Who hasn’t wandered along a beach to see what the tides have washed ashore? It can be fun to wonder what the things we find on the beach are, and how the stuff got to be there. Some are barely recognizable pieces of glass, or objects made of metal and wood, while other things are all too recognizable pieces of junk. Some of the most common things found are cigarette lighters, pop bottles and tampon dispensers. Since approximately 7 million tons of junk gets tossed into the oceans every year it is no wonder that lots of it washes up on our beaches----most of which one could care less how it got there except perhaps to chastise some “idiot” for throwing it thoughtlessly overboard. Most of this stuff is not likely going to excite a beach comber. The other day as I was walking on the beach at Fort Casey, Whidbey Island, Washington, I came across an object that might have unlocked some of those secrets-----if I could have but found the key. But upon turning over the object, I saw that the most important part of the lock was missing----as if perhaps there was no secret to unlock after all. All the wondering about how th pad-lock got to be there would only be as rich as ones imagination. Of course it obviously came off the door of some storm ravaged ship’s hold filled with gold in route from the Yukon to bank coffers in Seattle. But that is probably a little too fanciful, as it more likely fell out of some Boy Scout’s pocket or was simply thrown into the drink with other refuse from the fort. What becomes important at some point is not the knowing----but the imagination. That is not to say that there is not some wonderful story about how the lock got to be there, but until someone emails me and says, “Hey, you found my lock,” I will just have to entertain myself. Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector
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I loved your blog Charles. I too am one who combs the beach and thinks up imaginative stories.
I love walking the beach and finding things, there is always something interesting that can trigger your imagination.
Good post Charles. I haven't made it to the beach yet this year. Didn't realize how much I've missed it.
It is fun to walk the beach..not fun that all that garbage is dumped in it...
hey, you found the lock off my chastity belt.
I'm a dedicated beachcomber from way back...I literally spend hours just walking...Great post Charles, thanks...Enjoy the day.
It probably came from my barn thata tornado blew away in 1974. I always wondered where it ended up.
It is amazing the things that you can find. I don't have the opportunity to walk along many ocean beaches living in Missouri.
Did you keep hunting until you found the key, Charlie?
One can only imagine the origins of that lock. However, I hope for Alan's sake you csn find the key too!
Charles,
When I was on the Oregon Coast earlier this month I found a rope...obviously from a vessel...maybe you found the padlock that once anchored it....LOL
Ahoy Captain Mr Charles,
That is off my treasure chest.
Nutsy (in costume)
I really think that is the original padlock from Davey Jones' Locker.
Imagination is more than kids' play. It's the key to living. Cool post.
Imagination unlocks it all matey!
...and is the key to keeping the mind young.
Funny remark from that Nasty Ol Mrs Kate.
Nutsy, a national treasure
Hi Charles, Thankfully we have those endless and wonderful imaginations that allow our minds to fill in the blanks. And on so things at least, it seemsOK to do that.
Ask Davey Jones :)
Debbie, so where did this lock come from?:)
Anne, for sure
Allen, I sometimes reach a point where I just HAVE to go to the beach
Pat, sometimes the garbage is pretty disgusting
Alan, I hardly think it is THAT old :)
Ernie, thanks----and you are welcome
Lizette, that must have been quite the wind storm
Don, but you have a pretty cool river that if you follow long enough you will find some ocean :)
Glenn, no I finally gave up
Michael, I hate when that happens
Craig, I am afraid Alan won't be getting lucky any time soon
Lori, wouldn't that need a chain
Nutsy you know dang well you have no chest (what a minute I take that back)
Jack, are you sure?
Kate it really is
Anna, aye aye
Teral, yes----very important
Nutsy, you are a National Pestilence
William, very good way to put it
Jane, I am sure I will have been luck asking a dead Davey Jones that a live Nutsy
Mr Charles,
When I break out of the chains that bind me I will deal with you.
Nutsy
Nutsy, good luck with that
I did my Order of the Arrow Ordeal at Camp Roosevelt on the Chesapeake Bay. We were there two nights. I delivered the morning paper and was used to getting up real early. Rising LONG before the other kids I went to the beach to find shark's teeth that had washed up. I found over 100! I still have them! It's a great memory.
Hey, you haven't stopped by my blog since I sent you flowers! Is it my toothpaste?
Very kindly,
Croakster
Jay, but you haven't posted since then :) Actually I am out of town teaching again and it is hard for me to keep up with comments while I am away----seems like all I do is work and sleep
Croakster, and what did you use it for?
Well, hey, why don't you call? I'll get you all the way there, guaranteed.
I use a blue tooth device and it is fabulous. Just like listening to the radio, except you're live!
Very kindly,
Croakster
Jay, I have a bluetooth as well but now that I no longer use it in the car----by phone time has gone wayyyyyy down:)
Croakster----would that be a women's basketball team?
I remember you saying that, and my guarantee still stands...
Also, I have no idea what Croakster is talking about! But you may be right.