Ghosts Among the Shrouds

 Walking the docks at the Oriental marina, we saw a panorama in three directions, every way but north.

 The setting sun threw its pink sheen on all clouds in the sky.

 This is a common shot across Smith Creek.

 Imagine how tiny we are, compared to one mammoth cloud on one late afternoon.

 The seagulls did not appreciate being disturbed.

 A few days ago the dinghy dock was under water. The fellow living on the blue sailboat at anchor had the misfortune of coming ashore, tying his dinghy up, and then (I suppose?) swimming to it later?

 I guess he could walk and get wet feet. How'd you like to motor (or row) a dinghy to shore every time you needed something?

 Hodges Street was also sopping. That dark blue van sat there, somewhat immersed, for days.

 This much water cuts down on business at the Bean, but they have stalwart customers not fearful of damp feet.

 All this water was not a result of rain. We simply had strong winds blowing in for days on end, pushing the ocean water into the sound, and the sound water into the river, and the river water into our streets.

 Adam and I took our usual stroll around Whittaker marina while on our bike ride. I hope they don't mind. We claim we are checking out their boats for sale, and thus we are allowed on their docks.  Not sure that argument would fly, but no one's ever told us to leave, and how else are potential buyers supposed to see the boats for sale? They have a dinghy collection.

We like the east dock at Whittaker best. It was very windy that night, and as we turned left to walk along the dock, we heard the strangest noises.

 A ghostly choir rang out from among the boats. A ringing, howling ensemble of voices rose from the shrouds. I apologize for the wind noise, blowing into the camera's microphone. It obscures the sound I want you to hear, on these two videos. Listen carefully, under the wind.

Past the clanging, after the wind, when I turn to the right, you can hear what we heard. Listen to the end.

(shroud: n., a set of ropes forming part of the standing rigging of a sailing vessel and supporting the mast from the sides)