Tracks in the Sand: A Trip Report

[jbeegoode]

All new excursion, exploring tracks in freshly washed sand.

http://thefreerangenaturist.org/2015/12/06/tracks-in-the-sand-a-trip-report/

Jbee

[nuduke]

The tracks thing is v interesting.  You rarely come across a track in the UK - it's either leaves, grass, ploughed up or washed away.  Occasionally in mud and estuaries.  We ain't got any dry undisturbed land like that!

John

[nudewalker]

I don't know how I missed this one! Must be the holiday rush but glad a few extra moments spent was well rewarded. The narrative and pictures of the cacti were highlights for me. During our visits there I would watch a hawk do much the same from it's perch in a cactus near our room. Hours of natural entertainment!

[jbeegoode]

I don't know how I missed this one! Must be the holiday rush but glad a few extra moments spent was well rewarded. The narrative and pictures of the cacti were highlights for me. During our visits there I would watch a hawk do much the same from it's perch in a cactus near our room. Hours of natural entertainment!

I've got a specific article coming next year about the crested saguaros. There will be more cactus anecdotes as time goes on in several other tales. They tend to stand out and grab attention...or you get prickers.
Jbee

[eyesup]

I have done the same thing when hiking. I'll notice tracks in the same direction I am going and then start to look for the same tracks headed in the opposite direction. I guess I like to know whether I am alone or have company.

The photo near the end that shows footprints and the sand trace of the arc by the plant in the wind reminded me of the 1st time I saw that. It took me a minute to figure it out. When the wind blows a certain way, the stalk sweeps at ground level like a windshield wiper. Other times it just bends back and forth. At first it was puzzling. Then you figure it out and laugh at how obvious it was. Then the weather wipes it away and it begins again, till the plant get too big and it quits doing that.

Natures own scribbling.

You have to catch it blowing at ground level in that sweeping motion. The more flexible the stalk the longer the arcs are.

Great photos.
Duane