Magnified Sand

sand_under_microsope1_0.jpg
Sand - magnified x250 times

Thanks go to Angie for sending in this amazing image of sand. We have had sand from the River Ganges, sand on Portobello beach and now sand quarried miles away from the sea.

As I drove away from visiting a friend in this most beautiful of areas hidden away from the bright city lights and tourist traps of Edinburgh and Glasgow I saw the quarry loom before me. I thought to stop and photograph it but couldn't bring myself to do that. It felt akin to photographing road kill and I'd not do that. There was no blood, just a massive scare in the landscape.

Anyway, I wish the people well who are trying to stop the further encroachment of the sand and gravel mining operations into this island of special beauty in the Scottish Boarder country. New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde.

On my way out of Scotland after visiting my friend - and her two beautiful native Highland ponies - I drove down through the Moffat Hills. Another hidden treasure in the Boarders, sadly swathed in mist and hammered by heavy rain as I passed through.

Scotland is special. The people I met were each special, each in their own very particular ways. Like the sand under the microscope. But then everyone is particular. Unique. Too often the gem like qualities each of us have are hidden from even our own view, let alone understood or appreciated by others.

This post is for a chap in hospital, visited today in Darlington, County Durham. Much merit passes to you dear friend. You are a very particular gem.

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