A Breather's Delight

I'm traveling north through the Inside Passage of British Columbia by boat. I tend to keep checking the scenery as we motor through. It changes fast. It can morph into bright sublime beauty that can last for hours, or mere seconds before fading back to gray scale.

I spend a lot of time on deck leaning on the rail and simply watching whatever it is that is happening. It's one of the fringe benefits of the ancient and modern mariner. We like staring at the sea. To see whatever it is.

I know that sounds vague, but after 15 years of looking out to sea, whatever it is still has me entranced.

I can't get enough of the swirling dance of the ocean, rugged coastal islands, cloud, light, and weather. The partners may change, but the dance goes on.

That's the broad view. Go closer. Go for a walk in the forest here and you'll see another dance within the dance. It is just as compelling and interesting.

It's dark, cool, moist and shady in here. Life abounds! Earthy aromas, mixed with the sea breeze offer a heady breath.

Wooly Bird's Nest Fungus with one egg inside!

Salmon Berry Blossom

Banana Slug

Take a look under the dock pilings. There's another magical microcosm of life flourishing in it's element.

Now I'm the alien trying to understand the undersea realm. How does it all work? Every inch is covered with something growing, hiding, living, thriving.

Now I'm having coffee on the dock. It's mid morning and good as it gets. My senses, my soul, are satisfied.

Smell that air. It's blown in from the north Pacific and filtered through pine forests, glaciers and mountains. It's a breather's delight. That's right.