Geologically the Same but Biologically Different

As we travel further north, I notice that the water is clearer. The invasive zebra mussel has cleaned out much of the clutter in the waters of the great lake. On first look, this appears to be a blessing. However, the clarity of the water allows the submerged vegetation to grow at greater depths and this has the unfortunate side effect of increasing the mass of rotting vegetation at water's edge. The smell is quite pungently potent and compares rather unfavorably with the campground toilets of my youth spent in various travel camps in eastern Europe.

The communities have undertaken many temporary measures to combat this vile green menace. Just yesterday, I spotted paddleboats that had been designed specifically for mowing the seagrass. There is not much one can do as the chemistry of the lakes are being changed irrevocably. Such is the folly of the wages of sin or some such reproving proverb.

The beaches remain much as I remember them, aside from the olfactory factors. I built an underwater cairn at a limestone pebbled beach to memorialize certain memories of my youth and more recent events. I visited the establishment which had provided me with many frozen repasts and was satisfied.

Today, we venture further north into my past and memory.