Plan B

Because I want you to read this, I didn't put the picture of the giant spider that blocked my way to the pier I headed for tonight to catch the sunset on the Gulf of Mexico. He/She is in the photos of the day though.
It was so funny, kinda. I was rushing to get to the pier, having blown off the bridge for fear of not being able to park. I got there as a couple was leaving, getting on their motorcycle having just come from the pier.
I say hi, and walk around the corner and get ready to go out on the pier for a really panoramic view and BOOM, this huge huge spider hanging in mid-air, going back and forth from the tree to the other side. It was over my head, but not by enough. I watched it thinking I could just duck...but then thinking..it has spun silk below....HOW DID THOSE TWO PEOPLE GET PAST THIS SENTRY WITHOUT SEEING IT????
I'm laughing, but still mad that I can go on the pier. Looking around for a stick to make a way through, not hurting her of course, just delaying her work a little so I can get out there.
Well, I'm also taking photos and the spider turns, looks straight at me and drops like a rock to the boardwalk and then starts going back up again. By this time, I'm getting eaten alive by NoSeeUms, so small you can't see but they BITE worse than that spider, or close. So it's just too much. I run away toward my car and get in and head for private pier land at the tip of the island I am on to maybe get a chance to take a few pix. It's not season, so maybe. (earlier I tried to walk out into a low tide area and I'm driving thinking I bet if I had walked out any further on that area I'd have been swallowed like quicksand....no, I'm not kidding!)
Anyway, I get to the private pay pier and there are just a few people there, a lovely fishing heron and great colors in my viewfinder. Mosquitos and NoSeeUms, but not like the SpiderPier. Not even close. I walk out and start framing my shots and realize I can get the heron in a few. Fish start jumping right behind it, but I miss them each time. Then I hear what has to be a dolphin surfacing and look over to see a fin in the dimming light. No way to take a photo. But make a note to go back earlier next time. It's not season, and the restaurant wasn't crabby at all about the parking.
Tonight's shoot was really a blessing. I realize that my photography is taking me to a place of rest and beauty and awe, that I so need in this crazy world at this crazy time. Getting this little SureShot I never would have thought I'd start a site and a blog and chase sunsets and who knows what next, but I have to say that God always knows what I need and leads me right to it. This is a deep gift for which I am very grateful, and very happy to share with those of you who visit the page. I wish I knew who you were and what you think of the pix. For now, just know I cherish knowing you are enjoying them too.
-3c