The Witch's Moon

As I write this from a bench at Marineland, I'm watching one of the most awesome sights I have seen in months ( it's hard to beat a giant yellow tennis ball). The moon, the "super moon" as it's been dubbed, is rising on June 23rd. It's a trifle cloudy out. Here on the beach, and windy as a winter day in Chicago, but the perfectly round glowing orb is floating amongst random clouds, and it looks like a picture postcard from Halloween. I swear I can see a witch on a broomstick.

I thought I would feel pretty lonely out here, but there are plenty of photographers about, with their long lenses and tripods, all decked out in Columbia clothing and Trekker shoes.

The ocean is rumbling and the waves deafen the traffic from A1A, just a few feet away. The beach at night is a scary thing, but most comforting if you have someone to share it with. Someday.

The reflection on the water and rocks below is the color of Kansas wheat, growing deeper and darker with each passing minute. The lovers have come out, to walk along the boardwalk, arm in arm, enjoying the balmy sea breezes and speaking low about the gorgeous miracle of nature unfolding before their eyes. Children are still playing in the surf down below, and the laughs and giggles make me smile. Random camera flashes indicate their parents are down there, too, trying to capture the giant firefly in the sky.

There's a shrimp boat offshore, and the moon sheds it's light over the massive booms on deck. A couple walks up the stairs, in total darkness, looking for their flip-flops. The iPad comes in handy as a flashlight. Two Labrador retrievers calmly walk with their owner down the boardwalk to the other side,  and not even the little yappy poodle sitting beside me now seems to rile them.

It's time for me to head back to the truck now, having enjoyed my little journey to the ocean this evening. I've had a lot on my mind lately, and my heart and soul have been heavily burdened of late, and this small window of time here has helped me to put things in perspective a bit.

Under the moon, by the ocean.....