tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post3746544111490457206..comments2023-07-25T09:14:24.599-04:00Comments on Transit Notes: THE SEA IN WINTERGeorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-36058976148126809092011-01-28T16:02:38.037-05:002011-01-28T16:02:38.037-05:00Excuse me, George! I should have known that wasn&...Excuse me, George! I should have known that wasn't you. Silly me. But it is a great picture and does show the joy of the beach.Juliehttp://juliebuff.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-78721388217026335772011-01-23T08:44:25.428-05:002011-01-23T08:44:25.428-05:00Thanks, GwenThanks, GwenGeorgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-53927996100647589112011-01-18T16:10:25.366-05:002011-01-18T16:10:25.366-05:00To Julie,
Thanks so much for your generous and th...To Julie,<br /><br />Thanks so much for your generous and thoughtful comments, Julie. Too bad that your friend finds the winter beaches to be boring because there is "nothing to do." As I'm sure you are aware, it is in "being," not doing, that we find and express our lives, and there is no better place "to be" than on a winter beach — or, for that matter, any place where one can be free from the distractions of people who are doing so much that they forget how to live. <br /><br />For the record, there are no pictures of me in this posting. Those guys of the bikes were strangers; I just thought it was a nice example of how the winter beaches offer joy and excitement to the intrepid of heart.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-42567115577408231012011-01-18T15:36:46.298-05:002011-01-18T15:36:46.298-05:00Hi, George! It's so good to be back to read y...Hi, George! It's so good to be back to read your wonderful words again. My first thought when the page loaded was, as always, the word "joy." What a joy it is to see your beautiful pictures and read the quotes. My favorite quote came from you:<br /><br />"There is something about its rhythm and constancy that is both cleansing and reassuring. When we stand at the sea's edge looking into infinity, we know in our hearts that we are part of something much grander and more complex than our individual, day-to-day lives. We hear the surf rise and fall; we watch the tide deposit its gifts and then reclaim them; we see the light rise, then fall, only to rise again — and, like the light, we are born again into each new moment."<br /><br />Your words are so beautiful--and wise. I am never, ever lonely on a deserted beach. It is stimulating and peaceful at the same time. I have a friend who says the winter beach "bores" him, because there's "nothing to do." It makes me feel sorry for him. He's missing out on so much.<br /><br />The landscape is a work of art. It's also an ever-changing work of art, which makes it even more spectacular. No two beach scenes are ever alike. The sand moves, the sunlight moves, the tides shift. Yet at the same time, there is a constancy to it all. We are a part of all that beautiful humming. <br /><br />You capture the feeling so well in your pictures. I love the foam in the third picture and the ripples of sand in the first. What a sculpture! The pictures of you, your wife and the Zen Master, Derry, are also lovely. Thank you, George. You've given me another awesome place of peace in the middle of a busy afternoon. It is rejuvenating.Juliehttp://juliebuff.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-8459498102677805112011-01-18T09:17:05.543-05:002011-01-18T09:17:05.543-05:00To Robert,
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, R...To Robert,<br /><br />Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Robert. Yes, I thought you would relate to Anne Morrow Lindbergh's reference to "stimulating loneliness," which essentially creative solitude. I well remember those photos of your walk last summer on the South West Coast Path. It must have been fascinating to witness the changes in the weather and the seascape for that many days in a row. And yes, the sea always carries its potential for harm. Eight to nine months from now, these relatively halcyon beachs of South Carolina will be threatened once again by the viscious hurricanes that originate off the coast of Africa and make there way to the United States before the onset of the following winter.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-45738823935563650392011-01-18T09:07:37.920-05:002011-01-18T09:07:37.920-05:00To Tramp,
How great to hear from you, Tramp. I w...To Tramp,<br /><br />How great to hear from you, Tramp. I was beginning to wonder if all is well with you, given that fact that I haven't heard from you or seen a posting on your blog for a while. <br /><br />Thanks so much for your comments. I'm fascinated by your two winters in Antarctica. Those memories must be some of you most interesting. I'm also fascinated by the doctor's research, especially on the way our bodies return to the tidal cycle when deprived of sunlight. That seems to fit in with this notion that we carry the sea within us. As the late President Kennedy observed in one of the quotes in this posting, the percentage of salt found in our blood is the exact percentage of salt found in the sea.<br /><br />My your walks inland be just as memorable as any you ever experienced on the edge of the sea. Have a good week.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-87528951213642150902011-01-18T08:56:02.897-05:002011-01-18T08:56:02.897-05:00To Margaret,
Thanks so much for your comments, Ma...To Margaret,<br /><br />Thanks so much for your comments, Margaret. By all means, try to get to the beach before the summer crowds. It's quite wonderful to walk for long distances on the beach with little more company than the birdlife and occasional porpoise.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-37047948790220624882011-01-18T07:16:44.935-05:002011-01-18T07:16:44.935-05:00Loved the post and your thoughts on the 'stimu...Loved the post and your thoughts on the 'stimulating loneliness' of your winter strolls. I feel the pull of that empty beach and that blue horizon - the emptiness, the simplicity, the blank canvas, the shimmering surface, the hidden depths. As you know, I spent a month last year walking the cliffs on the Atlantic edge, seeing the ocean in all its weathers and moods. As well as the sea's attraction, I'm also conscious of a healthy respect for, even a fear of, the sea. Its potentially destructive force was never more apparent than in Cornwall.The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-57977502316404325382011-01-18T05:50:36.381-05:002011-01-18T05:50:36.381-05:00I grew up on the east coast of the UK. I have spen...I grew up on the east coast of the UK. I have spent time on ships but I am no sailor, I much more identify with these walks along the shore. I can really identify with the comments about loneliness walking along the shore. As Weaver said these views are very different to what we know in the UK but they have the same meaning Grizz mentions.<br />As well as long walks along the seashore, part of the unique Tramp makeup comes from 2 Antartic winters. During one of these our doctor got involved in medical research on our reaction to lack of sunlight. One of his theories went something like: when we lose the stimulation of the sun we return to our primeval state and we are stimulated by the tidal cycle which is longer than the 24 hour diurnal cycle which we nomally operate on. <br />Living today in a country far from the sea I am glad that I have technology that allows me at least to watch and listen to it. (And blogs such as yours and good old SW of course).<br />I try to explain to Lady about salt water and waves and tides but she tells me that I must be playing without a full deck. (Now there's another theory that might have something in it.)<br />The pictures and words you have given us have stimulated some wonderful thoughts. Thank you, my friend.<br />...TrampTramphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10367405984066895755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-88410737165818646342011-01-17T22:22:45.329-05:002011-01-17T22:22:45.329-05:00Having lived at the shoreline of Lake Michigan for...Having lived at the shoreline of Lake Michigan for 7 years, being in central NC is killing me. My girls and I are taking a long weekend SOON and driving the 3-4 1/2 hours (depending where we go - either NC or SC (I LOVE Charleston) before spring break to see the coast. I hate all the jam packed vacation beaches and I said just the other day that NOW is the time to take my camera and explore. I love, love, love getting up before the sun and walking the shore watching the sun rise. My daughters love hunting for all that has been washed in from the tide. <br /><br />I thought JFK's words were beautiful. I hope they were his and not a writers... And Anne Morrow Lindbergh's words too. Thank you for a well put together post!Margarethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-53812598625615280492011-01-17T20:11:30.850-05:002011-01-17T20:11:30.850-05:00To Lorenzo,
Thanks, my friend. If my little post...To Lorenzo,<br /><br />Thanks, my friend. If my little posting on the sea sent you surfing on a dream, I have succeeded beyond any expectations. Your comment on the curved horizon in the second photo is interesting because, when I noticed it myself, it occurred to me that we live in such a small and fragile world, a world so small that one can stand on the beach and actually see the curvature of the earth. One would think that the nearly seven billion people who inhabit the earth would treat this place with a little more kindness. And speaking of kindness, thanks, as always, for yours.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-33010148363415030692011-01-17T20:01:52.553-05:002011-01-17T20:01:52.553-05:00To Gail,
Thanks so much, Gail. You are lucky to ...To Gail,<br /><br />Thanks so much, Gail. You are lucky to live so close to the Long Island Sound. For several years, my wife and I visited friends who were living on the sound in Connecticut. It was such a beautiful and memorable place. Peace to you as well.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-28971391044953269132011-01-17T19:59:10.680-05:002011-01-17T19:59:10.680-05:00To Friko,
Thanks, Friko, for your comments. Noth...To Friko,<br /><br />Thanks, Friko, for your comments. Nothing brings perspective to one's life like a solitary walk on an empty beach, and I agree with you entirely about our connection with the sea. We come from the sea and it is to the sea that we shall return.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-78964265017530614112011-01-17T19:21:53.790-05:002011-01-17T19:21:53.790-05:00Truly a spellbinding post, George, the magnificent...Truly a spellbinding post, George, the magnificent photos and the sea song commentary of your thoughts and the quotes you have strung together for us today. From the very beginning I could hear and feel the tides, and in the second photo, I felt I could see the earth's long luxurious curve on the horizon... after that, it was like surfing a dream. Bravo.Lorenzo — Alchemist's Pillowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07522265816460154722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-78527177191436893122011-01-17T18:51:21.271-05:002011-01-17T18:51:21.271-05:00HI
oh your pictures are wonderful - I could smell ...HI<br />oh your pictures are wonderful - I could smell the salt air and feel the sand on my feet. I heal through my feet and it is the best if I am in water - I go in my brook when weather allows - and we live 10 miles from the shore of Long Island Sound - and we are soothed and calmed and stimulated there, always. I loved your words, expressions, knowing, "thank you"<br />Love Gail<br />peace......Gailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-17705485656508264692011-01-17T18:07:56.424-05:002011-01-17T18:07:56.424-05:00There is nothing more conducive to peaceful though...There is nothing more conducive to peaceful thought and contemplation than a solitary walk on an empty beach, with the rhythm and sound of the waves and the wind becoming one with the walker.<br /><br />Kennedy had the right of it: we come from the sea, all life comes from the sea. Perhaps, finally, all life will return to the sea.Frikohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04277167831642088694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-12440099047111974842011-01-17T17:21:58.315-05:002011-01-17T17:21:58.315-05:00To Dan,
Thanks for the lovely comments, Dan. For...To Dan,<br /><br />Thanks for the lovely comments, Dan. Fortunately, there is still abundant wildlife near the winter beaches here in South Carolina — pelicans, terns, gulls, spoonbills, curlews, sandpipers, and the occasional porpoise swimming in the distance. When these creatures are augmented by the summer tourists, however, I would rather be somewhere else. "Far from the madding crowd" could well be my motto.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-34704384634333956392011-01-17T17:04:39.002-05:002011-01-17T17:04:39.002-05:00George this is a lovely post and it speaks to me a...George this is a lovely post and it speaks to me as the sea does. I live where I live because it is so near the sea that I can easily visit when I need a walk that will give me a lift, an opening of spirit. <br /><br />I have noticed over a lifetime of walking, hiking, paddling, and sailing along the California coast that it has become more lonely, though. There are more people, yes, but fewer birds, whales, fish. I miss their company when I go.Dan Gurneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11628603380292404658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-5488108642520885982011-01-17T16:05:17.215-05:002011-01-17T16:05:17.215-05:00To Deb,
Thanks for such a lovely comment, Deb. W...To Deb,<br /><br />Thanks for such a lovely comment, Deb. When you return to read the quotes, make sure to read the quote of JFK. Very interesting, this fact that the percentage of salt in our blood is the same percentage as the salt in the sea.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-15465472591860313452011-01-17T15:45:49.200-05:002011-01-17T15:45:49.200-05:00I'm going to return to reread the quotes again...I'm going to return to reread the quotes again...<br />but I feel as though I've been away, <br />and been home.<br /><br />and that is priceless.<br /><br />thank you George.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15924061349390319473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-61280882717637011172011-01-17T14:43:28.519-05:002011-01-17T14:43:28.519-05:00To Tess,
Thanks, Tess, and I do apologize for mak...To Tess,<br /><br />Thanks, Tess, and I do apologize for making you feel landlocked. From what I have been able to discern, however, you are landlocked in a very beautiful place, made all the lovelier by you myriad acts of creativity. As for the sea, it is always there for us, even when "there" is in our minds.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-79032870561655562292011-01-17T14:40:50.767-05:002011-01-17T14:40:50.767-05:00To Tersa,
Thanks for your kind comments, Teresa. ...To Tersa,<br /><br />Thanks for your kind comments, Teresa. The Maine coast is fantastic any time of the year. I'm delighted that you enjoyed the "gifts from the sea," and, yes, Derry is a happy soul, who, incidentally, brings a great deal of happiness to my soul.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-34055548669774402932011-01-17T14:37:40.543-05:002011-01-17T14:37:40.543-05:00Hi Karin,
Glad to oblige on providing you with a ...Hi Karin,<br /><br />Glad to oblige on providing you with a trip to the ocean. Hopefully, I saved you a fistful of dollars without depriving you of the smell of the sea.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-33480702547241441372011-01-17T14:32:51.351-05:002011-01-17T14:32:51.351-05:00To Barb,
Thanks for your lovely comments, Barb. ...To Barb,<br /><br />Thanks for your lovely comments, Barb. There is, indeed, both a push and a pull to the sea. We can be either frightened or enchanted, depending on the place and circumstances. It is that way with all of nature, however, no less in the mountains where you live than in the sea. And therein lies the magic! Instinctively, I feel that we come from the sea and it is to the sea that we shall return.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002454922784880258.post-87700799576454914062011-01-17T14:27:54.639-05:002011-01-17T14:27:54.639-05:00You're making this Midwestern girl feel very l...You're making this Midwestern girl feel very land-locked. Beautiful post.Tess Kincaidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04889725786678984293noreply@blogger.com