Here we are August 1st. We are starting the last month of summer. I know many are not happy to hear about this but there are many who believe it couldn't come quicker. My feelings are that of someone who is right in the middle. We'll see....
"Cobble" those stones we find on small streams. Most pay no attention to them or probably don't even know they exist. I may be a little odd but I stop all the time when I see something like that which is pictured above. Such a multitude of size, color and shapes. Where did they come from? How long will they remain? What is living under them? It's stuff like this that intrigues me. Do you ever give "cobble" a thought?
I came upon a berry bush near the water. One large fully ripe berry remained while the clump of others were obviously eaten. Now why was this one left?
Now there would be enormous concern if this "bug" landed on my shoulder....
The "hemlock" a guardian along the stream. These trees do so much for the well being of wild trout. And when you come across a hemlock along the stream fish the water just above and below, chances are you will be wonderfully surprised.
They say the Italian's can't live without the tomato, this Italian agrees. Diced native plum tomato's, garlic, olive oil and salt and pepper. Where's the crusty bread?
Know what you mean, Alan. I have two cigar boxes full of "cobble" collected over a span of roughly 60 years from streams the country over. Also managed to stumble across a spear point "preform" (unfinished due to a defect) that the Wisconsin Historical Society tells me is between one and two thousand years old. It pays to look down now and then.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Bill that is one hell of a reason to look at cobble. Wow you talk about age, and authenticated.
I don't generally "cobble". Spent too much time "cobbling" when I was gold mining. On the other hand I definitely Blackberry as often as possible. Well, it looks like a Blackberry.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I did a little gold panning in Maine, wasn't to profitable though.
I think blackberry is correct.
Enjoyable content as always. I'm always looking down at cobble and gravel bars, mostly for Native American artifacts, but sometimes just for cool looking rocks in general.
ReplyDeleteKierran Broatch
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Kierran those rivers and streams hold more than fish. I've found some pieces of pottery as well as a few quarters.
In that photo there are some very interesting shapes.
Alan
ReplyDeleteTrue no need for the bread, I'm a tomato addict and those look delicious.
I find myself looking at the black and grey rocks on the floor of the Sipsey on every trip. I even keep a few I think is unusual. I miss my rock fountain I use to have by swing in Tennessee---will get it back, in storage, once the house is completed. The flow and sound of the water is so smoothing. In fact I had some of the tailrace rocks and other polished rocks I've collected over the years in the rock fountain. Aside from being a tomato addict I'm a rock addict as well-----Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill for salads I put the tomato at the top with the pickling cucumber right behind it.
Picking up a stone from a stream bed and holding it in your hand....what thoughts your mind will give forth.
I always thought that my picking up a small cobble from every river I've fished was a little silly, until you posted this; so thank you, Alan! Your first picture of the wet stones is beautiful.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike as you can see many of us think the same.
Those glistening stones do have an appeal.
That cobble is particularly pretty. Not certain I study it in my rivers, but if there's enough of it there to provide an island of rest during my wades, I'll certainly use it to take the occasional load off and catch an on-stream snack.
ReplyDeleteI like the contrast between the first and last photos. Almost like a different collection of "cobble" in your bowl.
Michael Agneta
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Mike visualize a table with a red checkered table cloth. On that table a bottle of wine alongside a plate of cheese and dry sausage all set up on that island of cobble.
I'm another compulsive pebble picker and small pieces of weathered wood too. We're thinking of buying our youngest grandson a pebble polishing machine for his birthday in September.
ReplyDeleteThe hot weather here has provided a fantastic crop of plum tomatoes. Just like the asparagus picking the last tomato is a real 'end of season' thing.
Regards, John
The Two Terriers
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John I to seem to pick up those odd pieces of wood. They make for great backgrounds for my fly photos.
Sounds like a wonderful gift for your grandson.
I prefer the plum tomato over other varieties. More meaty, less water. The olive oil clings rather then diluting with the water.
We have some beef tomatoes growing, appropriately enough a variety call 'Abraham Lincoln", but the plum are our favourite too. The surplus are turned into sauce and kept I the freezer to be used through the winter.
DeleteRegards, John
John those beefsteak tomatoes are great for slicing. Placed on a sandwich or how about a juicy hamburger..
DeleteHamburgers Saturday evening off the BBQ with said tomatoes and all the trimmings. Our local butcher makes us the burgers from rump steak... Regards, John
DeleteJohn I was a local butcher for for 40 plus years. Tell yours I said hi, and keep up the good work. The world needs good hamburg and it starts locally.
DeleteI will do that, the man runs a family business and tight ship on quality. He has his own farm and beef herd. He uses a local pig farmer for rare breed bacon and cures his own Gloucester Old Spot pork. He is a star in the opinion of Sue and I. regards, John
DeleteLester Kish
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Lester those stones shinning in the sun seem to brighten the stream. Notice the missing ones next to the last ripe one.
I have to agree. I would flip if a "real" bug like that fly landed on my shoulders.
ReplyDeleteBenjamin Mckinley
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Benjamin that is one big spider. Fear not folks.
Your camera eye sure can pick a great focal point. I love the berry pic. And if you cut out that crusty bread, you won't have to have a longer walk. Haha.
ReplyDeleteThe River Damsel
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Emily we do focus on those ideal points, only most times I don't have a camera.
That bread is a problem, but that juice need to be soaked up by something.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteItalian or not....we are so glad you are who you are! What you give to us is incredible including the awesome entry above! Please keep them coming!
Dougsden
Dougsden
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Doug it's my pleasure bringing my ramblings to all of you.
I'm happy you find enjoyment in them.
Now for some eggplant and mushrooms.