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John and Ann Byrnes, 2nd and 3rd from the right, standing on Mud Slough bridge with friends and a loyal puppy-dog. John first started to come to Drawbridge as a young man, drawn by the lure of abundant wildlife.

Ya gotta love the style. These 1903 swimsuits are to die for. It is my understanding, after speaking to San Jose historian Leonard McKay, that the suits were made of wool. A material which becomes leaden when wet - like wearing a billowy anchor.

John worked at the San Francisco Mint. Little did he know he was only three years away from the "Big One" - a euphemism used by Californios for the next major earthquake.

Almost a hundred years have passed since this photo was taken. The sun was shining bright on the young faces that day. The passing of years, and the turning of the sun, are relentless.

Best to seek for eternity in an hour, as William Blake did.

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