Treasures on the Beach

The beach is always an enjoyable place. Summer is the time people flock to the shores to dip into the waters or sunbathe on the shores. Winter, however, has its own sort or allure at the beach. It is a place to take long walks, to observe what you see on the sand, or to spend time with someone you care about.

Winter brings higher tides, the waterline rising to surprising heights during full moons of December and January. At Clearwater Beach recently, the high tides were accompanied by high winds and larger waves, a unique event for a beach that ordinarily sees waves of a foot or less.

The draw of the waves and high tide brought things to shore that one does not usually get a chance to see. Peculiar creates wound up scattered across the sand, bringing delight to those who were wise enough to go to beach on a cold day.

The Tampa Bay area, which includes Clearwater, is known for its sponges. A wide variety grows on the shallow, warm seafloor of this region. The turbulent waters detached those in unprotected areas, or that were perhaps old or even dead. They many shapes and colors added to the display on the beach.

The birds gathered to pick through the treasures, though in the early morning they more often gathered in groups to huddle against the cool breeze.

While many people enjoy a clean, debris-free beach, this wash-up was a delight. The faces of those walking the shores showed their enjoyment and the scattered display prompted strangers to discuss their finds and to comment on the peculiar volume of sea life on the sand.

The visual treasures of the beach were the type that easily create beach memories that can last a lifetime.

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