Days and days of radiant sun and what seems like weeks of no rain. The grass is brown and crunchy underfoot. Dormant. A wilting heat that makes everything close up on itself. Even the river is thirsty and shrinking away from the shoreline. I am not the only one wandering in the shallow waters.
A mussel roadway is a slow and lovely, meandering build.
A thick scattering of snails and mussel trails in the evening light.
All images © Karen McRae. 2012
draw and shoot 
Ripples3 my favourite!!! Gorgeous photos Karen!! 🙂 **
Thanks for your comment, Xandre. 🙂
Beguiling, a little mournful, and very beautiful.
Thank you, Elena.
Those are drawings. So beautiful and spare.
Yes, I agree, lovely sand drawings.
Karen,
Your first few shots look like a view from an airplane.
I truly enjoy your work. As usual.
Le Clown
I’m glad you do. Merci. 🙂
wonderful. and unexpected, as usual – thanks 🙂
Thank you, Alessandro. 🙂
You captured beautiful (and puzzling) images which is symbolizing the more
deeper trouble we are facing = somewhere having no rain but other places,
England, Japan etc — having unprecedented rain fall hence, flood, land slide.
—– Our planet is heading to chaos.
Yoshizen, it does seem to be a strange year for weather. The world is always changing, though. Hopefully not too quickly!
you have an amazing eye!
As do you, Isabella! 🙂
You paint with your camera Karen.. I made a little animal noise of pleasure aughhhh as I scrolled down 🙂
Thanks so much, Helen. You put a big smile on my face! 🙂
At first I thought it was an aerial view, which was then appreciate the art of nature captured by Karen.
Carlos, thanks very much. There really is an incredible array nature art.
…amazing eye, always fresh and artistic!
Much thanks, Marina! 🙂
Oh if only we could swap just a little, you have a little of our rain and us a little of your sun..in a perfect world…! Love the little collection of mussels and snails, like they’re all lined up having a chat 🙂 We could learn a lot from those mussels and their slow thoughtful trails I think 🙂
Swapping weather would be great! 🙂
Thank you, Cath. 🙂
Strange sight to see as the area I live in is currently experiencing the highest water levels in the past 60 years. There was over 250 mm of rain here in June, and now the Columbia River has covered most of the beaches. The world is a strange place: too wet in some places and too dry in others. gorgeous photos as always
It is a strange summer, but change is always constant! I was in Penticton in June and the rain was unusually long lasting there, too. hope all is well with your community!
The simplicity of these photos is wonderful. And meandering mussels – I had no idea, that is very interesting.
Thank you Ephem, they are interesting creatures!
Beautiful abstraction in nature.
And the thought of ‘weeks with no rain’ is an almost forgotten concept here in the UK at present…!
Yes, we are on very different weather patterns! Thank you, Rudolf.
These are beautiful images Karen … and what a truly gorgeous sunset!
Thank you, Mufidah! I hope your travels are going well! 🙂
Fascinating patterns beautifully captured.
Louis, thank you.
Was it the anguish of these little creatures that caught your eye? I felt bad for them wandering around looking for sustenance. Will they make it? Excellent set of photos; once again.
Well, I think they can move into the deeper water if they find it. If it gets too warm they burrow down into the sand. hopefully they will survive! Thank you, Wally.
That dramatic sunset appears to be pulling the water away with it but what wonderful images and patterns caught in those lights of the day!
Patti, I like the way you describe that! Thank you. 🙂
it is amazing but you almost hear the stillness here…
It was very still. A great comment. 🙂
It saddens me as well to see our world having to go with out as well 😦 Beautiful photos Thanks so much for sharing your areas plight.
Thank you.
you are welcome
🙂
That last shot is just… wow! I’ve never seen mussel trails like that before either. 🙂
Thank you, Eve. I think the trails are especially noticeable when the water level is so low.
the seasons – such a big difference from the wrapped trees!
Oh yes, the seasons are very different here! 🙂
The mussel trail pictures at the top of the post are just amazing. It never occurred to me that the little guys actually move of their own volition. Huh. I’m less enthused about the weedy beaches. Call me unimaginative.
Thanks, Gabriel. They sort of look like they wouldn’t move around much, don’t they?
Formas bellas, que has sabido captar muy bien, besos
Muchas gracias, Manoli, le agradezco sus comentarios.
This is so interesting. I especially love randomness of the patterns in #2 and #4.
Thank you, Ray!
You have such a way with light and patterns in nature. Lovely post!
Thanks very much, Marina. It’s that early day/late day light that is often magical. 🙂
You have an eye for capturing the beauty within nature – it’s pattern, form and wonderful subtlety of colour. Love the sunset shots.
Thank you, that’s a kind thing to say. 🙂
Beautiful expression, with camera and keyboard.
Thank you, much appreciated.
Hello. You’ve been award an award (one of many I’m sure). I’m not sure what award it is exactly but i was awarded and now i’m passing it on.
Thanks, Tin Roof! 🙂
Beautiful Karen! Incredibly so. You make mud photogenic! Your bring it alive! Wonderful 🙂
Ha! thanks, Gigi. 🙂
Love the last shot, it’s gorgeous!