Finally, now that the sun has decided to take the chill off the earth and it suddenly feels much more temperate all around, it’s the perfect time to take a stroll along the beach. Why wait until it gets unbearably hot, when the tourists creep out of hiding and pollute the shores, and even the bugs and bees seem more ferocious? Just as winter breaks, and the sandy shores are still quiet, that simple strip of undulating water feels like a refuge from the craziness of everyday business. For a brief time during this off-peak season, dogs are still allowed in as well, so it’s a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your canine friend(s).
Not a soul in sight, a peaceful breeze is the only thing we meet on this brisk March morning. Isis romps happily to examine the debris left behind at low tide, being careful not to actually touch the water’s edge. She hates baths and walking in the rain, or just getting wet in general, with a fiery passion, so it’s understandable that she’s wary of this strange mass of moving water.
Trotting out onto a freshly unearthed sandbar, striated with gentle waves that mimic the ocean’s caress, it was there that she paused, and suddenly let out a low growl. Typically easy-going and certainly not aggressive like this, I rushed over to see what she had found.
Laid out nearly straight like an emerald green arrow, I could scarcely believe the object of Isis’s fascination was in fact an electric eel!* Sure, there may occasionally be the odd jellyfish or two that washes up on our beach, but never an eel- They usually stick to the bottom of the ocean floor anyways, so what was this guy doing all the way out here?
Fearing that it might be stuck, and more importantly, that Isis might try to eat it soon if I didn’t do something, I thoughtlessly reached down to scoop the overgrown worm and toss him back into the blue-green waves when…
ZZZzt! Like sticking your fingers in an electrical socket, a jolt of electricity surged through my arm, thoroughly shocking me both literally and figuratively. All the while, that beached little creature looked so innocent and helpless… What a joke!
Quickly putting Isis back on a leash and marching away, I can only wonder how many other poor passersby might have tried to “help” had it been a little bit later in the season, when the people come in droves. I guess it’s a good thing it was just the two of us- But what an electrifying experience!
*Yes, I know that electric eels look different, just humor me here, okay?
That sounds nice and relaxing. Cute eel!
What a crazy adventure. I can’t believe you got shocked! I hope you were able to enjoy the rest of your calm beach experience after that jolt of electricity!
Cute!!
Adorable!
What are the odds of finding an eel on the beach!! And one that is even alive and able to give you electric shocks… I think I have only ever seen those in a sea aquarium. Poor you and poor Isis… I think your substitute eel-friend above looks much friendlier! Where did you even find a eel-toy…?? (who thinks of making one… to begin with. lol)
hehe awwww sweetie that is sooo cute!
I <3 the way you describe the scenery… I can imagine my self lying there righ at this very moment! Wow, you knit/crochet the cutest things! Do you sew on the eyes as well, are thy buttons- I haven’t seen such little black round balls around before. :)
Wow, I have never heard of that happening to anyone…ever! You’re much braver than myself. No matter the pity I could never touch it. Happy to hear you escaped with only a shock :)
Love the color of your eel…so sorry you got shocked though…hope you are fine.
I love reading your stories, and what a story this one was! You are much braver than I. I have lived on the beach my whole life, and never would I reach down and grab an eel!
Love the eel!
!!!
I want one.
I do so love your stories!
BTW, I named my guitar Isis. :)
Your eel is much cuter, and Isis is adorable :)
This is so adorable! You always amaze me, Hannah!
You KNOW I love it! Adorable, Hannah!
Totally adorable :) I’m about to make a cute giraffe for my nephew, just need to stop and get some more yarn at the store! :D
Awesome! The world needs more fuzzy fishes, even if some of them are decidedly un-cuddly.
(However, as an ichthyologist I’m obliged to point out that electric eels live in freshwater, so the little guy is just as happy that you didn’t toss him in the ocean!)
Who ever thought I could think that an eel was cute!
How adorable! I love your creative crocheted creatures! Nice yarn choices. :)
What an interesting idea! And it looks so adorable. My friends were looking through your photos and loved the cookie monster (one insisted that his girlfriend learn how to make one, just for him haha).
SO cute!! As always Hannah.
It’s adorable!
Wonderful job on the eel! It is cute!
The picture of Isis is perfect. Your dog is a model!
LOVE
lovely eel! and i thought they really looked kinda like that, actually. =p
i love your eel!!! he looks so cute! : ) and harmless! im shocked he shocked you! lol
Awwwww! I love him!!! I am sure the shock was an attempt to say “Hey Hannah, I bake with My Sweet Vegan all the time”!!!!
TOO cute!! I don’t say that about electric eels very often! :-)
I must say, that is the cutest eel I’ve ever laid eyes on! I’m jealous of your beach walking, I have to drive three hours to the nearest shore!
teehee, I love the eel!
He’s so cute! You should make him a moray eel friend. I love their mouths.
very cute….thanks for the link, I think I’ll be making my own for the Toy Society………..
Aww, that is too cute!