Wherefore Art Thou, Catalina?

I haven't seen Catalina for months. Some days I can see just the shadow of an outline - a hint, a reminder, a promise - but more often than not: nothing. It was different in the beginning. Back in January and February there were days when the island shined like a brown jewel. The sun lit up every nook, every crevice. The air was crisp and bright and the view was spectacular.

I miss the warm beckoning of my island friend but it's okay. A sunny morning will return eventually. My morning walks have been plenty lovely without seeing the face of its lovely mountains. All of my morning skies have been lately covered with a thick marine layer that blocks out everything that isn't immediate. But the day will come and I am patient.

Meanwhile I walk, I pick up shells, I watch and listen to the waves. I smile and say good morning to people I pass on my way. This morning a dolphin was traveling in the same direction as I and so we travelled southbound together for a little while. It was nice. I named the dolphin Catalina.