Coastline Treasures

We all know that a wood model ship is a replica of some of the fascinating wood ships of the past, but do you know anything about the greats of these ships?  These magnificent ships date back to the 1400’s when the age of exploration began.  Since then, the ships have become much grander.

When wood ships were first being built, the grandest of the ships measured 167.3 feet.  Seeming small to us now, a ship of this size was huge back then.  Since their original creation, wood ships have grown to very large sizes for wooden ships.  In the early 1900’s, a wood ship was created that measured in at 450 feet in length.  Some of these great old wooden ships have even been retired into different roles.  For example, Caligula’s Giant Ship is now the foundation of a lighthouse.  Next time you buy or make a wood model ship, try to determine what ship it is replicating.

If a picture of the world was taken from space with every lighthouse around the world lit, and every other light turned off, the picture would be something amazing.  Looking like little lighthouse figurines from space, there are thousands of lighthouses all over the world.  These navigational beacons are the warm, soft light to guide sailors home just as fireflies guide children.

Because they are so magnificent, lighthouses are objects of mystery, history, and romance.  They are the destinations of tourists, beach walkers, and people needing a secluded inspirational place to relax.  These standing fireflies are the perfect guide for anyone.

Did you know that dolphins are some of the smartest mammals on the planet?  Their intelligence matches up to humans in many ways.  The way that they teach their young is one of these ways.  Dolphins devise games and scenarios to prepare their young for anything. 

Dolphins also have a lot of courage.  They are natural protectors of the ocean, and of surfers, swimmers, etc, who venture out into the ocean.  Dolphins are sharks only natural enemy, so when they are around, sharks know to stay away.  Dolphins are always constantly alert.  Even when they sleep, they only sleep with half their brains at a time so to remember to breathe and watch out for danger.  Dolphin décor depicts some of the fascinating behaviors of dolphins.

It’s hard to come to grips with the fact that summer is drawing to a close. Before we know it, the cool winds of September will set in and those carefree days spent indulging in beachside frivolity will be gone for months at a time. With that in mind, we can’t afford to waste the precious few warm days that still remain. It’s time to break out a cotton hammock and hang it up between two trees.

On an especially warm evening, you might even choose to dwell outside a bit longer than normal, swinging freely inside the hammock as it wraps them in a snug embrace. As the sky darkens and the stars come slowly into view, we can ponder a few of the mysteries of the universe - or maybe just bask in the pale glow of those billion-odd points of light. With a hammock, you can accomplish all of that without even getting sand in your clothes.

Glass animal figurines make great collectables.  They come in all sizes and species too, so they make the perfect addition to any mantel, cabinet, or table.  They are easy to take care of, and therefore are a great low maintenance addition to any décor.  Even if the animals you have don’t match your theme, they are still great to collect because you can find so many different types.

Often animal figurines come in different breeds of an animal as well.  For example, if you particularly love dogs, see how many different breeds you can find. 

Collecting figurines also creates a fun hobby.  When you are on vacation, or do something out of the ordinary, see if you can find an animal for your collection that is indigenous to the area.  The possibilities are endless.

What is it about lighthouses that fascinate us?  Is it there history and mystique of all who lived there and the sailors whose lives were saved by them?  Is it there beautiful setting, along the sandy beaches or the rocky peaks?  Have you ever seen the view from atop of a lighthouse?  It is like you are on top of the world and able to see way past the horizon.

Whatever it is that draws us to lighthouses draws us to surround ourselves with them.  I know that I have a lighthouse magnet from North Carolina and a small lighthouse statue from my visit to Georgia.  I have seen yard décor lighthouses, a lighthouse birdhouse, solar lights, yard flags, stepping stones and so much more.  Whenever I visit the coast, I make sure I visit the local lighthouse.  Walking up their grand staircase to the top and looking out to the ships they protect is exhilarating.

Why is it that we are fascinated with the flamingo?  They are tall and statuesque with long legs and a long neck. They often stand on one leg; quite a balancing act for sure.  They often tuck their head under their wing making them look as though they are headless.  What about their oddly shaped beaks, which are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from their food which is uniquely used upside down!  Depending on what they eat, their feather color varies from a light pink to a deep red in color.

These amazing, yet a bit strange creatures draw us to them.  You can’t go to the zoo without visiting the flamingos.  You read about them in books, see them in pictures, and display them in your yard!  Having a set of metal yard art flamingos would bring tribute to these unique creatures not to mention add a bit of fun.  Surely, they would add a smile to your face every time you see them.

The earliest anchors were rocks dating back to the Bronze Age.  This is a good example of a permanent anchor; called a mooring and is rarely moved.  Permanent moorings use large masses resting on the seabed which is not practical for temporary anchors which need to be stowed onboard.  There are many different types of temporary anchors, which by mass, hook onto rocks or bury themselves in the soft sandy seabed.

The range of designs of the temporary anchor is immense.  There are four basic types of anchors used; Hook, Plough, Fluke and Drogues.  The Hook design is used for problematic bottoms such as rocky, heavy kelp or grass, coral, or hard sand.  The Plough design is designed to bury themselves in the bottom as force is applied on them. The Fluke design is lighter in weight and uses resistance to dig into the seabed.  The fourth temporary anchor is the Drogue design which uses water itself as a weight.  Where ever there is water and a boat, there is an anchor.  It is the nautical décor of every boat and dock.

The rainbow trout, oncorhynchus mykiss, is a member of the salmon family.  These gorgeous fish have coloring and patterns that vary widely depending on their habitat and age.  Generally they are blue-green or yellow-green in color with a pink to crimson water colored streak along their sides, with a white underbelly, and small black spots on their backs and fins.  They prefer cool and clean moderately moving waters; creeks, rivers and streams.  Rainbow trout live on insects, crustaceans, and small fish.  

Rainbow trout are native only to the rivers and lakes west of the Rocky Mountains in North America.  Due to their reputation as a hard fighting game fish and tasty meal, has created their introduction throughout the world.  Bringing home one of these beautiful creatures for fishing décor or a tasty dinner will surely delight any fisherman.

Home is where the heart is, and that is no different for a bird.  Some make homes in trees, others in roof tops, some in decorative birdhouses, and others on a buoy in the harbor.  The truth is, birds will nest anywhere that it is safe.  Just like people want to find a safe place to have a family, birds want to make sure where they build their nest is not at high risk for predators.

For this reason, birdhouses are great.  Especially when placed in the right location, birdhouses are four walls and a roof to ward off hungry animals and dangerous weather.  And unlike their feathered exteriors, birds are not feather-brained.  When it comes to finding the best place to nest, they look at everything.  Instinctually, birds know not to build a nest too low to the ground.  Keep a home great for a bird, and you will always find them in your yard.