Crystal River/Estuary on the Gulf Coast, Florida — Considered one of the richest estuaries on the planet, the Crystal River was once the home of the Ancient River Dwellers, nearly 10,000 years ago. For a millennium they fished. Their castaway oyster shells gradually built an island from which we watch the sun and its impact on this estuarine community. Silhouetted sabal palms rim the white beach. The sabal is the state tree of Florida. Early rising fishermen wind their way out towards the Gulf, creating tiny waves that lap and rustle the shore side shells. With that disturbance, mullet jump. Morning mist blows softly through the web of a golden orb spider’s web.