Again Walter you describe the world in elegant descriptive biological terms, an array here of what is the composition of a Florida cypress swamp. I have been in mourning recently since Hurricane Debby, a category 1, swept through my old home and land in Jefferson County and brought down three huge trees, a red oak that had framed my front yard for over 35 years, a cedar my son once climbed in when he was young, and a tulip popular that he had watched grow to its great height. I was in shock when I saw the destruction.
Diane, it is painful to lose trees that are such important parts of ones world. Early this year, a windstorm toppled the enormous palo verde in front of our Borrego Springs house in the California low desert. Every spring, the tree turned totally yellow with flowers. We miss that tree, much like you miss yours.
It’s so edifying to tour this special ecosystem from an aerial to a microscopic level. For me, the journey wonderfully transcends science and spirituality. Thanks!
Beautiful writing Walter. You have brought me into this magical place. We have had a summer of fires here and a strong feeling of loss. Life goes on........
Thanks, Michael! Salinization is not a danger because all the water comes from the sky as rain. That's another reason why the nutrient levels are so low. Extraction of ground water near the coast can lead to salt water intrusion, but we live too far inland for that to be a problem.
Again Walter you describe the world in elegant descriptive biological terms, an array here of what is the composition of a Florida cypress swamp. I have been in mourning recently since Hurricane Debby, a category 1, swept through my old home and land in Jefferson County and brought down three huge trees, a red oak that had framed my front yard for over 35 years, a cedar my son once climbed in when he was young, and a tulip popular that he had watched grow to its great height. I was in shock when I saw the destruction.
Diane, it is painful to lose trees that are such important parts of ones world. Early this year, a windstorm toppled the enormous palo verde in front of our Borrego Springs house in the California low desert. Every spring, the tree turned totally yellow with flowers. We miss that tree, much like you miss yours.
I’ve never made out to a cypress swamp. It’s on the top of my List of things to do. Thank you for transporting me there Walter
It’s so edifying to tour this special ecosystem from an aerial to a microscopic level. For me, the journey wonderfully transcends science and spirituality. Thanks!
Walt - you are the master!
Thank you, Dana! I am very pleased you like my work.
Beautiful writing Walter. You have brought me into this magical place. We have had a summer of fires here and a strong feeling of loss. Life goes on........
Yes, life does sort of go on, doesn't it?
Quite beautiful writing of a ecosystem and the fecundity of life itself. Is there danger of slow salinization of the groundwater?
Thanks, Michael! Salinization is not a danger because all the water comes from the sky as rain. That's another reason why the nutrient levels are so low. Extraction of ground water near the coast can lead to salt water intrusion, but we live too far inland for that to be a problem.