Earlier this week, my spouse and I had a few days to go birding around Virginia Beach. Tuesday began with dense fog. We visited a location that was new to us: Stumpy Lake Natural Area. Presumably, the lake was named because of the presence of bald cypress trees and their associated “knees”. The combination of fog and trees growing in the middle of the lake made for a very compelling scene.

There is something about cypress swamps that I love. They’re mysterious to me. It may just be that I group up in the chilly mountains of western Maryland, rather than the coastal regions of the southeast. Whatever the reason, I experience these places as full of life, but life that’s hidden. I’m sure there’s something there, but it’s just out of reach. There’s a hint of transcendence within.

This photo evokes that mystery for me. The black/white contrast suggests extremes, but when I look longer, I’m drawn to what is hidden. I’m at a loss for words.