The winds have changed this past week from north to south. And with this change comes new visitors to the beach. The most obvious are the lines of sea detritus washing up with each successive tide. A mash up of grasses and seaweed lines the beach as would an intricate necklace around the neck of a woman. Within these green and brown chokers sit tiny blue-purple jewels with a crimped top looking like a iridescent Chinese dumpling. This is not a delicate treat, unless you are a loggerhead sea turtle, but a Portuguese man o’ war.
Its inflated body and ruffled top act as a sail, floating across the sea in the direction of the wind. It trails toxic tentacles that incapacitate tiny fish (and causes nasty stings to people). Juana and I watch a new group invade the beach making our steps and walks a bit more mindful than in prior days. We both appreciate their beauty and ephemeral but keep our distance none the less.
