A few weeks ago we wandered onto the edge of some Tofino tidal mudflats, wondering what we might see. Taking care not to disturb habitat, and squelching about, we uncovered riches in the mud – we discovered silver. An incredible trove right under our noses. We hit the mother lode! (I’d best come clean here, although you’ve probably already guessed…)
What wealth was found? Silver? Yes and no. Not the fill your pockets and consider yourself materially wealthy kind of silver. The treasure was finer than solid silver – if your mind works that way.
The early morning mist had cleared, and the tide receded. The sun shone down on the flats and they glittered and sparkled. The mud was dazzling! A silvery sheen and shine, and what was a beautiful sight became even more so. It almost hurt to look at it.
It is so quiet on the inlet side, a marked contrast to the constant surf sounds of the Pacific not so far away. You can hear the movement of water, the mud oozing and shifting. The air is rich, earthy and salty, full of life. The water rises, the water falls, and the landscape changes constantly. It is a fragile environment, one that sustains an astonishing diversity of life. It is Planet Food. Creatures wriggle, burrow, scuttle and buzz in, on, over, and under the mud.
Look down, and it is delicate and intricate immediately under your feet. Look up, and it is vast and seemingly unending as you stare into the distance. What a place to be!
The silver disappeared as the sun moved through the sky, changing angle. It became less silver, but no less of a treasure. Two children were exploring the flats, perfectly immersed in their tasks and surroundings, unplugged yet completely connected. Imagine seeing such finery and it isn’t artificial, superficial, gaudy or brash. A huge treasure you can’t (or shouldn’t) keep and covet, or own in an acquisitive way. It isn’t for that.
Natural treasures large and small are all over the planet and never that far away for most of us. They have a value and importance beyond financial numbers. They aren’t possessions, but responsibility for them belongs to all of us. Imagine if we changed our thinking about what value means, what wealth means. Is it possible we could already be rich, living on this giant ball of amazing value? It’s there if you choose to see it.
Treasure beyond measure! I know, I know – there are harsh economic and political realities for billions on the planet – but allow me some out of touch tree-hugger wishful thinking. It doesn’t have to be this way. Must’ve inhaled something leaking from that mud…
Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
You’re so right, pc, treasures abound all over this planet, including mud. Loved this post, the mysterious opening paragraphs, the silvery treasure photos, the willingness to rediscover the meaning of richness. You captured the joy and mystery of tidal action, and there’s something different all day long. Have yourself a great weekend–
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Thanks, Jet! We’ve visited the mudflats on grey days, dry days, foggy days and wet days, and it’s always lovely to be there, but the silvery day was something else again. Aiming to be back there in a couple of weeks…
I hope you had a great weekend, and your week is off to a fine start!
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Yes, indeed, it’s a joy to discover if we just look. Really enjoyed this post. Thanks, PC!
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Thank you, and glad you enjoyed this one! I hope your week is off to a good start.
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Goes to show, PC, that we needn’t look far for delightful earthen riches. Those intertidal flats are rich with life from both the sea and from the air and land adjacent to it. Glad that you found this island mud and were able to reflect for us its silver and gold!
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Thanks, Walt! It’s the only silver and gold that interests me these days. You reach a certain age and if you’ve been reasonably fortunate employment-wise, priorities can change. I lived more days than are left to me, so now it’s time that grows in value!
Have a great week.
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you search for the silver…….I search for the gold!
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You certainly find gold on your sunset travels out and about!
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What a wonderful piece of writing PC and you’re so right, there are treasures to be found everywhere and sometimes where we least expect it. Loved this, both your photos and your words.
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Thanks, Miriam! We visit this spot quite often, and it always delights. This particular time, it happened to be silver, and I was lucky enough to capture and share a bit of that! Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks again, and I hope your week is going well!
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I enjoyed this post. Been reading too much lately about plastics and microplastics and trains out of stations with no brakes… and so this was a welcome read. There is still beauty.
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Thanks for taking the time to read this – very happy to provide you with a contrast to the micro plastics. Yup, you’re right, there are beautiful places out there, and they need to be treasured.
Thanks again, and enjoy your day!
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