Our host this week, Sophie Alves of photographia asks us to consider the subject of Minimalism/Maximalism and suggests we could think of it as Simplicity/Complexity or Sparce/Full. I admit that I love some of the understated/toned down/spare images I have photographed over the years. At the same time, I prize the bright/complex/full photos in my archives.
Light/hue
Above, minimal light and color as the sun sets on a foggy afternoon create a sense of quiet peace. Below, a similar view after sunset, washed in color and dappled light is infused with mystery.
Quantity
Above, a single songbird calling from atop a post on a misty day, creates a sense of solitude. Below, migrating shorebirds flock together filling the beach and sky. All four images presented so far have not been enhanced or filtered. These are the colors the camera caught when I took the photos.
Texture/Surface
Above, a drift of snow lies undisturbed on a winter evening. In contrast, frozen foot and paw prints on a sand trail to the beach, flanked by frosty dune grass is filled with movement.
Whether you prefer the quiet or the bright, please honor our earth, be kind and stay safe.🐾
As I was thinking about what photos to present in this challenge, I realized that for my Wordless Wednesday posts there are usually three photos focusing on one theme to tell a story wordlessly. All of my snaps this week are from the archives. Hope you enjoy!
North Head Lighthouse
Cape Disappointment has two lighthouses. From the beach where I walk with my beagles, the North Head lighthouse is a prominent feature. It overlooks what has been called “the graveyard of the Pacific” by seafarers, for the dangers presented by the Columbia River entering the Pacific Ocean. When the lighthouse was reopened for visitors, Creighton and I jumped at the chance to see it from the inside
Bald Eagles – Haliaeetus leucocephalus
This breeding pair of Bald Eagles was not happy to have an almost mature Bald Eagle intrude upon their territory. Notice their expressions and body language!
Western Gull – Larus occidentalis
The ubiquitous gulls fascinate me for their various feathering and behavior patterns. As with eagles, gull maturity can be determined by the color of their bills, in addition to their body and wing feather colors.
Jack-In-The-Pulpit ~ Arisaema triphyllum
Three stems of Jack-In-The-Pulpit emerged in late spring – to my delight! For as long as I have known about them, I wanted this fascinating looking plant. A perennial, it continues to please me every spring and summer.
Wherever you find Three of a Kind, please honor our earth, be charitable and stay safe.🐾
Thank you Ann Christine, for a theme with so many possibilities!
Many little things have added up to cause me to be late with this post. Still, I am happy to share a few of the little things that brought a smile to my face and prompted me to take a shot.
Above, a mother tree with a young seedling nestled in its ancient roots. Below, though pixelated, the best photo I have of a fledgling Killdeer.
The contrast in size between the little tricycle in the back of a pickup truck started my day with a smile. I’ve been saving this photo for just the right challenge!
A daisy peeking through conifer branches, a damselfly by the creek, and a tiny frilled mushroom in dune grass are just a few of the small things in nature that bring delight to my life.
Max and Daisy were always happy when we crossed paths with these two women on our walks around the Breakers. Treats were in her pocket and she enjoyed sharing!
Wherever you enjoy every little thing, please honor our earth, be kind and stay safe.🐾
Thank you Amy for giving us a reason to smile in the midst of the anguish in our times.
Cranberries have been farmed on and around the Long Beach Peninsula since the late 1800’s. At first growers would pick the cranberries by hand, which is okay for a family and community harvest, however unsustainable for future a commercial ventures.
The Furford dry harvest picker was first introduced by Julius Furford of Grayland, WA in 1956. Power is supplied by a 4-6 h.p. gas engine.
“During WWII growers welcomed the increased demand for cranberries to help feed the troops, but the shortage of labor for hand-picking prompted them to look for more efficient, mechanized harvesting methods to improve production. One of the most unique pieces of equipment developed to do the job was the vacuum or ‘suction” picking machine.” Cranberry Museum
Today most cranberries are harvested using a technique known as wet harvesting. The bog is flooded with water and the cranberries float to the surface, where they are easily scooped up.
The Cranberry Museum is located on the Washington State University Agricultural Extension scientific research ground on Pioneer Road. Hope you visit and buy some of their delicious cranberry condiments!
Thanks to John for getting me to focus on one small and important part of the history of this stretch of sand along the western edge of the USA continent!
Wherever you walk, please honor our earth, be kind and stay safe.🐾
Walking With Eagles is a collection of original poems and photographs by Lindy Low Le Coq. A lifelong naturalist, amateur photographer and bird enthusiast, Lindy’s verse, composition and photographs open a window into the essence of her subjects. Her poems and photography reflect the rich natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest.
Bald Eagles mature over the course of five years. Walking With Eagles invites the reader to take a poetic and visual tour of this odyssey.
view ~ Walking With Eagles ~ in top menu bar for a preview, though the folio is much nicer!