Wooden Structures, Flowers and Shadows at the Beach

This hub is a pictorial of the many types of wood and wooden structures that are commonly seen at the beach. I tried to capture the texture of the wood and the shadows that are cast by it. I also tried to find unexpected shapes and splashes of color from wildflowers, carefully planted flowers and insects that rest up against the wood. Some of the structures are common and expected- beach entrances over a sand dune, picket fences in front of beach cottages and fishing piers. Others are works of art such as colorful signs painted on wood.

The photos in this pictorial are taken from beaches in Delaware, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Hilton Head area of South Carolina and Tybee Island, Georgia. All photos were taken by the author of this hub, Gail Sobotkin.

Another beautiful sight is the many private entrances along sand dunes such as these wooden gazebo structures that create a distinctive line up.

This fence sits atop a giant sand dune lookout point and prevents visitors from falling off the dune. The ocean can be seen in the background. I loved the way that the texture of this wooden fence created a natural backdrop for the wild trumpet flowers growing all around it. I was also fortunate to capture a close-up shot of a dragonfly buzzing around the flower and a butterfly on one of the wooden slats.

Picket fences are common sights in front of and alongside of the beach cottages near the sea. Some are painted white, some are stained in natural hues, some are high and some are low but all are beautiful when graced with colorful plantings of flowers that are carefully tended by the owners. I love to come upon half open gates which capture a tantalizing view of what's behind it. This is one of the many delights of walking to the beach.

Beach Entrances can be simple such as a basic unpainted fence that defines the walk area across a dune, or more elaborate with long wooden boardwalks, benches and gazebos but regardless of whether they're fancy or plain, it's always a delight to inhale the scent of sea salt and catch the first glimpse of the ocean as one walks across the entrance way.

Fishing piers also come in different sizes and shapes. Some are long straight and narrow, some are built in the shape of a 'T' to provide additional space on the farthest end. Some have restaurants and/or bait shops at the entrance to them, others have elaborate huge gazebo structures with painted murals. Some piers are so rickety and crooked that one senses they may be washed away at any moment and wonders how they are still open to the public.

I am also fascinated with things that are seen on top of and below the fishing piers such as birds perched on top of the pier railings and lights, picnic tables and fish washing areas. I particularly love to walk underneath piers because the pillars themselves and the way the ocean crashes against them are so interesting plus it's always the coolest place to be on a hot summer day.

Hope you have enjoyed this photo tour of wooden structures, flowers and shadows at various beaches on the Mid Atlantic and Southeast coast of the USA.