Not sure that I have ever posted two days in a row (though I generally swim most days in Austin), but I must report on two mysterious occurrences.
I arrived, as always, in the dark. Work has begun on the bathhouse renovations, and so I parked a bit further away and walked past the playground, and then the miniature depot for the miniature train. I’m not entirely used to it. No raccoons so far, so that’s a blessing.
A cold morning, perhaps our last cold morning in Texas till fall. On my first length I saw an apparition hanging above the pool. A phantasm. I knew there was not actually a strange faceted object turning in the air, but it took me a while to understand that it was the beam of a parking lot lamp cutting through the trees and hitting the mist where the warmer water met the colder air. I don’t know why this is the first time I’ve seen this phenomenon. Knowing the explanation made it no less beguiling.
But that was not the major mystery.
Past the gate when I arrived I walked, as I always do, along the curving pathway down to the water. When I got to the deck I saw a strange rounded shape. Animal? What kind? What was it? It was very dark out. The shape did not move. Would I turn back? No, I told myself, be brave until you have reason to bolt.
I took ginger steps closer. And closer. When I was nearly upon it, I saw that it was red. And then it revealed itself.
Photo taken in the first inkling light after my swim. I always knew I hated that beaver. But I obeyed the words freshly painted onto the concrete. I did not run.
Dammit. I know I’m not the only one who was hoping it was going to turn out to be an actual beaver, you tease.
I feel like I've stumbled into your brother Harry's territory, yes? (I loved his Twitters re: the Rocky n Bullwinkle LA statue...) Buc-ee. Hate that beaver too, though who can blame a critter conceived in a town called Clute. Plus the jerky-brisket-fuel combo while on the road...I'm assuming with the warmth come more swimmers to crowd your mornings. Marvelous to take these solo walks to the water with you in the chilly pre-dawn.