Flocks of blue heron and white pelican set upon the river beside me. I watch from the hammock. It is still dark with a spot of dim light off in the distance. The wind is blowing cool air, and I sway relaxed and rested.
That dim light brightens to a warm glow, announcing the arrival of the sun. Now above the horizon, the air climbs from cool to scorching almost instantly.
I step onto the ground and walk to the camper. Nancy and Moe are beginning their day. Nancy sits in the shade, enjoying cold cereal. I, standing in the sun, begin the task of cooking eggs and toast. The wind is so strong that it blows the heat away from the skillet. Cooking is slow, nearly impossible.
Breakfast is over. We sit in the shade. The sun rises, the shade moves. We move back into the shade. This repetition seems endless. I suggest we hike the Tonkawa Trail, a disappointing effort.
2 p.m. 97° feels like 110°.
We have cold pulled pork and macaroni salad for a late dinner. It is too hot to want to eat, but the cold food is good. It is 7:30 p.m. and the hazy, hot sun is beginning to sink in the sky.
When the heat drops a bit more, I’ll shower and settle in for the night.