Thursday, January 26, 2012

Sea Turtles and Mermaids

Folly Beach Pier, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok


Folly Beach Pier is one of the longest on the East Coast. I remember when it first opened, we walked along the high boardwalk to the very end, admiring the beautiful views. Peering down into the ocean waters, we glimpsed a Loggerhead sea turtle suddenly swim to the surface, poke its reptilian head above the waves, and quickly dive back into the mirky depths. It was a thrilling site to see!
I think about ancient mariners seeing creatures like sea turtles, sea lions and dugongs (sea cows), and imagining them to be human-like beings such as mermaids and sirens. These ancient people were ignorant, trying to make sense of their world without the benefit of modern day knowledge. Hence the invention of myths, legends and supernatural tales.


Yet, I wonder how often imaginations still rule our perceptions, when we are ignorant of truths... and how will future generations look back on our myths, legends, and supernatural tales?



30 comments:

  1. I really like this shot Doug. Very creative and colorful.

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  2. Impressive and great frame. I love colors too.

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  3. Sensational. Love the fluffy water.

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  4. Excellent diagonal and wonderful edition.
    Agustín.

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  5. very provocative post this morning, sir.

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  6. This kind of piers are familiar to me due to the American movies. I don't think I ever saw this model elsewhere. I like the angle you used for this photo, Doug.

    As for our myths, well, I think they will go in circle, and people will think what we think today about the ancient ones. It will always be a curiosity for them, an eagerness to find out what others have imagined and how their real world looked like. At least that's what I believe.

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  7. Wonderful shot with rich color and perspective!

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  8. Love the color and composition of this shot, so beautiful.

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  9. Great image. The architecture inspires us.

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  10. Wow, very interesting photo, perfect composition!
    Here was some snow, but it last only for one day :(
    Have a good day Doug!

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  11. Wow very good perspective! excellent Doug!

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  12. Wonderful edition and an excellent picture !

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  13. Gorgeous light falling on this pier, and you chose a delightful leading angle (and BTW managed perspective and parallels perfectly).

    I agree that people try to find meaning out of randomness. People also often put themselves at the center of why something happened when really they were merely bystanders.

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  14. What beautiful tones in this shot

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  15. The photo is fantasctic as well the story. How can a man live without imagination.
    Greetings.

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  16. An amazing pier. Great picture.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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  17. Great!!!!!, Fantastic diagonal and perspective.
    I lke these tones and the reflexion of the sunset.
    Greetings.

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  18. What a beautiful shot Doug--I love the perfect perspective and gorgeous color. It's fascinating to consider the myths of the past and then wonder how our own myths will be viewed. Great post my friend!

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  19. I can imagine the joy of this encounter with the turtle! Love'em!
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  20. Gorgeous point of view and perfect composition; love how you used a sweet long exposure. Great capture. Love it!
    Have a nice day.

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  21. excellent image....just love it.

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  22. A wonderful piece of engineering, beautifully photographed to emphasise the strength, pattern and atmosphere of a pier.

    There's far too many of our present generations who still seem to be happy to accept the legends, half-truths and superstitions of our not too distant ancestors - almost as if science had never been invented.

    Ostrich's rule!

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  23. Repetition in the structure, perspective lines and colours make this quite a magical looking image!

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  24. and to think they thought dugongs were mermaids.. there probably weren't that many females in ships back then.. :D

    lovely capture here.. lighting is beautiful.. :)

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