Tango and I wander each day on foot. We have several routes on the beach and through the bird sanctuary. Sometimes we look for a new route that takes us into little nooks and crannies on this side of the island. The common thread on each route is the presence of worn wooden benches. The Parks and Beach Board, who operates the fort, campground, public beach, and bird sanctuary, set up benches in the most unexpected locations: near the swamp, in tiny pocket parks, under a lone tree, on the pier. The damp, rough-hewn benches are often slightly green from whatever grows on them. The presence of these antiquated benches is a kind, welcoming touch. Fancy resorts have cookies on the pillow, fancy soaps, maid service. Dauphin Island has weathered benches, which is just fine with me. I can make my own cookies.

This morning I decided to SIT on one of the benches, the one on the street side of our campground fence. I slipped through a small side gate and accepted the offer to sit.  Tango rested by my feet, and we watched a few cars and people. Within a few moments the ferry pulled in, right in front of us and dispatched the two cars on board. The crew threw ropes, cleared the deck, and did whatever else deck-hands do before taking on cars for the return trip. Rummmmmble rumuuuummmmble of the engines, some shouts back and forth, and the one car waiting drives on board.

Also in my view, white sand dunes on the other side of the inlet, droves of seabirds.

Nearby, I see the empty trailers that carried fishing boats and that now wait for their return. The ferry backs out effortlessly (compared to me backing into a campsite) and glides off, more graceful than the usual brutish ferry. The inlet calms and birds settle in again, looking for a snack in the waters. The gulls follow in the air hoping for a crumb thrown by the ferry passengers.

Time to move on. The dampness of the bench soaks into my legs and creates a chill. Tango is eager to find more fun smells anyway. My smile and sense of peace grows while worn clichés run through my brain: stop and smell the roses. How about: try benching yourself along the shore and quietly watch life? Got me off to a good start today. 

I am at the large red dot that says Dauphin Island Park and Beach board. The ferry terminal is across the street.