The beach near Brander's Pond

The road is deep in the red dirt as we make our way to the beach near Brander's Pond on the north shore of Prince Edward Island.

 

The pond is surrounded by abundant vegetation, Marram grass, asters, and golden rod which almost hide it. 

 

 

A stream flows from the pond and meanders to the beach where it empties into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

 

The forecast says rain later today and it is overcast, but we take the chance to have another picnic in the warm weather. At the beach there is a slight breeze, which makes the heat and humidity of this September day bearable. 

There is much to see. As the tide recedes, it makes a larger playground for the beach birds, the plovers, 

 

sanderlings

 

and whimbrels. 

 

The gulls are a curiosity, silent sentinels on the beach with their heads into the wind.

 

The young gulls look different from the more mature gulls of the same species.

 

 

There are a number of lobster pots washed ashore and someone created an art piece, with Marram grass, seaweed and red sand as a backdrop.

 

A lone sea stack stands off shore. 

 

It is hard to imagine the shoreline at that position in the not too distant past. 

 

It has become a roost for cormorants.

 

 

The kelp accumulates on the beach in various places 

 

while some types of seaweed look pretty against the red sand.

 

The beach stretches out before us and the beach birds lead the way,

 

 

running as fast as their legs can go as we walk westward. 

 

 

The sandstone cliffs show the effects of erosion, with rock falls and caves. 

 

Sand from upper layer of the cliffs has fallen down in many areas, creating mounds of soil along the rock face.

 

Although the physical features of the shoreline change, plants take hold anywhere there is enough soil for the seeds to germinate and take root. 

 

Mother nature is an optimist.

The gentle waves kiss the shore as the sky holds back the rain, the food is delicious and the company is great. These last few days of summer are an inspiration.