www.lowcountryjoe.com: Newsletter

A View from the Marsh:

The Return of a Friend…..

Mary and I just left our floating home and walked through one of those conveniently placed straw markets in the Caribbean. "Hey Mon" a brightly dressed local said "You would look good in one of my hats". My bride gave a nod of agreement, and instinctively, the smiling peddler knew he had his man.

Well that started my love affair with chapeaus and I have owned over fifty since that fateful day. This is really the story, however, about one of those hats, a Plantation Style lid that is my favorite.

A gale was blowing this early Spring day, and as I would soon find out, wind is the enemy of all hats. You see, they really have personalities and transfer their feelings to the wearer. I got particularly close to this one and you can imagine my dismay when a gust of wind took away a close friend. I was visiting Ralph, a shrimper friend, when like in slow motion it sailed into the air. I made a fateful grab, but all I could do was watch as it slowly settled into the glistening waters of Skull Creek. The strong river like tide did its magic, and soon the only thing visible was the red band as it floated into the famous Carolina sunset.

It was gone, but I could only wonder about its voyage. Surely it would have a wonderful trip as it made its way towards the ocean. Friendly dolphins might check it out and maybe even flip it about in friendly antics. Wonderful bright white boats cruising the Intracoastal would give it a fun ride as their wakes pushed it towards the shore. Pelicans, egrets, herons and ospreys would keep it company as they soared over searching out their fishy meals. It would be met by glorious bright sunrises and retired with brilliant red sunsets….and if it had to perish it would feel comfortable nestled against the Spring green colored spartina grass. Goodbye old friend.

Weeks later while having a brew at Hudsons, my favorite old pub, in walks Ralph with a big grin. From behind his back he produces, you guessed it "The Hat" with the red band still attached. He found it floating all the way out in Port Royal Sound. Nibbled on by fish and soaked with salt water it had miraculously survived its maritime ordeal. "Drinks are on me" I told John the barkeep, as we spun the yarn and amazed ourselves with the tale.

Welcome back old friend.