Please click on photos to enlarge and read the tale.

Boats were nestled in among the water hyacinth.

After initial problems stepping into the muck to get into the boat, all started out smoothly enough.

Could it possibly have been due to a series of impossibly low mangrove limbs that because of the high water were only inches above the top edge of our boat? Yes, indeed, we went under at least four trees like this that extended completely across the channel, as well as a low-hanging footbridge. And then got to repeat the experience on the way back. For now, trips through the mangroves are definitely not for sissies. We earned our gin and tonics that night!!! (Look again, now. All of those low-lying trunks of trees pictured were ones we had to fit under!

A Cautionary Tale

As you paddle down life’s dreams, 
beware of hazards in its streams.
Currents quicken and their speed
may your expertise exceed.

Beware of whirlpools or of bogs,
floating hazards: moss and logs.
All the pretty scenery—
the mountains, flowers, greenery,

might distract you from the task,
so this one promise I must ask.
Agog with all of life’s sweet treasures,
please mind the thorns within its pleasures.

Prompt words today are paddle, hazard, quicken, agog and speed.

I’ve shown these photos before, but they fit in so well with the theme of this new poem that I just had to use them again.