Why was the sand wet? Because the sea weed!
Apparently that was voted the funniest joke of all time in a poll of British seven- to twelve-year-olds. Itโs also been known to make more than a few adults snigger! So while I should perhaps apologise for the slightly scatological humour, I hope it made at least a few of my readers laugh.
For this weekโs Lens Artists challenge Anne asks us to share shoreline photos. But having very recently posted a gallery of beach photos (albeit in black and white) I thought it would be more interesting to do something a little different for this one. So instead Iโve focused on things found along the shoreline, mainly seaweed and shells.
Thereโs something very photogenic about the strands of seaweed we find on the shore. The colours are often rich, the shapes sensuous and sculptural. When I walk on a beach I often find myself pointing the camera downwards, looking for seaweeds, almost as much as towards the sea.
Hover over each image to find out where it was taken. If it doesnโt say otherwise, all are somewhere in England. My feature photo was taken at Druridge Bay, one of our favourite Northumberland beaches. And if many of those below were also taken in Northumberland, thatโs not so surprising. It does have some of the loveliest beaches in England! But maybe I should be keeping that a secret?!
Shoreline seashells
Of course by the sea we also have to have seashells. Can you say this tongue-twister?
She sells sea shells by the sea shore. The shells she sells are sea shells I’m sure. So if she sells shells on the sea shore, I’m sure she sells seashore shells.
Itโs one of the few I can usually manage without stumbling over the words too much. So here are some shoreline shells, some even still occupied! Unlike the seaweed images, these were taken all over the world. So again, do hover over any shot for a caption. Or click to open a slideshow of all.
We’re off to Paris for a few days tomorrow, so apologies if Iโm slower than usual to reply to comments, although I will be reading them all.
54 Comments
Ruth Rosenfeld
There are always interesting finds at a beach! I end up picking up shells but I already have way too many.
Sarah Wilkie
It’s easy to be tempted by the shells but these days I try to just photograph them and leave them be – however a few striking ones occasionally accompany me home!
equinoxio21
Shells are magic. I remember the “razor clams” from my childhood. We call them “couteaux”.
Sarah Wilkie
Ah yes, I recognise that word ๐ They were on lots of menus in Paris, they must be in season, but I have to be careful with shellfish so I didn’t order them.
Alison
Such a beautiful gallery Sarah as always. The pink seaweed is my favourite.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Alison. I think most people like the pink best ๐
Annie Berger
I don’t ever remember seeing such vibrant hues of seaweed before, Sarah. Lucky you having access to beautiful beaches in Northumberland. I wouldn’t have thought the rock pool shot was seaweed but its rocky texture appealed to me. Smiled at the word ‘snigger’ as I I haven’t heard that in eons! Hope you had a fun (anniversary?) escape in Paris.
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, our anniversary (43rd!) and we’re having a great time as usual ๐ Thank you ๐
grandmisadventures
Proof that kids have a great sense of humor and help adults to see the funny in things too. Great pictures- I love the bright pink seaweed weaving through the rocks
Sarah Wilkie
Haha yes ๐ I loved the bright pink too! Thank you Meg.
wetanddustyroads
The treasures one can find on the beach! That’s why I love walking on the beach so much (and, of course, hearing the breaking of the surf). Beautiful photos – I like the stones and seaweed in Reculver (the different colours are striking).
Sarah Wilkie
Treasures indeed! Thank you, I’m glad you liked seeing those colours ๐
JohnRH
Great great photos, funny jokes and poems. Well done.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you John ๐
Anonymous
Sometime in the late 40s, my mother figured out a way to use seaweed to make artistic cards. In her case she had us making place cards for dinner parties (you wrote the person’s name on the card who was to sit in that seat at the table). You floated a bit of seaweed onto the card, arranged it flowingly, and when it was dry, the seaweed would be stuck to the card. Cheap. And also fun to do.
When I look at shells, I look for the little holes that some mollusks like oyster drills (or other sea creatures) have drilled in the shell in order to enable the eating of the contents.
Rosalie
Sarah Wilkie
I remember that people used to use seaweed like that, though I never tried it myself. And I like spotting those holes too ๐
Sofia Alves
Fantastic photos for a very creative take on the challenge. I love the colours and textures, these are beautiful, Sarah. Enjoy Paris, as you obviously will and happy anniversary.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Sofia, glad you enjoyed these images and my approach ๐
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
That pink, rhubarb coloured seaweed is my favourite. Quite unusual. Enjoy Paris (as if it needs saying – you will)!
Sarah Wilkie
I was really taken by the colour of that one – thanks Anabel. And yes, of course we’ll enjoy Paris!
Teresa
Love your gallery especially your featured photo.
BTW have a great time in Paris, Sarah. Your anniversary, right?
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Teresa ๐ Yes, our anniversary tomorrow!
Easymalc
Great selection again Sarah. Enjoy Paris!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Malcolm ๐
Anna
Your photos are great as always, but the sea weed joke had me spit out my coffee! Shows my level of maturity when such a cringe joke can make me laugh so hard! Im telling the kid that joke when i collect her from school today! ๐
Sarah Wilkie
Haha, so glad you enjoyed it Anna ๐
Leanne Cole
Great observations Sarah, I’m not always good at looking closely.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Leanne ๐ But it’s clear from your own photography that you do often look very closely!
Leanne Cole
Only with flowers.
Sarah Wilkie
๐๐บ
Tina Schell
Very creative Sarah, and I think well within the outer confines of the challenge ! I loved your take on it, even your scatalogical humor ๐. Enjoy Paris (what’s not to love?!)
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Tina, I’m pleased you found this on brief ๐ And we always enjoy Paris!
Terri Webster Schrandt
I love your clever take on the prompt, Sarah! Stunning shots of shells and other shore goodies. And of course the joke! Laugh out loud funny. Enjoy Paris!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Terri ๐ Glad to have made you laugh!
Egรญdio
What a clever and beautiful post! Your choice for shoreline was fantastic, Sarah.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Egido ๐
the eternal traveller
There is always a lot to see at the beach. Have a great time in Paris.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you, I’m sure we will!
kzmcb
Shorelines and their companions are great subjects and my favourite destinations.
Sarah Wilkie
One of mine too ๐
bushboy
So good Sarah love the Sally Lightfoots and kelp colours. I have Paris envy now
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Brian ๐ Those Sally Lightfoot crabs were amazing!
restlessjo
At low tide in my bit of the world you might have been fascinated by the Fiddler crabs, with just one claw, Sarah, but those Galapagos ones are much prettier. Have a fab time in Paris.
Sarah Wilkie
Oh yes, fiddler crabs are fascinating, although we didn’t get close enough to the water’s edge to see them in Faro! Thanks Jo, just about to leave ๐
thehungrytravellers.blog
Same problem, wifi too weak to open the photos! Nice blank squares though ๐๐
Sarah Wilkie
Oh dear – well, thank you for trying ๐
Monkey's Tale
I always recognize that black lava and red crabs of Galapagos. Enjoy Paris! We’re on our way to Lisbon right now. Maggie
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Maggie ๐ Enjoy Lisbon, another of my favourite European cities (though not as much so as Paris!)
Starship
Nice post and photos! Never seen so many razor clam shells in one place! Since childhood Iโve marveled at what can be seen and found at the seashore! The most varied seaweeds Iโve ever found in one place was at the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Even the rocks there are amazing!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Sylvia, lovely to hear from you ๐ I was amazed to see that pile of razor clam shells on that beach. Somehow the tide must have swept them together in that spot! I’d love to visit the Bay of Fundy one day, I’ve seen such stunning photos!
Anne Sandler
I so enjoyed this post Sarah, from the scatological humor to the twist you gave it. Beautiful seaweed and shells.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Anne ๐ It was fun to do, as with all the Lens Artists challenges!
margaret21
What an unusual idea for a post. I always like to spot seashells too, but I hadn’t thought of a portrait gallery.
Sarah Wilkie
One for the future maybe?