I should have known–my student meteorologist this morning posted foggy and cool (while the sun was shining) in spite of the protests of his classmates. With a heat advisory posted on the weather app, everyone was expecting hot and sunny with record March temperatures, not a thick marine layer. But sure enough, by about 11:30 this morning, that pesky blanket of gray was wafting onto the playground. By the time I left school after 3, the coast was pretty much socked in the fog.
But the tides are low this week during my walking time, and walking on the beach is always better than walking around the neighborhood, so I pulled on my sweatshirt and headed into those very low clouds.
Dense fog is a lot like walking into a tunnel. Peripheral vision is limited, you can only see what is immediately before you. I found myself trusting the muscle memory of my feet and legs rather than depending on landmarks to find my way. In some ways it made distance fade away as I was forced to stay in the present rather than anticipate what lay ahead. Before I knew it miles passed.
Along the way back I noticed pelicans. Often they fly overhead, dipping and diving, surfing the waves. But today they were hanging out near the shore…just floating in the shallows. Sometimes lifting into flight just as I pulled my phone from my pocket to take a photo. Were they also experiencing the tunnel effect? Seeing the ocean differently through the thick gray damp of fog?
I enjoyed my tunnel view this afternoon, staying present and available to the shrouded beauty right in front of me. I soaked in the cool damp air, breathing in the sea and exhaling the worries about the world as my feet were treated to nature’s spa treatment–a cool salt water rinse. A perfect way to end my work day.
Thinking Through My Lens 
“…nature’s spa treatment–a cool salt water rinse. A perfect way to end my work day.”
Beautiful concluding line. Beautiful end to the work day. Beautiful photographs!
Thanks for giving us all a glimpse of the sea and the fog.
Ah, your peaceful writing as you describe your walk is beautiful. May I describe your words as a spa for my mind as I sit in the basement here in the snow and single digits?
Awww! I love it. Just keep snuggling that baby!
Calm waters and cold, 38 F
Brrrr! 82 on the beach today! (29 degrees warmer than yesterday!)
Pingback: SOLC Day 17: Foggy Commute | Nix the comfort zone
Nature’s spa treatment! Julieanne has been telling me about the warmth in San Diego and how the fog comforts her. Love your pelican photo. I was sent here by Molly’s post about fog today. Writers inspiring each other is an important part of the Slicer community.
I totally agree! I love the inspiration of you and other bloggers. It’s m fascinated by pelicans—and these were so close yesterday! (Saw a cormorant too!)
Pingback: SOLC26: Day 17: Currently | Reflections on the Teche
Love the idea that the coast line is close enough for a foggy walk after work. I am land locked in the midwest so fog comes when the temperatures switch quickly catching that moisture before it turns to rain or snow. I miss fog sometimes but fear it when on the road. Funny stuff for sure. Do you know Laura Pashby’s book Chasing Fog. (UK writer)?
I don’t know Laura Pashby’s book—but you know I will be investigating! Thanks so much. Amazingly today was totally different—no fog and 29 degrees warmer. Not typical for us at all.
I didn’t have time to comment earlier, as you inspired my morning slice and I had to write and run. I’m also a big fan of fog and love how you wrote about it here. Maine has my heart, but sometimes I’m more than a bit jealous of your scenery and temperatures! On another note, I found myself imagine the meteorological exchange going on in your classroom this morning. That’s another slice no doubt!
The kids are so judgy to each other! I love that the fog came true—but I doubt the kid who predicted it even noticed! I hadn’t thought of that as a slice.
I love reading your Maine descriptions and comparing them with my So Cal observations. We are a study in commonalities and contrasts!
This is an exquisite post. I read it last night and was too tired to respond. I love how you start with the student’s prediction of fog and then go into your journey through the “shrouded beauty.” The pelican photo is amazing. My family once encountered major fog as we drove around a mountain in Massachusetts. Everything slowly became white and when I rolled down the window, all you saw was white. Terrifying, but we made it down and put up a sign to warn fellow drivers.
I do not enjoy fog as a driver—but it can be a great experience on the beach, especially if it isn’t every day. I’m not so fond of the pervasive “May gray” and “June gloom” that we are known for in San Diego. Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful comments.
Pingback: Unexpected | Thinking Through My Lens