Low Tide Storm
I close my eyes and see the black, I open them again and I see the world, I’ve hidden from fears, and that knife sears, so welcome back to the world. Don’t close your eyes or you will miss the storm, and you will miss what follows after, the beauty. — unknown
This photo is from my archives, taken at Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon, at the mouth of the Columbia River. These tidal pools and wetlands are part of bird and wildlife sanctuaries along the shore of the park. What looks to be a bridge in the distance is actually some sort of breakwater.
I found this view an interesting composition of curves, lines and angles.
Update: Steve Skinner, The Third Half of Life, lives near where this photo was taken and commented with some interesting history on the jetty/breakwater. Be sure and check it out. I definitely learned something today. Thanks, Steve!
Love the image! I have made similar images of the area standing within feet and inches of your spot.
If you had visited this location before 1884, you would have been standing in the waters of the Columbia River. The break water or jetty was built to narrow the mouth of the river and to confine the river’s flow to one channel thus increasing the safety for ships attempting to enter or exit the river. A portion of the original jetty is visible in the far right edge of your photo. At one time, a train ran along the old wooden trestle; this was how the massive rocks were transported from land out into the river to build the jetty. The jetty is nearly seven miles in length, now all but about the last two miles are incased in sand deposited by either the forces of the river or the ocean.
Sorry, I realize that this is way more than you wanted to hear but since becoming a docent at the maritime museum, I always enjoy sharing the history of the river.
The next time you make it to this area let me know and I would be very happy to show you some other “hidden gems” that you likely missed.
@Steve: Very interesting! I love knowing the who, what, when and where. I’m glad you provided history of the jetty/breakwater. I had no idea that it was seven miles long but I suspected it’s story would be interesting.
If I’m back in your area I’ll get in touch. Of course if you make it to the Carolinas let me know and I’ll share some of our “gems.” :-)