The sun, cool air and rolling mist found us out on shore of Reef Bay yesterday afternoon. The view defies my ability to find words.
Mesmerizing.
Then I almost trip over this little fellow.
The seal pup has been abandoned by its mother or at the very least she had left it to rest. It eyes and nose were running and it can hardly move. Usually these animals will be in the sea before I can take a photo but this little one didn’t want to leave the shore. I backed away and observed it for awhile. When we get home I find the number for the Wildlife rescue. There is a chance they can rescue the pup so back I go to the site with my cell phone. This time I think the pup is already dead as it didn’t move when I approached. But finally it lifted its head and looked around when I was almost on top of it. But it did not seem to be doing very well. The staff from the wildlife rescue called to confirm with me that the seal was still there. A rescue team was dispatched. By now it was getting dusk and had been hours since I had first discovered the baby seal. I sat and watched a good distance away from the pup so as not to disturb it while it rested. Then, with no warning, it made a few weak bleating sounds, scrambled across twenty feet of shore rock, slipped into the water and swam out to sea. I lost sight of it in the dusk. We called the rescue off. I like to think that its mother called it. I like to think that it will survive. This is not likely.
Life and death are but a breath apart.
Sprout Question: Where is your creative breath taking you today?
Note: never touch or try to rescue a seal pup unless you are an experienced professional. Sometimes their mothers leave them to rest on shore while they feed and if you touch them or move them they may become separated when there is no need. If you see what appears to be an abandoned seal pup move as far away as possible (50 feet is recommended) and observe. If it is obviously in distress contact your local wildlife rescue centre for assistance. DO NOT try to rescue it yourself. Even a sick baby seal has a wicked bite.
© 2010 Terrill Welch, All rights reserved.
Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.
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Creative Potager – where imagination rules. Be inspired.
From Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada
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Creative Potager 
Beautiful images Terrill. Having to work during the day, I will have to explore my creativity at night, which results in both challenges and opportunities. Sometimes, though, it can be helpful to be given a certain set of conditions in which to explore your creativity. Here is one of the better ones I came up with yesterday: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pamhule/4992737173/
Jens
Jens your night photography is incredible and inspiring. It is like getting a chance to be on the streets of New York City without leaving home. Thank you for stopping in and thank you for the link.
Dear readers I encourage you to wonder over to Jens’ flickr site and go for a night time stroll.
Thanks Terrill. After your praise, I decided to put together a small collection of my black and white night time shots in New York City. You can view the set here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pamhule/sets/72157624968945456/
You are most welcome Jens and I stepped on over and enjoyed a morning slideshow of your work. You are in one of those positions where I am sure you have been asked when you are going to give up your day job:)
“Life and death are but a breath apart.”
Aye Terrill, it seems we are reminded of that almost every day in one way or another.
What made me think that was a sea otter there. Anyway this is another post of scenic beauty, and the most visually ravishing interpretation of the color blue that I’ve ever seen. Wonderful information and advice on the seal pup.
Today, I posed a popular writing assignment with my middle schoolers on the Caldecott honor book “The Spider and the Fly.” I asked students to write a continuation of this gothic story set in an old mansion, and the responses in large measure were inspired.
Sam, I can only imagine the joy you must experience through your teaching. I would like to be in your class with assignments likes these. Glad you enjoyed the post. I too have been enjoying all the different blues.
Terrill – I’m a day late, but this blog was well worth waiting for. Oh my heart is just broken for that little guy/gal. You’re absolutely right in what you say, “Life and death are but a breath apart.”
Sprout Question: Where is your creative breath taking you today?
Today (Thursday) is typically a protected day of writing for me. However, I’m at HolEssence doing a deep, deep cleaning (it’s well past time). So I’m creatively scrubbing, dusting, polishing, and reorganizing. I enjoy this type of work so it feels very good.
Laurie, I too was very sad for the seal pup. I wanted to ask the little fellow to wait when I saw it heading for the sea. Then I thought: “what do I know?” So I observed and witnessed its passage out of my sight. Sometimes that is the best we can do for another.
Today (Thursday) I am going to shift us to sustaining and the rosehip. So if you want to take a break from stirring your cleaning energies as whisk through HolEssence, come on back in a bit (the post is written – I just need to post). Best of today to you:)
Great pictures!
Thank you and welcome to Creative Potager!