Look what I spotted on the beach on my morning walk while we were at the beach?
If you have been reading my blog, you know that we just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary this past week at the beach with our kids and grandkids. We spent 7 glorious rain-free days enjoying the beach, the beach house, each other, and the local restaurants and entertainment.
I'm an early riser and while the family slept, I used my quiet alone morning time to do my morning yoga breathing routine and then a walk on the beach with nature including the gulls, sand pipers, sand crabs, and horseshoe crabs. Can you smell the ocean?
Horseshoe crabs seem to be abundant in the Delaware/ Maryland beach areas. Horseshoe crabs look really scary but they don't hurt you. During our 7 days at Bethany Beach, Delaware, I discovered a great deal of about these little unusual creatures from the locals who try to help save these endangered species.
Some History:
Horseshoe crabs are pre-historic creatures that are not truly crabs; they are actually arthropods and are related to the spider or scorpion family. They have existed for more than 300 million years which dates back even earlier than dinosaurs. Luckily, they are not dangerous and don't sting and are not poisonous.
They live deep within the sea and only come to shore only at night to mate and lay eggs during certain seasons. Unfortunately, if they do not make haste and get back into the water, they dry out and may eventually die on the beach.
In the early morning I would see a good amount of horseshoe crabs stranded after laying their egg on the shore. Locals have taken it upon themselves to help these creatures back into the ocean before they die. There is actually a program called " Just Flip 'Em' (link)which teaches you how to flip them over and get them back in the water in a very short few minute video.
Some that don't make it back to the sea, eventually die other creatures begin to use their shell as a home.
The scary long tail is called a talon is used for helping the creature turn over or navigate. Despite it's scary look it is actually soft and delicate and not used as a weapon.
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| These guys were all over the place in the early morning on the softer (not wet) sand. They dig deep narrow holes and would ran into them whenever I approached. |
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| This type of crab was in the water area Please Follow Me on Instagram at Judeethefoodie (link) .. for additional recipes, entertaining ideas, and healthy lifestyle. I'm just getting started on Instagram and want to build followers. Thanks. |
I did not want to close without a recipe, so I've linked one of my summer favorite recipes which uses zucchini and fresh corn. It is a chilled soup, but it tastes equally a good heated.
Got corn and zucchini? Make this wonderful chilled or hot soup!
Sharing on image-in-ing Linky this week
I am too an early riser and one of my morning routines is yoga, esp. yin yoga and meditation. Sometimes some yoga flows. Love horseshoe crabs...ate lots of them when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteHappy 50th wedding anniversary, Judee!
ReplyDeleteI didn't read blogs for a while and missed your previous posts about it.
I hope you had a wonderful time with kids and grandkids.
Happy Anniversary! What a fabulous trip and happy time. There's nothing like time at the beach! I can't wait to go sometime soon!
ReplyDeletewow these horseshoe crabs look amazing. happy anniversary too!
ReplyDeleteHow amazing you could have alone time in such a peaceful setting.
ReplyDeletefrom Tandy I Lavender and Lime https://tandysinclair.com
In my youth, I spent many a happy week at Long Beach Island. Loads of horseshoe crabs there! This was a fun post -- thanks. And Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteFantastic! you are making lovely memories with your family!!.......Abrazotes, Marcela
ReplyDeleteHappy 50th anniversary! What a fabulous milestone and I am so glad you were able to enjoy such a gorgeous week at the beach with your family!
ReplyDeleteI'm not at all familiar with horseshoe crabs (or that much with other crabs, for that matter) so this was especially interesting. I loved the photos -- all of them, but especially the footprints.
ReplyDeleteHi Judee, I answered your question. I hope it helps!.....Abrazotes, Marcela
ReplyDeleteHorseshoe crabs are fascinating creatures. I took a geology class in Florida one year and we saw a lot of them beached. Where possible we helped them to return. The beach is a fascinating place, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteWow! Horseshoe crabs are kind of scary looking -- I can see how they're related to scorpions. I like how you explained that their appearance is deceiving, though, as they're actually harmless and even vulnerable. Thanks for the science lesson-slash-thought-provoking metaphor! 🦀
ReplyDeleteHappy (Belated) Anniversary wishes.
ReplyDeleteLovely photographs.
Enjoy this last weekend of August.
All the best Jan
Happy Belated Anniversary, Judee.
ReplyDeleteThose horseshoe crabs are fascinating.
Have a great week ahead.
Love the pictures. Have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteHappy 50th Anniversary (belated)! I'm so glad you enjoyed your holiday with family - nothing beats relaxing at the beach.
ReplyDeleteHappy 50th Anniversary! We are 2 years away form that big event. I used to see many horseshoe crabs on the beaches when I lived in NYC. They are such interesting prehistoric looking creatures. I followed you on Instagram!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fascinating! I've never seen horseshoe crabs "in the wild", only in aquariums!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2022/08/classics.html
A wonderful Post. I must try your recipe!
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