My mother used to say, “Now Bob, watch your step…” And my father (a sergeant in the USMC) shared something similar: “Watch where you’re going, you knucklehead!”

At the carnival we were urged to look down and keep our eyes open for dropped money. Often a lucrative procedure.

All this instruction was advanced training for fundamental Maine coast tide pool perusal, a source of much fascinating exploration and light-hearted discovery.

Wonderful tumbled pebbles and stones, sea glass, periwinkles, shells and body parts from all variety of sea creatures – even some live critters scampering about, cruising the captured pools clustered along the shore.

No carnival money here, just pure delightful collections, freshly renewed with treasures from the sea. A perfectly fitting way to spend a bucket of time on a relaxing coastal afternoon.