Short Walk Down a Long Pier

September loaned October a beautiful fall day filled with blue skies and white fluffy clouds, a pleasant breeze and colorful leaves. My friend and I had arranged to meet at Charlotte Beach for an afternoon walk in the interest of helping me regain some strength through exercise, and boost my steps numbers for the Live Well, Eat Well program.

There were quite a number of people enjoying the day at Charlotte Beach. One family sat on the sandy beach in lawn chairs while their young daughter cavorted about in her bathing suit! I shivered at the sight of her and zipped my fleece lined hoodie about me.

We ambled slowly from the parking lot to the pier walkway and sat on a cold stone bench before heading down the long pier. There is no place to sit until you get to the end of the pier which looked to be a good half mile long. After sitting a bit, we began the trek out along the pier. Here and there along the stone walkway puddles of lake water decorated the little hollows. Several groups of walkers passed us, but I didn't mind. I know I am still slow these days, but I am moving and that's what counts.

The gentle swish of water brushing against the pilings was as comforting as the familiar cawing of the sea gulls as they wheeled overhead. Now and again they would dive into the water and come up with a bit of lunch, slurping some poor little fish down their craws whole and wiggling.

The sun kissed our cheeks as we sauntered slowly along surrounded by the blue waters of Lake Ontario. We chatted about kids and music and fun things. At the end of the pier were three gentlemen fishing. We sat and watched them for a good long time while I rested from the long walk. I have often seen people fish from the end of the pier, but never have I seen anyone actually catch anything. These three were zipping out good sized perch and other fish in rapid succession.

We laughed as the fish in their pail flopped about, wagging their tails to beg for freedom. One of the fish managed to jump clear of the pail and flipped this way and that on the pier until one of the men grabbed it and slid it back in the pail. They had an overflow catch for sure!

Slowly we wandered back towards the car, our lungs cleansed by the fresh air, our cheeks pink with the sun and wind. We topped our excursion off with a delightful cup of soft frozen custard in a dish - chocolate for me! Though it was October, the day captured a touch of summer lost in our unhurried strolling at water's edge. How delightful!