Along the Salt Marsh Trail, it’s easy to see how waterways have formed over time throughout the grassy areas in the middle of the marsh. These waterways fill up and recede with the ebb and flow of the tides. Often, ducks can be found wading in these little rivers.
Over time, rivers of water will form into a shape called a meander as they wear away at the soil along the edges. These meandering rivers are often noticed from the air, but can also be appreciated from ground level, depending on our vantage point.
The meander shape looks a lot like a snake. In fact, snakes use a meandering movement to get from one place to another. I think it’s this movement that gives many of us ‘the creeps’ whenever we are surprised by a snake in the garden. However, the poor snake can’t help how it moves. It’s just doing what comes naturally.
Pictured at left is the bright and beautiful Eastern Smooth Green Snake, found in the Cow Bay area. It’s so strikingly colorful, that it looks like it belongs in a tropical rainforest. I haven’t seen a snake yet this season, but managed to see quite a few Maritime Garter Snakes in the yard last year.
The meander is one of several interesting shapes that are found repeatedly in nature. These shapes often form exquisite patterns and many are building blocks for larger things. In the Saturdays between now and mid-summer’s eve, I’ll explore a number of other shapes found in nature as a lead-up to a Summer Scavenger Hunt. Details of the hunt to be disclosed June 20th. There will be prizes.
For more information on the spring scavenger hunt hosted by Kathy at Opening the door, walking outside, see Let’s have a scavenger hunt! My spring hunt photos and submission can be found at A Spring Scavenger Hunt .
Oh cool. The meander is one of several interesting approaches to finding blog subjects, too. It is possible to discern patterns–sometimes exquisite–that can become building blocks for Larger Things. Or fun. Fun is good.
You’ve previewed our next scavenger hunt! Hurray! I love your idea of the “meander”. A lovely wide view of the Salt Marsh Trail, indeed.
“Meander” is one of my favorite words….don’t know why?!?! It’s also my favorite way to take a walk….just meandering through the woods or down the beach. It’s such a lovely thing! I love your salt marsh photo!
Gerry, Kathy and Cindy Lou, thanks for meandering over.
Yes Gerry fun is good, and if it’s half as much fun as Kathy’s spring hunt, you should enjoy our next scavenger hunt too.
I too love to meander through the woods Cindy Lou. Unfortunately, my meandering often gets me lost!
But getting lost is half the fun!
Hello Amy Lynn,
It has been too long since I have been here to Flandrum Hill to visit. I am reading and enjoying your posts, and I am once again reminded of why I like your blog so much. Your posts are most often so informative, they teach me things I did not know, and they are permeated with such a deep connection to the natural world around you. We all might take a lesson from you about being in tune, I think….
Thanks for being here.
Peace
Thank you for your kind remarks fw. Feeling connected to nature is a crucial element of my well-being. I highly recommend it.
Pax and happy trails to you too.
My mum used to tell me to “stop meandering”… now I meander through life as much as I can get away with!
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