I treated myself to a ride along the Mississippi River levee today. I love this ride because there are no cars so I can turn up my music–today, a jazz mix from WWOZ–and just book it. As I’ve written before, the levee isn’t exactly beautiful. All the trash from 2,340 miles–Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico–ends up near here, much of it washing up on the walls of the levee. There are cans and bottles, refrigerators and unnameable hunks of metal. The debris fields are wide and varied, sometimes colorful, what with all the plastics. On the other side of the levee is River Road, buzzing with cars, and the many neighborhoods of suburban New Orleans. There’s so much about this route that just isn’t that pretty.
But then there are scenes like this one, a snowy egret making her way through the swampy banks, snacking, bobbing her head, and, if you wait long enough, stretching out her wings and flying low along the river. The picture I snapped cordones off all those other views, isolating what might be perceived as “naturally” beautiful. I can, as I ride, attempt to narrow my field of vision as the camera does, but I choose not to. The river, the levee, the cities on either side–all are part of the view. Today, though, I choose to remember this part, this egret in this water, neither of which will necessarily be there tomorrow.
What I Saw Riding My Bike Around Today 
I’ve often wondered if – given the choice – I would choose to see / smell everything or nothing. Would I “narrow my field,” or not.
Your picture makes me glad you did, and your writing makes me glad you did not.
Looking forward to your next ride.
kate,
i’m so excited to discover your blog! i’ve just arrived in seattle (though i write this from sf because i can’t seem to stay in one place for even a minute) and my bike arrived shortly after and i’m so excited to discover this new place on my bike. i live on the biggest hill ever that cars can barely drive up, so i’m excited about walking the last bit home and having extra time to look at the amazing overgrown flowers that are everywhere in seattle, and to eat the endless free blackberries that will be arriving anyday now. come visit me. we have approx 100 years to catch up on.
love,
dean
Lovely writing and photography, Kate…you amaze me.
Dean, I have 3 sisters in Seattle and am going up there on July 20th. Grew up in Oregon where the blackberries are always there for the taking. If you find a big patch, pick a bucketful and make a fresh pie and crust.
Love Seattle and enjoy all of its downtown and Saturday market and the fresh crab.