The question "Shall we go searching for sharks' teeth?" surely deserves the answer, "Absolutely!"
My friend Kathy suggested we take our children, our sieves and a picnic lunch to Calvert Cliffs State Park, on the shore of the Chesapeake about an hour south. We would hike through the woods, climb down to the water and then sift through shells, sand and rocks with the hopes of finding a tooth or two.
We were totally up for the adventure! Our hike began in a picturesque place with rolling hills and welcoming woods.
We soon dropped down in elevation and the landscape changed.
a fascinating ecosystem |
Our path became a boardwalk, and we could see that the Chesapeake was just ahead....
Off went the socks and shoes and into the cool water we went, sieves and buckets in hand.
There's one! A shark's tooth! Our friend Peter found one right away! (Did you know that sharks are constantly losing teeth and growing new ones?) |
There are all sorts of fossils in the surrounding cliffs, and erosion is bringing those fossils into the water and onto the shore. Remember this picture, from our visit to the Baltimore Aquarium?
Those teeth were found at this park, Calvert Cliffs!
When we were tired of sifting and tired of the wind, we headed back up the path to enjoy the large playground. A few of us had sharks' teeth in our backpacks; all of us had some special shells and rocks.
And can I just show you a few photos of the quaint town we explored near the park? It was a town I had wanted to visit for a while: Solomons Island. We drive daily on a Solomons Island Road, and I wanted to follow the road to this town at the end of the peninsula! I was so glad we did! Can you feel how very quaint it is? The town has several cottages and shops to the right, along the shore.
The Patuxent River ahead; it joins the Chesapeake just behind me. |
Here's one of the churches. The other one was named "Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church".
I love exploring! What a terrific day. These munchkins had a good day, too...