This morning I was signed up for the Run for the Beaches fun run on Treasure Island. I checked in, attached my number bib, and started stretching. But then, I looked down and my plans immediately changed.

I spotted a small sand dollar that was still alive and knew I had to move it out of the way of the impending stampede. I placed it gently back in the water but by then I had noticed a small piece of coral, and the fog over the water, and a larger sand dollar, and the run was over for me!

I still completed the route and I’m so glad I did because on my return trip I spotted a small Southern Stingray (Hypanus americanus) in the shallows. The ray wasn’t happy to see me so it quickly glided off before burying itself in the sand.

I didn’t set any records this morning but it was certainly another memorable day on island!