Footprints in the Sand

Footprints in the Sand
Jupiter Island, Tequesta, FL
July 13, 2025

 Chris, Finn, and I headed out for a beach walk this morning. The day had dawned beautiful with blue clear skies and a light, I think it is Saharan Dust, haze. 

We decided to head back over to the beach and enjoy a walk along the shore. As I stood at the base of the stairs which cross the dune, I was amazed by the numbers of footprints I saw in the sand. Beyond the beach the ocean was flat and inviting with the recently risen sun reflecting off the water. 

Blue Heron Fishing Vessel Heading Out
Tequesta, FL
July 13, 2025

I knew we were in for an enjoyable beach walk.

In the distance, on the flat ocean motoring out of the Jupiter Inlet, I spied the Blue Heron drift fishing vessel heading out with its passengers for a morning of ocean fishing. It has been more than a few years since I paid for a spot on the Heron and headed out to fish. I have only once actually caught anything that was edible--but I always had fun.

Chris, Finn, and I added our footprints to the sand along the stretch of beach, although many of them washed away in the rising tide. We noted that we had been preceded not only by people, but birds, dogs, and a number of sea turtles. It was fun to read the signs of those who had gone before the wind and waves washed them away. 

Footprints in the sand are, after all, only a temporary record of those who have come before us.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL