When it comes to lasting memories, this was one of those perfect summer days. We still remember last summer when there was more fog and drizzle than sunshine. This year has lent itself to daily photographs that have been sun splashed. Our morning began as all our mornings (including a visit to Mica and with carrots), but after lunch, I was restless to spend the rest of the day outdoors. I never have to ask Ken twice to go out for a drive, so we set out with one destination in mind, but got sidetracked three times over! Always on the lookout for a photo opportunity, we headed away from town and went down a side road to what used to be an alpaca farm. I know the couple had a baby about three years ago, and we found the pasture now lays empty... Further down the road yielded today's picture at Sand Dollar Beach. The tide was a long ways out and we walked a fair distance to the shore line before venturing out, further still, in only ankle-deep water. (Doesn't the wave action leave amazing ripples in the sand?!) The day was warm, as was the water. I had no trouble taking 200 pictures of the beauty all around us and the 15 other people that shared the beach at that time. (This is SO unlike the crowded So. California beaches!)
On down the road we turned off in the direction of Hirtles Beach, and tonight I was torn as to which beach photo to share. Here I took another 150! Hirtles is a long, deep beach with beautiful Cape-style homes perched on the bluff on one direction and a sloping green hillside followed by dense pine trees along the water's edge in the other direction. People were in swim suits, children were riding boogie boards, a man was flying a colorful dragon-kite, couples were walking along in the water's edge, as we were, and dogs romped in the surf. Here, the sound of the surf rolling in fills the air. How wonderful it must be for the home owners nearby to hear that sound day and night!
It wasn't until 6 that we headed back home, sun-kissed and refreshed for having spent all day out walking. It cost nothing to entertain ourselves in this fashion but gave us everything we could have hoped for in the form of a shared experience on a glorious day! Today was another Gift and yes, I'm thankful!
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Due to some comments, I'll add, that's sand that's rippled, and a little water left in the indentations. The shore line is still a ways out to the right of the picture. When I said "Low Tide", it's *really* low!
what a lovely photo to commemorate your wonderful day!! that terrifically huge expanse of beach is beautiful--and the scene in the background is equally so!! in all, it's just a little piece of heaven on earth!!
did you find any sand dollars? (:
Brett brings up a point...I've seen many sand dollars collected there, but I didn't see any today. We did, however, see many live clams; I've never seen them poking up out of the sand like that before.
Louise, I am so happy you had another beautiful day!! ;-)) A walk on the beach at low tide sounds so relaxing and rejuvenating! :) We have a beach in Bulgaria where the sand is always on little ripples like these, and I also find it so amazing! After watching the meteor shower last night, I can't help but thinking how wonderfully constructed the whole Universe is! There are so many miracles in nature, and it's nice to find the time to observe and enjoy them! It's free entertainment, and no doubt one of the best you can find! :-)
Your note from last night made my heart melt! Thank you for all the sweet and wonderful words!! Even though we have never met I feel like I've known you and I am so happy you are my friend! ;-) Your birthday celebrations sounds like a gourmet feast! The unhealthy calories are the best ones, especially when consumed in good company! I am glad to hear Dill is doing good (I read your comment on Brett's page), and he'll be joining in the festivities! :-) Your photos and sentiments are always a delight! It's your positive outlook, your generous nature and your radiant smile that attract only wonderful experiences and people along the way!
Wishing you more beautiful weather and a sunny weekend ahead! :-))
Hi dear Louise. I am just leaving this comment to say hello and that I wish you and your family best of luck. I hope your surely beautiful grand child is O.K. and healthy. Kiss him or her on my behalf. Good Luck.
Beautiful shot Louise, what are 'sand dollars' and have you thought of getting a flickr account where you can share your other pics that don't make it on here, you live in a very beautiful corner of the world Louise.
I agree with Slava what aovelt sentiment to share
Sounds like you had another great day. I loved being at Machans beach in Cairns where there are sand dollars and clams and even ripples like these and rubbish free water. Love the Pine trees right down to the sand.
I love the way the water ripples the sand like that. Your day sounds absolutely perfect! I don't think you could have asked for a better way to spend time together.
Louise this is just the most beautiful photograph. The ripples are amazing and offer up many leading lines, I love the reflection is the little tide pool mid-frame and the house in the back....it is all just so perfect
beautiful photo! man i have missed 365! i have been so busy this summer. i move back to school on the 20th so hopefully ill be better with keeping up with 365 after then.
That's awesome. I wish I could just go out and take a walk ALL day! :D I love nature and I would spend all day out if I could! :D But it's so nice to hear about your day. :D I'm glad you could take lots of photos beautiful photos. (As always.) ;D
wow what a beautiful shot Louise!!! I really must say that this is so awesome. I see like the calm water in the middle, and reminds me of a hurricane with the "eye of the storm" being the calmest! This is truly an amazing capture. :D
I am glad you had such a lovely day. Reading your description of the day's activities made me smile. It must have been very difficult to pick one photo out of the 350 or so you took but this one is just fantastic. I love those amazing ripples in the sand and the trees and blue sky in the background. Simply divine!
did you find any sand dollars? (:
Your note from last night made my heart melt! Thank you for all the sweet and wonderful words!! Even though we have never met I feel like I've known you and I am so happy you are my friend! ;-) Your birthday celebrations sounds like a gourmet feast! The unhealthy calories are the best ones, especially when consumed in good company! I am glad to hear Dill is doing good (I read your comment on Brett's page), and he'll be joining in the festivities! :-) Your photos and sentiments are always a delight! It's your positive outlook, your generous nature and your radiant smile that attract only wonderful experiences and people along the way!
Wishing you more beautiful weather and a sunny weekend ahead! :-))
I agree with Slava what aovelt sentiment to share