Our favorite Mystery Beach is almost full of sand.  Only the southern/eastern tip still holds the beauty – walking across so many colored stones – that one needs to choose – what to collect?

Which color? Texture? Stone? Glass? Mineral? Peanut Butter Jaspers? Greens/Reds/White/Clear? Does is sparkle? Does it shine? Will it be worn? What will it adore? Does it have marble? The wealth of this piece of beach is so glorious to have so many choices.

We have all had the bug this winter – strangely each at different times. Willing to walk the low tides in rain gear – winter gear – surf shoes – tall boots.  To see what will be unearthed – the adrenaline of finding the perfect shape and color for the collection. The joy in meeting fellow hunters with trained necks, no longer aching from staring downward. Teaching new enthusiasts how to walk, what to scan, point to what they are looking –Red, Green and Butterscotch  Jaspar, Carnelian, petrified, banded, yellow, black, and fancy agates, Pirate Glass.

The Spring and Summer storms lay the blanket of sand back on the beaches.  The mighty Pacific pulling the tide farther away from the sea wall – as if she knows that her beaches will be walked on by many, making room.  Tide pools exposed – the season of nesting of the sea birds coming to a close – readying for the summer families to explore.

But those of us who are here year round know.  The Glory of the Winter. The Power of the Storms. The Sound of the Wind. The Crashing of the Waves. The Details of Change. The Mammals, the Sea Creatures that we share this stretch with. The Ebb and Flow.

Onward to warmer fires and dryer sand castles, wet sand encrusted legs and back seats, warmer walks with out the winter garb.

We couldn’t resist lining the pockets at sunset last evening – I took 174 photos – thinned to 56, then posted 25 on Picassa of the Sunsets.  This morning I took a few of our treasures. 🙂