Sunfish on a foggy day

The fog this morning was as thick as pea soup. Warm air arrived after evening showers. This type of fog on the beach always makes my morning run a challenge.

While running on my usual beach route, I literally stumbled up this rather large marine creature. The "fish" was about four feet long and probably weighed about 300 pounds. I almost fell over it while I was running in the thick fog. I stopped and looked at it.
Was is a baby whale or Sea Cow?  I had no idea.

After my run, I went back home and got my camera and took some pictures. I needed to know what this creature was. After posting this picture on Facebook, many of my friends identified it as a Ocean Sunfish.

According to wikipedia:
The ocean sunfish, Mola mola, or common mola, is the heaviest known bony fish in the world. It has an average adult weight of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). The species is native to tropical and temperate waters around the globe. It resembles a fish head with a tail, and its main body is flattened laterally. Sunfish can be as tall as they are long when their dorsal and ventral fins are extended.

You never know what you'll find running on this long beach: Whales, large tropical fish, ghost ships. or lobster traps!

The Common Good

Unless we work for the Common Good, there won't be any...

                      -annoymous

Public beaches,  parks, libraries and public pools are some of the simple things that I enjoy.  In my lifetime these attractions have always been part of "my community".  I have always taken advantage of these public "institutions" and never have taken them for granted. These places provide recreation, entertainment and enjoyment for the public good.

During these times of cutbacks, and "slash and burn" tax anger, we need to re-think the rolls that these places provide for the common good of the community.

As a child my parents instilled in me the importance of taking advantage of these attractions. Virtually everyday I am on the beach, Marginal Way, in a library or at a public pool. I can not imagine life without these great American treasures.

Many of these public treasures are in "plain view" and many do not see them every day. Many communities have public tennis courts, baseball fields, and other recreation venues. As a public we need to see beyond the grind of our daily lives and realize  the importance that these places provide for the common good.

So many people are angry with Wall Street and the one percent. Instead of occupying Wall Street, lets "occupy" beaches, parks, pools and libraries. Lets use these  institutions before we loose them. Taking advantage of public beaches, parks is for the Common Good.

October Running.......

the sand sinks as  my feet make the rhythmic daily cycle that is my run.

my lungs breathe the cool air and exhale yesterdays sorrows.

the sun slowly rises and warms my crown.

hypnotic waves are the only sounds that fill my antenna.

wind and  spray awakens the senses from yesterdays toil.

a new day begins, and I arise like the sun with every cresting wave....
                                           -Gorio Testa