Saturday afternoon Truett and I went to a Cajun party on the Santa Fe River. Most of the guests wereTruett's age or older. Nice folks.
Saturday was a beautiful day. The temperatures were in the high 70's, the dogwoods and azaleas were in full bloom, and the river was so peaceful and quiet.
Last year at the Cajun party we saw an otter playing hide-and-go-seek in the river, but unfortunately not this year.
The guests at the party all live along the Santa Fe River, with the exception of Truett and me, and they refer to themselves as the "River Rats". This group has about five parties a year and we have been blessed to be invited and get to know nice, retired couples.
I walked along the river bank and took photographs before everyone arrived.
I was taken with this old oak tree that extends out into the river. It would make a great climbing tree if I was still ten years old and lived on the river. The river's width is about 125 feet across.
But as I was standing on the river bank I heard an loud ominous sound. It made me think of Watership Down , the panic I felt. I felt like a small forest animal wanting to flee.
"What is that?" I asked; but my question was immediately answered when an air-boat came charging around the corner.
It was a horrible noise. I stood with my mouth agape, my fingers in my ears, and watched. Then another. . . and another. . .and another. All total, four air-boats zipped through this peaceful Santa Fe River, sending rooster tails of water high into the air along the bank.
Don't think bad of me, but I so wanted them to crash in the shallow water.
I've always wanted to ride on an air-boat, and still do; however, the narrow Santa Fe River is NOT the place for them. The "River Rats" said they are trying to do something about it and I sincerely hope they can. These air-boats need to be on wide non-residential rivers or on the Everglades! It is such a travesty.
Then I wondered about the otter and hoped it was safe.
You really know how to capture serenity.
Posted by: Sherry | March 23, 2009 at 02:32 PM
I agree about the airboats. Hope your friends are successful at getting them banned along that particular stretch of river.
Posted by: merry jennifer | March 23, 2009 at 04:36 PM