while vast oceans of truth
lie undiscovered before me.”
lie undiscovered before me.”
Isaac Newton
We were camping at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend, WA.
That afternoon we would walk the beach, taking a route that passes through sand dunes filled with beach grasses, shrubs, and flowers.
Here, nestled down among the dunes and taller plants, a number of flowers thrive.
The tide was ebbing as we began our walk, and we were soon completely absorbed in the sights, sounds, and solitude of the shore.
It is a wily thing, lulling and luring us into its spell...
I imagine I am flying high above the earth looking down and the view is similar - the flowing of streams and rivers carving their paths through the land.
There are flood plains, deltas, large outcroppings of rock; are not the processes and results the same?
Looking up to the bluffs, we see countless eons of deposits that were laid down in remarkable patterns.
Wind and water continue their relentless assault, slowly wearing down and carrying away each particle.
At the top, all things teeter on the edge, waiting their turn to return to the sea in an endless cycle.
Others have been here - we see the signs of their passing...
Some - the daring or foolhardy - seek a more lasting impression. I think most impressions are fleeting at best, and the deepest ones are not necessarily the ones we set out to make.
Others, who must remain in or near the water, have developed unique ways to protect themselves when the tide is out.
The beach is littered with those that have been flung onto the land, whatever the reason - many will survive to be carried out once more when the tide turns.
Many will not...
We treasure our time on the beach
and savor every small gift:
The shell - form and function
perfectly matched.
The rock - solid and strong,
but even it can be broken and changed.
The beach glass -
worn smooth and polished
those who are too anxious,
too greedy, or too impatient.
One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach
- waiting for a gift from the sea."
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
What a beautiful post. This beach is one of my favorite places on earth - you have captured its essence perfectly with your painterly words and photos.
ReplyDeleteCatherine - this is one of our favorite beaches also, although I tend to say that about any beach I'm on. There are so many to choose from around this area. Thanks so much for stopping by here and for your kind comments - see you on the beach!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. It is one of my favorite beaches too. Thanks for your prose and photos Barb. They are a true gift. Peg T.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful way to start my day, reading your heart in words. Beaches are a great treasure and so are you.
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