Theme Thursday: African Spaces

This week, Theme Thursday invites us to explore the concept of 'space'.

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Nowhere on earth does the world seem wider than on the African savannah. Golden grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see, flowing seamlessly into big and brilliant skies. 

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At home on these open spaces, animals roam freely…hampered only by the measured interruptions of those of us who ache to catch just a glimpse of the singular beauty to be found in that wildness.

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On safari in East Africa, I've sat mute with awe as lions prowled steathily in the grass nearby,

and watched giraffes lope nervously away if we lingered too long to stare.

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I've laughed aloud as zebras pranced cheerfully ahead of us on the rutted trails, stopping  as if to to wait when we paused to let them get ahead.

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 And I've simply marvelled at the glorious cheetahs who watched us curiously as we pointed our cameras their way.

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This is a place like no other, where space and time converge in nature's ageless harmony.

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 It is my fervent hope that the animals of the world will always have their wild places...that mankind's often greedy and thoughtless pursuits do not irrevocably encroach on their worlds, for surely, to destroy these precious habitats would mean the ruin of our humanity...

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For more about the spaces of our universe, check out the great link below...

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http://themethursday.blogspot.com/

Racoon Reflections

One of our favourite spots for weekend wandering is a small fishing settlement called Finn Slough that remains little changed since it  began early in the twentieth century. For many years, it provided work for the now-historic cannery in Steveston, and is still inhabited by a handful of fishers who seem to live in easy harmony with their surroundings, despite being minutes away from the busy metropolis of Richmond B.C.

One day as I stood on the shaky wooden drawbridge looking up the slough, I was delighted to see a racoon making his way toward me. He slouched along methodically, digging into the mud and rinsing off whatever edible treats he brought to the surface

 Low tide had uncovered a treasure trove for him and he was not going to miss a bit of it...every inch of mud got a thorough inspection.

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Patiently, I waited and watched, until he was right under me, completely unconcerned by my quiet presence.

Busy with his labours, he continued under the bridge to forage some more...

I am linking this post to the wonderful 'Weekend Reflections' hosted by James. For a real treat, stop by and peruse more reflective photos!

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http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/