The Secret Beach

One of our neighbours allows local residents to walk along a path on their property to reach a hidden beach. A different neighbour showed us the way Sunday, and we trudged down to the sea in the autumnal wind and rain and were initiated. This is the best secret society. Benefits include:



The Seal of Approval, a seal that inspects you from the ocean and decides you're all right after all.


Forbidden Refreshments: an extremely baffling willow tree that appears to be growing berries. Actually infected by an insect, Rabdophaga rigidae, that produces plant hormones and tricks the willow tree into growing it a cozy sturdy little red house to live in all winter. 


Shivering and getting rained on, but in a new and interesting place!