Saturday, May 1, 2010

Shadows on the Dunes

Sand dunes make a great pallet for shadows.

The dune plants cast a shadow if the sun is out.

Tracks in the sand are defined by their shadow.  People passed by here.

But who came by here?  A snake, perhaps, in pursuit of a rabbit?

Here we can see who is making a track, crossing the shadow of ripples in the sand as well as those of other creatures living in this hostel environment.

You can see more shadows at Shadow Shot Sunday, hosted for us by Tracy in Brisbane.

26 comments:

fredamans said...

I'm fascinated by the footprints as well. Great shots!

Carolyn Ford said...

These are amazing! The desert produces such amazing shadows...big and bold and then right down to the softest and most delicate...and, the snake tracks...how amazing!

Anonymous said...

The last one looks like a centipede. I love sand dunes. Your photos depict them so beautifully!

Sylvia K said...

Fantastic, Martha! Absolutely amazing! I can only repeat what Carolyn has written! And such a great variety! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Sylvia

Ralph said...

We don't often pay attention to dunes of sand (like ripples on the water). They seem slight of depth and thus, we tend not to see shadows. You have allowed us viewers to see a true depth, due to the artistry made of a dry wind. THe desert is beautiful in many ways if we look just a little bit harder...

Diane AZ said...

An interesting look at tracks and shadows. Nice capture of the beetle in action!

jabblog said...

Delicate shadows to be noticed by the observant - really interesting! I bet I'd have missed them ;-)

EG CameraGirl said...

The sand is beautiful on its own, but even more so with the shadows. I love all the patterns.

Katney said...

Are these from the dunes at Death Valley? We didn't get to them. How long did you stay there? I guess we need to go back to see what we missed.

Unknown said...

Fantastic shots. Love all the patterns.

Gemma Wiseman said...

This is like a magical tour of secret codes in the sands! Great shots!

Barb said...

Martha - I just love that last shot of the beetle making a track. Good eye!

Cassie said...

What fun Shadow Shots these are. The twisted driftwood photo is perfect! The tiny shadows left by critters are very cool too. As Barb said, you have a good eye.

Lindy said...

These are gorgeous shots of the dunes! Makes me long for summer so we can enjoy the southern and southeastern shores and dunes of Lake Michigan.

BLOGitse said...

wow, great shots!
Secret life of the dunes...
Have a great week ahead!

BLOGitsePHOTOS

Chubby Chieque said...

Hello dear M!

This are gorgeous shots! Life in the desert or on sand is mysterious.

It looks appealing to wander & ponder the mystery of life.

HAppy SS DAY.
/chie

Sharodindu said...

nice serise... each of these pics has some story to tell...
I liked the last one very much :)
thanks for sharing :)

Jazzbumpa said...

I especially like the one with the mystery tracks. And who is in that last shot? Looks like a spider to me.

Cheers!
JzB

Joanne Olivieri said...

Very cool. I love that first shot. Our sand dunes out here at the beach provide some interesting viewing.

Joe Todd said...

Love sand and sand dunes and "Footprints in the Sand" one of my favorite poems

Christine said...

I love sand shadows and the sometimes mysterious footprints that critters leave on it. I get the same kinds of scenarios, only mine are on the beach. :) Thanks for your visit, Martha. Great photos!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful tracks & shadows!

Mary

Unknown said...

I love my western massachusetts home, the river and the woods but I do so wish we were a bit closer to the ocean. I love this collection. Thank you!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Beautiful Martha. It is hard not to be redundant or cliched when commenting on these -- I'll just repeat what everyone has said -- but can't let this lovely post go by without saying thank you.

Carly said...

NEAT SHADOWS, I'm not sure about the snake. Did you follow it to see where the snake went?

Johnny Nutcase said...

i have a great fondness for sand dunes! Love the pictures. i always love seeing tracks in the sand, too. Great post!