One thing I miss living on a stretch of chalk coastline is a good old boulder. The best we manage in Broadstairs is a knobbly, football-sized flint. Today I am in St. Agnes, Cornwall, where gigantic rocks are ten-a-penny. Their smooth, static hulks litter the shoreline where they have been torn from the cliffs, molested by the waves and then abandoned in the sand.
Studying the intricately patinated granite strewn across Trevaunance Cove, I note how tiny barnacles have taken hold in the faintest of striations, whether they be straight, criss-crossing or gently meandering. In places they are joined by limpets and glistening sea anemones.
Sparkling in the sunlight the barnacles transform themselves into chains and clusters of finely cut gems on the surface of the stone. They are strange and beautiful with their split centres and clasp-like protrusions. Having observed them up-close, I will never look at barnacles in quite the same way again.
Categories: Cornwall, Musings, Photography
What lovely things! Wish I could grow them!
I am not sure they can be cultivated Mary Ann. In this instance I think it’s best to let nature do her work 🙂
Your photos are wonderful, and the close ups almost look like those little white rosebud jewelry pieces. Very interesting. 🙂
Yes, that’s a very accurate comparison Judy. They are very curious up close, but the way they arrange themselves is quite remarkable.
I have looked at these many times but not until now with your photos in their close up details and beauty…thank you!
Is there any way for me to have copies of these photos? Can I just print them or do I need permission? I’m making a ‘seaside’ room in this new near-coastal house – only in winter if the weather’s too rough!
Hello Ann. I am so pleased you like the photos. Provided they will only be for your own use I am more than happy to e-mail you the images as Jpegs. You can drop me a line at thefrustratedgardener@gmail.com with your details. Dan
A beautiful look at a world we often walk right by. The patterns and detail are worthy of a painter’s canvas, especially the third photo.
Thanks Sally. You reminding me of this post makes me want to get back to Cornwall ASAP!
I look forward to seeing those pics. 🙂