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Admiring Winter Ducks Moon

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Good morning everyone. Tuesday was the full Worm moon, the last full moon of winter. Supposedly named because in some areas of the country worm castings became visible around this time of year. A worm in Maine would have to be tougher than a five pound bag of hammers to get through the frost that is just starting to come out of the ground. This moon seems to have many names according to where you live; the full Sap Moon, the Lenten Moon, the Full Crust Moon (in reference to snow, not Mary’s pies), and the full Crow Moon. And why shouldn’t a full moon be named according to what is going on in your reality. The full Let’s Get Ready to Go Sailing Moon. That works for us. Does that mean that April 9th will have the Full Bore Linear Panic Tax Deadline Moon. Take it easy Cap. What natural seasonal ritual is happening in your world that would name your March full moon?

We could certainly call ours the full Sap Moon. The sap is slowly coming to flow in our taps (see last blog) but there is a decided nip in the air this morning on a strong NW wind. It will be a few days yet before we are emptying buckets twice a day. We could also call this the Admiring Winter Ducks Moon. I was down at the schooner the other day when the ducks pictured here were paddling the harbor. The ice has receded back far enough so that they can dabble for small crustaceans close in to the shoreline. Mergansers (both common and hooded) along with buffelhead are winter residents here. You have heard me say it before and I never tire of it… these ducks are cool. They tickle something in my primordial brain that speaks of wild places in the North where I traveled years ago by land and by sea. Photographing them takes patience and a long lens that I honestly need way more practice with. I hope you enjoy these as much as I relished that moment. The reflections are from the masts of the windjammers. Oddly enough a former passenger who lives nearby came down to photograph these same ducks while I was there and we reminisced about happy memories sailing the bay aboard Mary Day and talked about how lucky we are to live in this amazing world.

Have a great day. Be well. Do good.
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Michele B said…
At my place, it is the Full Dog Grooming moon. I'm getting ready to take my dog to the groomer for "spring cleaning." Right now he looks like a matted, dirty dust bunny. Once he is shaved and shampooed, he will become a lean, clean barking machine. He looks so skinny without all that fur! I wish I could get a haircut and return from the beauty parlor looking skinner. LOL
March 12, 2009 at 9:45 AM
Unknown said…
Being a Yankee in King Cotton's court I don't know what the true sons of Dixie call the last full moon of winter. I was outside on the night the moon was full. The white flowers on the Bradford Pear trees seemed to glow opalescent. The red blooms on the Redbud trees seemed darker and maybe even a little sinister. I will call it the Flowering Tree Moon.
March 13, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Michele B said…
You are a very poetic Yankee, Ed. That sounds truly lovely. Whatever we call the moon, and wherever we may be, it is a wondrous thing to see when it is full. Up here in chilly New England, the last full moon of winter brings hope and the promise of spring. And of course, anticipation of SAILING SEASON! ;)
March 16, 2009 at 7:40 AM
Anonymous said…
Just an update for those on the wooden boat cruise last Sept. The engagement between Cecilia and Allen took. We were married on March the 7th.
Looking forward to much happy sailing.
Allen
March 22, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Captains Barry and Jen said…
Hooray Allen & Cecilia! It was so special to have you both aboard last summer during a very special moment. And now to hear that wedding bells have rung! May they ring proud and loud for many years to come.

Did you know that many folks celebrate their 50th anniversary on the Mary Day? We hope to see you sooner! Enjoy!
March 24, 2009 at 2:30 AM
Michele B said…
Cecilia and Allen - Congratulations! Felicitaciones! This is wonderful news! I thought your engagement during the cruise was very romantic. Many years of smooth sailing along the ocean of life. I hope we see you soon aboard the beautiful Mary Day. Abrazos
March 24, 2009 at 9:28 AM
Anonymous said…
Hey, I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say GREAT blog!…..I”ll be checking in on a regularly now….Keep up the good work! :)
March 11, 2010 at 6:38 PM
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