Beside the Sea

Listen to the lapping bay

With tales to tell

In each brush of a wave

And a fresh shore breeze

Beside the sea

Or play with a fish

Too small or none at all

No matter, for on this day

Wind and water wash cares away

Beside the sea

Study the birds

They know when to pick

Of salted bounty spread

Or when to rise and flee

Beside the sea

Secret treasure beyond measure

If only you’ll look and see

Weighty fog now lifted

Dormant senses awaken

Beside the sea

A child again

Born of whim and pleasure

Seeking none other

But to explore and wonder

Beside the sea

Seaside Tragedy

Recently my husband and I explored a seaside area bordering Biscayne Bay, south of Miami. There, one of South Florida’s many drainage canals meets the ocean. The relaxing scenery included locals fishing with poles or cast netting in the canal.

We enjoyed chatting with a few of the anglers and walking along the canal banks near the ocean. Another fisher stood on the canal banks, a pristine white great egret.

After I took this shot, the bird lifted on long graceful wings and shifted shore locations, this time landing on a piece of driftwood protruding from the shore. We climbed a little hill above the egret’s roosting place to get a better look at the area.

The bucolic scene of anglers tending their lines and calm rippled seawater belied the tragic sight found in my camera’s viewfinder. The great egret stood on its right leg, while its left leg hung broken and useless. A tangle of fishing line and an embedded hook explained why.

A tragic number of wildlife succumb to fishing line and hooks every year. A bit of research showed me a few best fishing practices that protect wildlife:

• Refrain from casting near water birds
• Dispose of used fishing line properly
• Use barbless hooks
• Take a minute to pick-up after others

Many fishing areas and bait stores now provide boxes for recycling used fishing line. The location we visited did not have one, but I am going to see if I can change that. After all, God’s beautiful creation should be enjoyable for every visitor.

Yucca and You

Purest beauty of celestial white,

Six arms spread in gossamer light.

Daughter of drought at life’s end,

Pushed from thorny nest to ascend.

Await a savior if you please,

Filigreed wings borne on a breeze.

Collect my pollen; take it all,

Push and roll into a golden ball.

Lay your eggs; part my secret deep

Before my head droops in sleep.

Miraculous uniting hidden within

Dark seeds of promise all locked-in.

Life’s circle turns as petals fall,

Tomorrow’s offspring, worth it all.

Note: Yucca flowers rely on the yucca moth for pollination, a process that assures the survival of both species. You can read about this amazing process in the Wayne’s Word article, The Yucca and its Moth.

Vizcaya Vistas

Recently, my husband and I tasted a bit of Italy in Miami. There surrounded by cosmopolitan city life, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offers a departure into the elegance of an Italian Renaissance estate. Built by International Harvester magnate James Deering in 1916, his elegant summer residence is now open for visitors to enjoy.

Weather vane and Sundial

The 34-room villa is open for tours, but its curators prohibit photography. Outside, however are breathtaking visas of the Biscayne Bay harbor and 10 acres of formal gardens.

Great Stone Barge

The large limestone barge serves as a breakwater to protect the villa and grounds from sea-born storms.

Barge in the Mist

After cooling off in a tropical rain shower, we crossed a footbridge and enjoyed the view of Biscayne Bay from Vizcaya’s gazebo.

Gazebo and Footbridge

Just behind the gazebo lies the Secret Garden.

Secret Garden Entry

Welcome to the Secret Garden

Secret Garden Lady

Coming out of the Secret Garden, gentle Baroque curves present a relaxing but formal atmosphere.

Sculpted Shrubs

Baroque Garden

Garden Patio

Greek and Italian sculpture fills the gardens.

Stone Vigil

Garden Wall

Steps lead from the garden to an elevated overlook.

Garden Lady with Goose

Tucked behind the gardens a canal dock awaits seafaring visitors.

Canal Dock

A Google search reveals multiple pages of information on Vizcaya, but Memorable Moments on Biscayne Bay by Pamela Ann Campbell (be sure to check out the Miami Treasures Photo Collection) and John Singer Sargent’s Virtual Gallery shouldn’t be missed. Better yet, mark this travel destination as a must-see for your next trip to South Florida.