freedom at last . . .

. . after being trapped by rain, shackled to a computer rebuilding it from the rubble and up to my eyeballs in wizards and wands for the last several days, it was clearly time to escape. I had company, Katie, as well was feeling the need.

We turned north, top down, radio blaring Josh Groban, headed for the 'loop'. What is the loop you might well ask? The 'loop' is a long stretch of narrow winding road looping through the tidal basin. It is mostly covered by a canopy of trees and moss so thick it rarely lets in light even in late summer afternoon . . . clearing only when it hits the open water of the basin itself. Then it wobbles and meanders along the natural waterways weaving in and out along the canals. Those woods are full of deer, possum and coons . . . all visible when the headlights catch their eyes. A wild eerie place at night, a place one is drawn to. At one point the tree frogs were singing in such competition with Josh that we turned off the radio to listen to the cacophony. After finally turning east and crossing the inter coastal waterway, we have our choice of dropping down the river side of the barrier island or down the beach side. We opt for the river but yearn instead for the sea. Backtracking, we cross over to the ocean and drop down its southern route. The shrimp boats are out in force, gaily lit with colored lights marching up the masts and out the net poles. The moon is still murky from the wet skies and the smell is rich with salt. The view, only occasionally obscured by sea oats lining the side of the road, is a vista without compare. But soon we hit civilization and the appearance of the tattoo parlors, Handi-Mart and Pecker's Lounge mark the arrival of O' by the Sea. It is time to cross back over to the river side. Another winding road, this one marked by stately old homes, newly built monstrosities and a few smaller dwellings that have not yet been snapped up and doomed for demolition. We are finally back in town and crossing back over to the mainland, can still not yet face the abundance of traffic and light. Instead we drop yet further south on the far side of the river and finally turn west toward home on back streets. It has been a good night.