~ Lens-Artists Challenge #370 – Ancient ~

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Lindy Le Coq

Sofia challenges us to “open up the window into the past” with photos of “anything that has had an existence of many years.” You can see her lovely invitation here. As I look about me today on the Long Beach Peninsula, in Washington state, the one constant that is the most ancient is the Pacific Ocean.

For centuries, the Pacific Ocean has inspired peoples living in the Pacific Northwest. Long before British fur trader John Meares, mistook the mouth of the Columbia River for just another Bay (1788) and named it Cape Disappointment, the river and the ocean had been feeding and clothing native populations. I feel blessed to be able to walk along its shoreline on a regular basis, and as the native Chinook people do, feel a spiritual connection by being near the majesty and power of this vast ocean.

In this watery domain live many forms of life, including Jellyfish. The jelly above may be a Fried egg (Phaccellophora camtschatica). It is one of several different kinds of Jellyfish I have found washed up on Long Beach over the years. “Jellyfish have been in existence for at least 500 million years, and possibly 700 million years or more, making them the oldest multi-organ animal group.” (Wikipedia) Older than dinosaurs!

Whenever I see Brown Pelicans, I am struck by what an ancient life form they appear to be. Fossil records date the Pelecanus species’s evolution back at least 30 million years. The modern brown pelican evolved around 5 million years ago in North America.

A fierce advocate for Wildlife Refuges and National Parks, Representative Don Bonker (1937-2023) was responsible for saving an old growth forest, Cedar Grove on Long Island, from being logged and despoiled. Not accessible by land, Long Island is located in the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge near Long Beach, WA. The island hosts a 275 acre cedar grove with trees over 900 years old.

Centuries before Meares (1788), Captain Robert Gray (1792), and Lewis & Clark (1805) this land was stewarded by the Chinook Indian Nation.

Station Camp. https://chinooknation.org/canoe-family/


After 215+ years of broken promises by the United States, the Chinook Indian Nation currently is essentially declared nonexistent in the eyes of the US government. They are unable to access programs and resources which “federally recognized tribes” are entitled to. I find that unconscionable. If you agree with me, you can support them at this website. https://chinooknation.org/political-history/

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Thank you Sofia for another challenge that made me think about who I am and where I am!

Posted in Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature, nature photography, pacific northwest, pacific ocean, photography, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #369: Dreamy ~

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Lindy Le Coq

This week, Ann-Christine asks us what “dreamy” is to us, and wonders how we create dreamy in our photography. You can see her beautiful illustrations of this challenge here. When I happen upon natural settings that radiate ethereal qualities, my task is to recognize what is before me, and take pictures that catch the ephemeral moment. Dreamy images evoke a magical atmosphere, using, as Ann-Christine explains, “soft light, soft focus, delicate tones, and other gentle aspects to produce…an almost surreal or unearthly effect.”

Above, a very low tide, fog in the distance, cirrus clouds streaming above and a few people along the shoreline, create a quiet dreamscape at Long Beach, WA. Below, early morning mist, tinged with pink traces of dawn across the meadow is enchanting.

A Paper Kite Butterfly (Idea leuconoe), having recently emerged from its chrysalis, is a delicate vision of gossamer beauty.

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, St. Louis, MO

Another interpretation of dreamy tends toward more surreal or other-worldly images. It was well after midnight when my husband awakened me saying, “you have got to come see this moon!” Bleary eyed, I looked out, grabbed my cell phone and was able to capture the photo below.

Sunsets at Long Beach, WA often are quite dramatic, filled with action and bright tones. This one is a favorite because of the suffused pastel colors radiating out on small fluffy cumulus clouds.

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

A big thank you to Ann-Christine for this magical theme with so many ways to show our dreamy side!

Posted in Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature, nature photography, outdoors, pacific northwest, pacific ocean, photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #368: Looking Back to Lens Artists Challenge #106, Autumn ~

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Lindy Le Coq

Our host this week, John Steiner continues the Lens-Artists Throwback Series, taking us back to July 2020, when Patti hosted Challenge #106: Autumn. John invites us to showcase the colors of Autumn, so I’ll start with a photo I took last October, at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis. It was a balmy day, the leaves were turning gold and scarlet, and then there was this beautiful wooden bridge!

Right now I’m noticing subtle color changes in my gardens, in Vancouver, WA. The bright blue hydrangea of summer, after being scorched in August, has bounced back with a pretty melange of lavender and mauve blossoms. Now is the time of year to gather a bouquet of mop-heads, because at this stage they dry quite nicely. The seeds of a small maple are ripening, and the holly berries are transitioning from spring chartreuse to winter crimson.

Tomatoes are still growing. Below a lovely heirloom begged me to take its picture! Tomorrow, I’ll cut the last of my basil and make pesto to warm us over the winter.

At Long Beach, WA it’s not the color of the landscape that signals autumn, it’s the birds gathering to stay, or feeding as they migrate. Last week the Sanderling were doing their intricate midair dances all along the shoreline.

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Thank you to John, for giving us reason to love this season in the Northern Hemisphere. All the posts I’ve seen so far, have been stunning and make me want to see them in person!

Posted in Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature, nature photography, outdoors, pacific northwest, photography, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #367: Everyone Should See This ~

Posted on October 4, 2025 by Lindy Le Coq

Joanne Mason of Joanne Mason Photography is the guest host for this week’s challenge. In true Lens-Artists style, she offers a wide open subject that gives us plenty of leeway. Thank you, Joanne! Those of you who follow my blog know I love the Long Beach Peninsula in the state of Washington. So, of course, I think everyone should see it! Most people end their west coast journey at Astoria, if not before. Should you get as far north as Astoria, consider taking a drive across the Megler-Astoria Bridge, an awe-inspiring 4 mile span across the mouth of the Columbia River, from Oregon to Washington.

When you reach the Washington side, head north on HWY 101 to Ilwaco, just a 12 mile jaunt. At the one stoplight, go straight and you will enter one of the least disappointing places you are likely to find in the Wild-Wild West, Cape Disappointment State Park.

The Peninsula is 20 miles of history and natural beauty. Since I’m already late getting this post finished, here are some to the places I’ve visited, and invite you to enjoy! https://www.evergreencoastwa.com/

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Congratulations to Joanne for taking the plunge! It’s a big responsibility, and I thank you for a very inviting subject. Sorry to be so late. It’s just the way my life is right now!

Posted in Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature, nature photography, outdoors, pacific northwest, pacific ocean, photography, travel, weekly photo challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #366: City Mouse/Country Mouse ~

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Lindy Le Coq

Tina takes us on a journey to present our world through the lens of Aesop’s Fable,” The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse.” In her post here Tina invites us to show differences and similarities between the two environments. As always with Lens-Artists, we are allowed to explore the themes in our own creative way, so today I’m offering a little different spin.

Oh, I’m a country mouse, for sure! You can’t see me, because I am burrowed under the dune grass in a nice nest I’ve dug into the sand for myself and my family.

Lots of other animals roam through my beach-side meadow, but they don’t bother me. There’s plenty to eat here with lots of grains I can store away for winter, and bugs I can catch when I’m out and about.

Dogs like to sniff after me and try to pounce, but I’m fast enough to get away – they sure have fun trying to catch me though!

What I have to watch out for is the Birds of Prey, like this Harrier. They live in the trees nearby and scout over the meadow all day long. They float slowly, very close to the ground, and if they see me out foraging, I’m their next meal. Yikes!

Eagles and Hawks also thrive in this part of the country, and they have sharp eyes that can spot me from far away, before I even know they’re on the hunt. So, even though living out here in my country meadow by the beach is generally tranquil and plentiful, I still have to be careful. I love it here though, and wouldn’t have it any other way!

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in birds, Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature, nature photography, outdoors, pacific northwest, pacific ocean, photography, Report from the Edge of a Continent, weekly photo challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #365: Saudade ~

Posted on September 20, 2025 by Lindy Le Coq

Egídio asks us to present photos that “reveal an emotional state of melancholic or profoundly nostalgic longing for a beloved yet absent someone or something.” First, I love this Portuguese word; saudade. Often, I’m taken by a memory that is melancholic or nostalgic, though somehow neither word, alone, captures the essence of the impression. These are elusive whiffs of thought that cause an instant ache when I summon the feelings of the moment, and at the same time, I understand it cannot be re-created.

For thirty years (1983-2013), Creighton and I had our summer vacation at Beach Haven Resort, on Orcas Island. It was a perfect place for me to begin to decompress after another year counseling at a large suburban high school.

We took our 10 speed (alpine gearing) bicycles with us, and every day explored different parts of Orcas, and then ventured further, taking the Ferry to other Islands. Eventually we challenged ourselves to a yearly bicycle pedal from our cabin at sea level, to the top of Mt. Constitution. These photos were taken by Creighton (around 1987) on the road from Moran State Park to the summit, a rise of 1800 ft (548 meters) in 4.8 miles (7.7 K).

Those were the days! There is no way we could make that ride now. Age and balance have taken their toll. Still, I loved visiting the islands and would enjoy returning sometime.

Throughout the summer months Creighton and I stay at our home in Vancouver, WA to avoid the tourist season, and to allow our Long Beach, WA condominium to be available for guests. By mid-August, I start to feel the sense of longing to get back out to the fresh ocean scents, the absence of freeway noise and no air traffic thundering above me.

And, here we are. Which is why I’m so late getting this post completed! Last night’s sunset was another stunner, and the roar I hear in the distance is of the ocean, not of traffic. I feel so fortunate!

Above all, I long for a President of the United States, and an administration which understand, believes in, and upholds their pledge to abide by the Constitution of the United States.

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Thank you to Egídio, for this little trip down memory lane, and an opportunity to count my blessings and hope for better times.

Posted in Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature, nature photography, nostalgia, pacific northwest, pacific ocean, photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #364: Quiet Moment ~

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Lindy Le Coq

Ritva invites us to showcase photographs that create a calm and soothing atmosphere; “images that evoke feelings of peace and contemplation.” Finding quiet moments that provide a sense of serenity is central to my mental well-being, so it was a delight to look through my archives for photos that radiate the nature of tranquility.

Miller Lake, a natural fresh water beauty in the Cascade Mountain range of Oregon. Its lovely blue tones invite me to relax.

Looking up to a clear sky through leafy branches, encourages me to take a deep breath and contemplate the beauty all around me. Even in my own back yard!

A couple walk together on a misty morning, low tide at Long Beach, WA.

Long Beach, with the gentle flow of tide sparkling in afternoon sunlight, washing away my cares.

An Anna’s hummingbird supping on Fuchsia blossom nectar represents the essence of harmony and balance in my world.

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Here’s to Ritva and all the Lens-Artist hosts for providing us challenges that keep us engaged and often sooth our souls.

Posted in Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature photography, pacific northwest, pacific ocean, photography, travel, weekly photo challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #363: Virtual Scavenger Hunt ~

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Lindy Le Coq

This week Anne invites us to showcase 5-10 photos that exemplify something from the 20 specific categories she suggests. With this wide-open theme, I decided to select only nature photos, which helped me include some shots that I might not ordinarily feature. My first image, a Dune Rune, features both wavy lines and a very cool shadow

In order to flourish, mushrooms and toadstools need moisture. Once open, they provide lovely little cups that catch water.

Alloniscus is a wood-louse that navigates under the sandy beach at night, and is a major contributor to my collection of Dune Runes. Below, is an almost perfect circle!

So smooth and soft we know not to handle the wings of a butterfly. Below, a Monarch with it’s distinct color pattern, feeds upon daisies.

Zigzag lines were etched in the sand by the Pacific Ocean as the tide receded.

A big bouquet of kelp glistens in the sun at low tide. Why am I taking photos of this, I asked myself. Well, because it’s pretty and has such a wonderful bumpy texture!

Nature provides the template for designs. Milkweed seed-heads are among the many that draw my attention and beg to be photographed.

“…as small as a world and as large as alone.” ee cummings

Thanks to Anne for another opportunity to feature some overlooked photos in my archives!

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in butterflies, Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature, nature photography, outdoors, pacific northwest, pacific ocean, photography, weekly photo challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #362: Sports, Sporting Events and Fun Games ~

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Lindy Le Coq

This week Beth hosts the challenge asking us to feature sports activities. I thought about it all week; the different sporting events I’ve been to (football, baseball, basketball, formula 1 auto racing, rodeos, hydroplane racing…) and all the competitive and fun runs I participated in, and the years of bicycling with my husband sometimes camping, other times on day rides, all happy memories now. Although I walk every day, it’s for my health and socializing, not competitive. The only true sport I am involved in these years is fishing with my family. We don’t compete with each other or with other boats. For us fishing is a team sport that requires the expertise of all who are in the boat!

Most important is having the boat and all the gear required to be successful, which my brother-in-law and sister provide. They also know how to operate it and where we might have luck catching fish, and with what!

Once the lines go in the water, the anticipation begins!

My niece Marie knows how to catch fish. Her expertise has been cultivated by her parents who make sure she has opportunities to put a line in the water every year. Her faith, based on indigenous beliefs, includes a ritual of kissing each fish she catches with a blessing of thanks, before slipping it into the icy cooler.
“I want to make sure the fish spirits know that I honor their sacrifice,” she told me when I asked about her motivation. “I need those spirits on my side!”
As she pulled in a third Kokanee while I had none, I mused about this. In our family there is a multi-generational ethic of respecting the earth and her creatures. We leave places we visit in better condition than we found them, and we are stewards of the waters and land. We process what we harvest and share it with our family and friends. My husband Creighton, who is mostly vegetarian, calls the fish I bring home “honest food.”
Before long, I had a strong strike and with the help of my sister Diana’s expert netting, my first fish of the day was in the boat.
“Let me kiss it,” Marie exclaimed. “It doesn’t matter who catches it, I like to kiss all the fish we catch.” After she blessed it, I too kissed my fish and then placed it on ice.
Moments later, as I was letting my line out, Marie shouted, “fish on,” and started reeling in. I had just set my line, when it popped off and to my amazement I had a fish as well! Diana netted Marie’s and then mine for our first “two-fer” of this fishing trip. Marie and I each kissed both fish, put them in the cooler and bated our lures. Within a few minutes after getting our lines down, it happened again; I had a strike and was reeling in when Marie got a strike too. Diana steadfastly managed the net to help us get first one fish in the boat, empty the net of fish and lure, and turn around for the second one. This happened at least 7-8 times – maybe more – we lost count, but all agreed this was a new “two-fer” record for our boat!

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Hope everyone has a fun, safe Labor Day weekend. Thanks to Beth for giving me an excuse to show some of the joy my family and I have with fishing!

Posted in fishing, Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature, nature photography, outdoors, pacific northwest | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

~ Lens-Artist Challenge #351: Looking back to #20 – Doors ~

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Lindy Le Coq

Doors. Hmmm. Dear Sophia asks us to show our best photos of doors, from near and far, from humble to ornate. As it turns out, I have very few shots of actual doors, however since doors are portals – gateways to what lies beyond – I’ll start with a couple nice entryways. Arches invite us to visit the space beyond.

A necessary accessory of living in buildings, doors keep the cold out, let fresh air, friends and sunshine in, and provide a modicum of protection from unwanted intruders.

In the wild pioneer west of the USA, there was no need to make a door beautiful. It was a functional and necessary component of a building. What mattered more, was (and is) that which lies on the other side of the entrance.

As I write and post this, I’m sitting on my deck with a gentle cool breeze this morning. By afternoon, and for the next 5 days the temperature will be in the range of 95-100ºF (35-38ºC). That’s when I say, God bless my heat pump! Thanks to Sophia for providing beautiful examples of doors around the world. See her post here.

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in architecture, Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, pacific northwest, photography | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments