A couple of weeks ago, parts of the East coast of the U.S. experienced haze caused by sand from the Sahara. Carried here courtesy of strong winds, dust from the “Saharan Air Layer” can travel across the Atlantic Ocean. Side-effects included gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, along with breathing issues. I remain in awe of the fact that I saw haze caused by Saharan sand. I’m much more familiar with the soft sand of N.C. beaches. Dunes shimmer in the summer heat, but what joy in fall and winter to snuggle up to the warmth of a dune. (Smoothing out where you were before you leave, of course.)
When you hold a handful of sand, you’re looking at the results of millions of years of erosion. Rocks, breaking down to pebbles, and then to sand particles. Wind and weathering in arid areas cause desert sand inland. The color and makeup of sand come from the source. White sand beaches come from shells, coral, and bits of quartz -- black sand results from weathering of lava. The finer the sand, the older the beach. Dunes form when the path of windblown sand is blocked by sea oats or driftwood; some type of obstruction. Most dunes are not higher than 15 feet. However, there are also “sand hills,” most likely formed from storms pushing up and depositing large amounts of sand. Jockey’s Ridge in N.C. is an excellent example of this.
There are many observations we can make about sand and writing. Walking on a beach is one of the best ways to let one’s mind wander and create. In addition to how beautiful sand can be, it can also be an irritant. Walking off the beach, sand in your shoes is usually tolerable, but only until you can empty your shoes or wash the sand off your feet. Analogous to an idea in the back of your mind that won’t go away until it’s written down. On your next coastal trip, take a moment to hold a few grains of sand in the palm of your hand. Note how each is different and, in its way, unique and beautiful. Then look up at the sand and dunes around you. Let your imagination and spirit take it from there.
Photo credit: Dee Stribling Creative
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