Sorry, friends. I’m on vacation this week, having a wonderful time birding on Dauphin island. My #YearInReview has not been top priority, but this morning I’m taking a minute to let it warm up a bit outside before I head out again.

Back in March 2024, my chapter of Louisiana Master Naturalists was making final plans for the statewide Master Naturalist gathering in April, which we were to host in northeast Louisiana. I was going to be leading a couple of kayak tours of the lake, so I was out scouting.

I have kayaked that lake often but on this occasion, I noticed a point of cypress trees that extended out into the lake. Some of these areas of cypress trees in the water are very shallow and full of stumps and downed branches, such that paddling in among the trees is not feasible.

But on this day in this location, I was able to slip my kayak through the perimeter trees. Suddenly I was in the middle of an open area completely surrounded by majestic trees stretching toward blue sky, fringed with the tender green of new needles just emerging. I laid my paddle across the cockpit and just sat there. After a moment, I remembered my iPhone in my pocket.

This shot, titled Cathédrale de Cyprès, met with exhibition success very quickly. It has been in several online shows. Even if you don’t know French (and I know very little), I’m guessing you understand the title. I chose French just because I love the sound of the French word for “cypress.” It’s pronounced “SEE pray.”