The salt marsh can be a nasty place in the winter. Even on a sunny day, the wind can be harsh and the salt spray biting. Regardless of the elements, my grandson and I set out on our adventure on New Year’s Eve along the salt marsh trail, determined to make it at least as far as the first bridge.
The trail was icy in spots and the wind was convincing us to turn back with every step past the shelter of the trees. However, as we approached the end of the Canada Goose bridge, we caught sight of the first of four bald eagles hunting in the marsh.
Inspired to plod on, we forced ourselves forward in order to get a closer look.
We caught sight of one on the next bridge. It too was clearly fighting the wind, clinging to the wooden bridge rail with its mighty talons. We ignored the pelting salt spray but the wind kept thrashing us about. It became more and more difficult to just hold onto the camera, let alone take a decent photograph of our subject.
Despite the difficulty, we were quite elated to have had such a close encounter with such a magnificent creature. Doing hard things has its rewards.
Before flying off, the eagle looked directly towards us. Wow. We headed back, glad that we had dared to venture out into the marsh on such a windy day.
Later at Tim Horton’s, I wondered if the bald eagles were having duck or fish as we enjoyed our soup and coffee .
Happy New Year to all! May you always find the joy in doing hard things in the year ahead.
All photographs and text copyright Amy-Lynn Bell 2013