Fringe elements

The lunatic fringe. Used to be, you could tell where that was located, politically speaking, but these days? It’s a little harder to avoid the fringe elements…

Don’t worry, this isn’t a post-Brexit, post-Tr*mp, post-truth piece. It’s a piece touching on fringes, elements, edges, and transitions. But not hair. A fringe? If I had one, it would be a high fringe. Possibly monkish. Moving on.

High green fringes

We were walking through the rainforest fringe last weekend, descending through layers of green down to the shore, and emerging onto a wind-blasted beach. We knew it was a blustery day, and had wrapped up accordingly. The first part of our walk was in the shelter of the trees, and we thought it was all pretty pleasant. So when we stepped out and into the hard gnashing teeth of the wind, goodness, it was biting.

Colder than it looks…

We trotted up and down the beach at a very brisk pace. Down to the water’s edge and back, and enduring, I mean, enjoying the bracing air. For what was probably the first time ever, Scout was not interested in examining every single washed up log. She had her ears pinned back – streamlining, sensible dog – and attempted to guide her lunatic companions back to the fringe. Yes, at least one of us was thinking clearly.

The sheltered edge

We did find a suitable log to stop and sit on for a short while, mercifully out of the clutches of the wind. The sun almost appeared, and with it a steady trickle of hopeful beach walkers. It was fun to watch them hit the wind zone and then see them scurry back. So it wasn’t just us…

Cool green

A short piece this week from the western fringe as we transition into proper spring. Or hope to. A recent long range forecast was predicting a cool start to the season. Haven’t we just enjoyed that? We’ll continue to head out, whatever the weather, ears pinned back and making the most of it.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Published by

plaidcamper

I am a would be outdoorsman - that is if I had more time, skills and knowledge. When I can, I love being outdoors, just camping, hiking, snowboarding, xc skiing, snowshoeing, paddling a canoe or trying something new. What I lack in ability, I make up for in enthusiasm and having a go. I'd never really survive for long out there in the wild, but I enjoy pretending I could if I had to...

14 thoughts on “Fringe elements”

  1. A delightful account, pc, of the perils, I mean joys, of a brisk spring walk. That hanging moss is really cool, you folks in the PNW have such incredible moss. And fun how you integrated the fringe talk in. I liked the part about sitting on a log and watching the other people go through what you went through. That’s a hiking/outdoor phenomenon that we don’t think about much, but is really interesting. Also liked the photos, espec. that one of the standing trees that have almost no limbs due to the battering wind. Cheers to all three of you, my friend.

    Like

    Reply

  3. I suppose that I’m a fringe-dweller, by choice, and see that wash of coastal logs as something that resembles the society I live pretty darn close to. As for the cool green usnea or hanging moss, that’s where I would be if I had my druthers. Poetic stuff, nicely portrayed, Adam.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Walt! Life experienced around the margins is generally pretty interesting, certainly less conventionally hectic, offering some time and space to figure things out.

      Like

      Reply

  4. Fabulous photos!🙂 I’m always amazed when I see those logs on the beach and love seeing more of the rain forest. Learn something new about Canada every time I visit, since I had to play the song “Lunatic Fringe” that I haven’t heard in awhile and had no idea the band was Canadian. As our state is out of control and leading the country in new COVID-19 cases, I envy your sheltered edge on the western fringe. There has been talk here with the warmer weather of getting the kayaks out and I hope Scout’s cute ears enjoy calmer walks this week.🙂

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you! I didn’t know about Red Rider and this song, so will check it out later.
      Here, it feels like things are opening up too quickly – the vaccines are coming, but not speedily so – and the nonessential travel advisory seems to be ignored. I was hoping we all could just hang in for a few more months, get the bulk of vaccinations completed and then enjoy late summer. Infection rates on the island are climbing, post spring break…
      I hope your temperatures continue to climb enough that the kayak can come out soon! Take care out there!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment