I_gotta_rock Posted November 12, 2018 Share Posted November 12, 2018 My hubby and I went to Hatteras Island, North Carolina this past week for some fun in the wind. But, I just can't go to the beach without beachcombing. Most of the beaches I visited were rather slim pickings for even decent modern shells. I finally did a Google search for the best shelling beaches on the Outer Banks and came up with a few beaches spread across the archipelago. The south side of Cape Hatteras was one of the best and quite close to where we were staying, so off I went. Wow. Colorful, unbroken shells lay thick on the tide lines and scattered across a wide, sandy plain. Here and there, blocks of sandstone (broken off the Pleistocene shelf that holds up the islands) were scattered. The surfaces exposed to the wind were sandblasted to expose the shells inside. Most of the shells retained their original colors. My suspicion is that they were buried while deep enough under water that they didn't have an opportunity to fade. The result is that the fossils - almost all extant species - were only distinguishable from their modern descendants by the clinging matrix. Fossil corals were also scattered sparsely across the sand. These are a bit easier to recognize as fossils as the closest coral reefs to Cape Hatteras are some 75 miles off shore. You can see more finds from this trip here: 8 I refuse to give up my childish wonder at the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caldigger Posted November 12, 2018 Share Posted November 12, 2018 What a great picture! What month of the calender is this one being used for? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixgill pete Posted November 12, 2018 Share Posted November 12, 2018 26 minutes ago, caldigger said: What a great picture! What month of the calender is this one being used for? I agree, that is a fantastic picture. We have a magazine here in North Carolina called "Our State"; this photo should be entered in it's annual photo contest. 4 Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt behind the trailer, my desert Them red clay piles are heaven on earth I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers May 2016 May 2012 Aug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 Oct 2022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pagurus Posted November 12, 2018 Share Posted November 12, 2018 Wonderful image! I've been trying to take a photo like that for years with little success. Well done. Start the day with a smile and get it over with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I_gotta_rock Posted November 12, 2018 Author Share Posted November 12, 2018 4 minutes ago, sixgill pete said: I agree, that is a fantastic picture. We have a magazine here in North Carolina called "Our State"; this photo should be entered in it's annual photo contest. If you happen to remember this when you see the call for entries and send me a link, I'll do that. I refuse to give up my childish wonder at the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy's Dad Posted November 12, 2018 Share Posted November 12, 2018 Indeed, a very nice report but that first picture is outstanding! Life's Good! Tortoise Friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darktooth Posted November 13, 2018 Share Posted November 13, 2018 I have to agree, the picture is stunning! Makes me wish I was there. I like Trilo-butts and I cannot lie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KimTexan Posted November 13, 2018 Share Posted November 13, 2018 Yes, that pic was an eye grabber. Nice short and sweet trip report. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monica Posted November 13, 2018 Share Posted November 13, 2018 I love the colours on those shells - simply beautiful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PFOOLEY Posted November 13, 2018 Share Posted November 13, 2018 You_gotta_shot! (Simply, a stunning pic!).... "I am glad I shall never be young without wild country to be young in. Of what avail are forty freedoms without a blank spot on the map?" ~Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) New Mexico Museum of Natural History Bulletins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henpecked Posted November 13, 2018 Share Posted November 13, 2018 Great pictures, thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ynot Posted November 14, 2018 Share Posted November 14, 2018 Very nice trip report and pictures. Darwin said: " Man sprang from monkeys." Will Rogers said: " Some of them didn't spring far enough." My Fossil collection - My Mineral collection My favorite thread on TFF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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