Jalama Beach

What does the landscape look like beneath the sea?

What forces are churning under the surface of the ocean that are normally obscured from our view? And what patterns and designs do the ceaseless waves scratch out on the rocks at the bottom of the ocean?

The artistry of the tidal surges is as dramatic and fascinating as any found in nature. The variety and creativity of the tides is simply astounding as demonstrated by these images made during an extremely low tide at Jalama Beach in Santa Barbara County.

Located at the end of a 14 mile narrow, windy farm road this beach provides solice and calm to all who find this rather unknown corner of California. It is a stretch of magnificent coastline which, aside from intermittant passing trains, shows very little of man's footprint. A lonely campground is the only significant human development found for miles in any direction.

These images were made on a calm, overcast spring afternoon during a peaceful walk along the edge of the sea.