tashlich, kinda sorta

During the ten High Holy Days of the Jewish New Year, there is a ritual of atonement which involves casting one's sins into a large body of flowing water.

I am well acquainted with telling my troubles to the ocean and watching as it graciously carries them into its depths.

So, when I read on fb that the Savannah JEA was having its 4th Annual Reverse Tashlich, that sounded like it was made for me!

"With Reverse Tashlich, we’re turning symbolism into action by removing human "sin" from the water. Reverse Tashlich provides an opportunity to come together and engage in a hands-on effort to clean up our beaches, rivers, and shorelines, removing the plastic, trash, and other debris that threaten marine ecosystems. By removing the waste we have allowed to accumulate, we protect marine life and ecosystems that are essential for life on Earth to survive, while also fulfilling the mitzvah of Bal Tashchit."

Does that not sound tailor-made for me?

Instead of me casting my troubles out with the tide, I would support the ocean by removing physical rubbish before it could travel out to sea. 

So I registered to let the SavJEA know I would be there.

And guess what happened when I arrived?

I was greeted enthusiastically and BY MY NAME.

Seriously.

The woman in charge knew MY NAME and was actively awaiting my arrival to the Tybee Pier and Pavilion.

Right place, right time.

i thank You, God. 

I took my blue bucket into the edge of the dunes, knowing paper and plastic trash would have blown up there from beach picnics.

My quest met with almost immediate success!

I didn't even need to don the protective gloves I'd been given.

 

After canvassing the area north of the pier for another twenty minutes, collecting small fragments of paper and plastic, I returned to the pier.

I had spotted two white, plastic, grocery bags trapped in this area between the ramp and the pavilion.

Could I possibly reach that area by going around the pavilion?

No, that didn't work, so I went under the stone structure, making my way slowly to the southwest corner, for the area by the entrance ramp.

Success!

Out from the pavilion area, I made sure to take this shot to show the bags safely retrieved.

 

Up the side stairs I returned, adding my bucket to the group of pails already gathered by others.

Then I enjoyed my reward: a juicy clementine, with cold water, and a dragon patrolling the overcast sky above the beach.

Right place, right time!