The storms took a little a little break today – and so did we! Hubby had the afternoon off so we took the time to go look for agates in some beds that have been uncovered at the mouth of the Siletz River.
On a normal beach day – an agate walker, when at the mouth, sees straight across to the Salishan side – however, today, the beach was so far out at low tide, the sands shifted – enough to see past Gleneden Beach and out to the points on the way to Depoe Bay. Beautiful Pink and Blue swaths painted over the skies.
Walking through fresh gravel beds – filled with so many colors, shapes and sizes, that one feels the expanse of wealth, and privilege, to have such a shore open to the public, and us – able to walk them at will. To continue to have areas that our shoe prints are the first in an area on the beach – breath taking.
Jon had a nice collection of agates – I found quite a few petrified pieces an different shells. We all added quite a few blue, green, white and clear sea glass to our jar as well.
My big find of the day – and I do mean big – was a carnelian agate. I found it right at the tip, just at the wave break – it was rolling back and forth. while it was wet, it was a bright pinkish red, when it dried, the edges turned white and dark red. Fingernail markings are all over it. I’m mindful of whacking it with a rock hammer, but I think I’ll show some restraint and bring it to the rock cutter to take a smooth slice from it. It is heavy, and larger than my hand. My favorite find so far on the beach!
+Angie Wright
