On the California coast: What's that thing?

OCEANSIDE, Calif. — It is good to know there are more of us than there are of them, but enough with this election.

Other matters are worth considering in this muddled-up world, including godwits, surfers and Californians, to name just three.

Mrs. Ericson and I are on holiday in Southern California, just two near-pensioners looking for warmth. We’ve spent much of our time walking beaches, including the shore along Oceanside in north San Diego County. We like how crashing waves muffle all other sounds. We like the ocean’s chaos and calm. Occasionally, we’ll lean against each other and stare at t...