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Monday, September 6, 2010

Ocean to prairie & vice versa, that's my world


This is what White Rock natives call "when the tide is a little way out." When it is a long way out, it leaves lots of tide pools where summer toddlers sit, splash, play and discover sea creatures. I was one of them once, and I remember.

When the tide was all the way in, brave swimmers liked diving from the far end of the White Rock pier, even in mid-winter for the New Year's Day polar bear swim. I wonder if they still do that.

Ocean Park, in South Surrey, where I like to walk with friends, relatives, and dogs.

The unfittie with her highly-recommended big beige golf umbrella to protect herself from the sun, even though she wears her Tilley hat. Here I'm sitting on a log at Crescent Beach, my favorite beach in South Surrey, BC.

My good friend Penelope Puddle, she of the magic umbrella and adventurous spirit, showed photos of the South Surrey beaches in her contribution to My World Tuesday today, making this third-generation British Columbian homesick for the smell of the ocean, the seaweed, the rocks warmed by the sun, the sand exposed by the tide...
Homesick, even though I'm in my home right now, at my own computer. My world encompasses the west coast of BC, the dry interior of BC, and now the prairie of southeastern Alberta.
So I knew I had to post some pictures of the coast as well. I love the outgoing tide, the incoming tide, the pier in White Rock in spite of the parking meters, the long views from the point at Ocean Park, the up-close feel of the beach at Crescent, and the sound of seagulls.
Because I have an allergic reaction to sun exposure (red bumps and red welts, ugh) I try to remember to carry a sunshade, or to wear a hat, or both, as you can see here. I've mentioned in some chapters of this blog how grateful I have been for the huge beige umbrella I bought online from Umbrellastand in Astoria, Oregon, and other pictures have appeared of me in the Tilley hat I've had for nearly 30 years. I also like breezy long-sleeved shirts and slacks in lightweight cotton or crinkle cotton for keeping out the sun.
But sometimes I forget all of the above, and luxuriate in the sounds and smells and sights of the sea. I love it so much I don't even think the train running right through the area is a nuisance. It is all part of the west coast of my world.

You can see parts of other people's worlds at My World Tuesday at
http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/







21 comments:

Sylvia K said...

What a great looking place, Kay! I have the same problem with the sun, but here in the northwest it isn't around that much and when it is, it isn't that strong so I can actually sit out in it and enjoy! Marvelous photos for the day! Have a wonderful week!

Sylvia

Penelope Notes said...

These are such lovely photos, Kay! They remind me of all the squishy pools and puddles we love! I can see the BC world is forever near and dear no matter where adventurers wander. :))

Kay L. Davies said...

Sylvia -- do you remember last summer in Seattle? When it was 103F in the shade? We were there to see the Jays play the Mariners, and I couldn't go to the afternoon game at all. LOL

Penelope -- you're right, forever near and dear.

Anonymous said...

I know White Rock - I visited friends who used to live there. I love the BC coast and enjoyed seeing your pics.

Carver said...

What a beautiful area and great shots of it. Even as an adult I like to play in tide pools although I haven't done it recently.

DeniseinVA said...

These photos are so lovely. I miss the ocean also, having lived by it for a good part of my life and now a bit landlocked. I feel a trip to the ocean coming on.
An English Girl Rambles

Al said...

That looks like a very beautiful beach area. I love the water.

LifeRamblings said...

great captures of your world. i've problems spending time under the sun too. too much sun exposure is not only dangerous, it can be harmful on our skin.

Rajesh said...

Beautiful shots of such a nice place. The view from the bridge is great.

Jim said...

Great watery scenes.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Anonymous said...

What wonderful shots. I love that first one in particular with the hazy horizon, the sea far out, the lovely blue... Oh, to be by the beach!

Unknown said...

terrific shots-- i love the photo of the pier. i also grew up near the ocean and i miss the sea every now and then (even when i'm home, too.).:p

Kay L. Davies said...

Thanks for the lovely comments, everyone.

Rob -- I'm glad you're familiar with White Rock. Many people say "Huh?" and I say "The bottom lefthand corner of Canada."
K

My name is Riet said...

Good morning. Thank you for your comment on my blog and it is so nice to hear that you are coming to visit my country. I just want to ask you, are you coming in March.?The famous sights with like the mills and the tulips are only biginning to open in April. In March those famous things are not open yet and I don't think there is a lot to do here yet. March can be cold even with snow and not nice on the water. I never heard of a cruise in Holland and Belgium. We have a lot of water but not for cruise boats. I just want to tell you because you would miss a lot here. Sorry if I interfere. If there is more you want to know just tell me.
Have a good day.
Riet

Cezar and Léia said...

Bonjour Kay!
Your post is adorable, this place is very interesting and you are so right about the "umbrella"to protect the skin from the sun.
hugs
Léia - Bonjour Luxembourg

*** thanks so much for your kind visit and comments!

Red Nomad OZ said...

Interesting scenery to one who has never been to your part of the world! But beaches are a little different in Australia!!

Happy travels!

Eden said...

What a beautiful place! Great photos. Wonderfully captured.

Anonymous said...

Have we passed by White Rock on the way to Whistler?

BC is such a beautiful place to live and play.

Thanks for such nice comments on my blog.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Kay" Very nice beach, too bad you can't enjoy the Sun.

Lynette Killam said...

I loved your comments on my White Rock piece, Kay, and I so enjoyed reading your post! Clearly, we both have salt water in our veins, and a shared inability to handle sun...:)

VioletSky said...

My mother used to always say how she missed the seaside, which when I was young I never understood - afterall we had a big Lake Ontario right there. Then I went to the seaside, and I understood.