Halloween week and the weather has changed to slightly cooler and breezier days. The exceptionally long and oppressive summer began to scare locals that the high heat and choking humidity would never leave. While on my morning walk I encountered a large group of young and old witches and warlocks preparing to board boats gathered at the town launch. There was a strong breeze and I wondered how long their conical, wide brimmed hats would remain in place once they were out on the open bayou. I admired their long dresses, shawls and witches cloaks but thought it particularly dangerous clothing when choosing to adventure onto open water. If the boat was to encounter difficulty the layers of cloth would soon become saturated and hinder arms and legs trying to swim. The heavier the garments, the more the weight and need to struggle. I figured it was just a Tarpon Springs thing but have since learned that it is a national thing. So questionable yachting fashion is not limited to our little village. Perhaps the dark side of the afterlife is in need of new recruits. I thought it more prudent to sign up for the haunted hay ride being offered by the local chapter of “Friends of the Cigar and Lit Pipe”. What could go wrong?