaxing time for me, though not quiet--because the birds are also greeting the new day with enthusiasm. This particular sandbeach walk also runs parallel with Highway 90. So, we have the mixture of bird and traffic sounds. It is fairly easy to block those sounds out and still enjoy a peaceful walk.

Walk often enough and you begin to sense changes in nature. On this particular day, one did not need to be a marine biologist to understand that something was different. Here are some of my photos. As always I take the liberty of including an anti-litter message.

 I usually look for a reed, a good feather quill, or a stick for writing in the sand. Its a relaxing quirk. Maybe I'll retire rich and famous from products made from writing in the sand. Got any messages?  Okay, I agree, I need to work on this a bit more. But, maybe some of the manufacturers will call me personally and want to sponsor a PAL group for the MGC. (People Against Litter). Then we could have T-shirts, caps, visors made. Hey, Bud might even sponsor rebuilding pier...

Back to the sand walk-- I noted these two men wade fishing.

Then I noticed a couple of small fish on the bank flopping around, so I helped them back to the water. Then it occurred to me that I could not possibly keep putting fish back in the water. Something unusual was going on. Now I'm concerned and not enjoying my walk very much. I took more photos to show the Harbor guys at the half way mark of my walk.

  I did not throw the eels back into the water. There were so many, it was eery. I began to wish I had my shoes on... The sunrise seemed a bit hazier than normal, maybe that had something to do with the phenomenon.

 You get the picture. I was very concerned. The morning had the feeling of one of those "Planet Disaster" type movies. Yet, I was not absolutely panicked because of the two guys wade fishing. Usually if one wade fishes, he/she knows something about the environment they wade fish in.

So, when I arrived at the Harbor Master Cabin, the guys agreed that it was a Red Tide.

  The simplest explanation I received from Mr. Calvin, the Harbor Master, was that there simply was not enough Oxygen. From what I have read there are more complex explanations. But, since neither he nor I are scientists, simple will do.

They didn't seem to think it was cause for alarm. It doesn't happen on our beaches often. After getting a close up look at some of the creatures in our water--sunbathing on the beach is fine. Swimming pools for swimming works out well.

Speaking of swimming pools--If you visit, how about checking out one of the gorgeous condos along HWY 90? I will be happy to arrange a tour for you. There are so many choices, its unbelievable. Condo paradise! If you can't make up your mind about lifestyle so quickly--consider staying in one of the apartment homes along the beach.