Stream and Sand Abstract at South Harris Beach (+7 insets)

(+7 insets) (This image looks super cool against black, please click!) (Please scroll down to "Today's Image" for photo info)

Notes Written on the Road: The Kayakers
I love my morning walks because there's no telling what I'll find, and on this morning, I was stunned by the show I got to watch!

Heading down Rock Beach Trail, which leads to North Harris Beach, I looked out at the gorgeous view as I went. At the top of the steep hill is a perfectly-placed bench and I passed an older gentleman perched there, chatting with someone on his phone. I mused to myself as I passed by, "That's not a bad place to be!"

I zigzagged down the roughly-paved trail, making sure to watch my step. I couldn't help looking out at the staggering view of the rock-strewn coastline and the last thing I needed to do was trip! At one point I spotted a splash of bright orange--what was that? Heading closer, I could see it was couple making their way down to the water with a pair of nested kayaks. Woah…seriously? I thought they might be insane but hey, maybe they weren't!

A few moments later I emerged onto the southern end of North Harris Beach and traced the water's edge, appreciating the lovely shapes of the waves sneaking up the beach. Looking up, I saw the couple had set their kayaks down and brought one closer to the water. They were arranging gear, a fishing pole, a paddle, and tucking in loose items.

I stood and watched from a distance and could see they were totally relaxed and confident--likely they'd done this plenty of times in the past. The pair moved towards the water for a moment, discussing the plan of attack with many gestures. Soon they walked back, grabbed each end of the woman's kayak and made their way out into the water, waves racing around their ankles and then knees. They watched the waves and moved into the water bit by bit until they were about knee-deep; the woman then took over and, with the timing coinciding with the breaking waves, she straddled and sank into her kayak and then puddled furiously as a small wave came her way. Crashing through the crest, her boat easily maneuvered the frothy spray and she was on her way!

I gawked and shook my head, feeling totally stunned by what I'd witnessed. Even though the waves were very small and the surf quite mild, it's not an easy thing to get a boat through waves and into the deeper, calmer water. Kayaks are so tippy that I really wasn't sure it was possible. But as I stood and clapped my hands in joy for the lady, she negotiated the other waves coming her way with fast, strong strokes of her paddle and emerged on the other side in calm water, totally victorious! Hooray!!! Her man turned and quickly got his kayak down to the water and negotiated the waves with perfect timing and experience, joining her in just a few minutes. WHAT FUN IT WAS TO WATCH THIS!! There's something extra fun about watching something that doesn't seem possible and get the reward of seeing it happen right in front of you! (Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of this cool show but it's a memory I'll never forget!)

Today's Picture
I'm just crazy about the patterns, shapes and reflections that water and sand create. Waves rushing up on the shore and retreating leave such cool textures. And, if you're lucky enough to have a creek running into the ocean, the fabulous imagery is simply endless! The main picture today shows a very abstract and beautiful shape of sand with stream water making its way down to the ocean.

Today's Insets
I've included a handful of images I captured at the same time…in fact, I have so many useable images that I had to stop myself from processing more! Here's what I've included:
• a view of a creek meeting the ocean, accented with a huge boulder and seagulls
• a young seagull standing in a retreating wave, looking for a tidbit
• a shallow dof shot focused on an interesting rock with receding water lines and lots of cool bokeh to enjoy behind
• one of the countless beautiful rocks in the sand which cried out for a picture
• a still life featuring some rocks and the tracks of little clams (I think!)
• a nearly-submerged rock covered with seaweed and kelp
• an artistic image showing the pattern left by retreating waves In the sand. To me, it looks like an aerial photograph from miles above!

Thank You For Stopping By!
Every visit I get makes me smile and feel grateful that I can share images that you like to see. The words you leave me are so nice, I am often left blushing with joy! I also enjoy thinking about the things you relate to me, memories that come to mind. It's so much fun to trade our comments back and forth! My visits to your photos are always full of great surprises, wonder and delight, and I enjoy letting you know what I'm thinking. Aren't we lucky to have such a warm community?! Have a super day and rest of your week! :)

Explored on 11/23/21; highest placement #3.