The Solway estuary
I have been thinking about sand ripples. There were lots on the beach yesterday, as I walked back from the rocks to the shore. They have always intrigued me. Being by the sea lends them a considerable poetic charge, but they are an interesting muse on many levels. How do the soft, squishy, somewhat chaotic elements of sand and water give rise to such geometric precision? Their complexity is expressive.
So, sitting here this morning, looking out over the estuary and enjoying the peace and the first coffee of the day, I have started to dig and one thing has led to another and my sand ripples are showing every sign of turning into something of a rabbit hole. Or maybe, though it is hard to be sure at the moment, a veritable warren, with exits in many disparate and interesting places.
But, however much holidays are a good environment for starting ideas, they are not the best for pursuing them, so I make a note to pick up these sandy ponderings when back home in Wales.
Jon James 