Light

"Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass"  ~ Anton Chekov

And so it is for the writer, that we should show, not tell, the story in our mind's eye. Would that I had the descriptive gifts of Dickens or the eye of Ansel Adams to accurately convey the quality of the light by the river this afternoon through words or images.  Despite being a very amateur photographer, I look forward to sharing the pictures I took down by the tributary to the San Lorenzo with my "good camera" upon our return.   The images below, taken with my iPhone, don't begin to do justice to the day (except that second last one with the sky reflecting in the water - that one is pretty fabulous).  

Our young researchers engaged in thoughtful exploration to ascertain the quality of the river water through the pH level as well as the presence of vertebrate and non-vertebrate indicators.  When their field teacher asked what they thought of the activity, one student replied, "Who knew research could be such fun?"  There were a few wet socks and shoes, but that price was well worth a rich, scientific investigation.   Frankly, I could have spent the entire afternoon by the bridge watching the students explore, wonder, and learn.  It is a lovely gift to take on the role of observer while a talented teacher leads your students in such an engaging task.  

I can't believe that we will be home in less than 24 hours.  The time flies by and it seems that we are barely getting started before we have to begin to pack up.  While they can't possibly know how lucky they are to have your support to live in this beautiful place for 4 days, we teachers do and are grateful for your cooperation and generosity to make it all happen.