A lonely fern grows from cracks in the rock wall of Chippewa Creek.
She Who Must Be Obeyed sent me out on this cloudy and cool Sunday afternoon to buy crackers. We’ve been looking for our favorite brand –Wheatsworth– for some time now and we last found them at our favorite store: Heinen’s, Brecksville. No dice. The Teenagers were running the service desk today so I don’t know if the store no longer stocks them. I purchased a few other items and took a little walk. The shopping center is improbably perched on a piece of land that leads down into an amazing natural space: Chippewa Creek’s valley, carved from solid rock. I’d brought my little G11 camera “just in case” and was glad I did. I spent way more time photographing the rocks, mosses, ferns, and foliage than I’d spent shopping for crackers. I felt way better after having done so. Looking at one picture in particular was an experience: the rock face and its colors, striations, water stains, lichens, slime, plants, roots, and tumbled appearance… it’s crazy and beautiful.
A tumbled mess of rock, colors, plants, stains, and colors makes this rock face along Chippewa Creek crazy beautiful.
PhotonStopper 
Your pictures are gorgeous! Wow. I would want to sit and just look at the beauty!
We also love Wheatsworth! I hope you can find them. When all else fails, I look on amazon.com in their grocery section where things are for sale by the case! I have found several things that are difficult to buy around here and the price is good.
Thanks! If I’d any inkling how beautiful it was going to be down there, I’d have taken me big camera and tripod. Guess I’ve gotta go back soon!
I’m hoping I won’t have to “mail order” crackers but it’s discouraging to not see them locally. The adventure begins!
Lovely photos–thanks for sharing.
Fern has been a strong symbol for rebirth for milleniums, and first christians adopted and adapted it (stole it !! ).
This plant has been existing for a much longer time than the appearance of man and will doubtless survive him. It looks so weak, and yet it’s so tough. I find it moving, stirring and terrible at the same time. More than a rebirth symbol, it might be a symbol of the smallness and brevity of humanity.
And as usual, your pictures are awesome… 🙂
I’ve always enjoyed ferns for the very reasons you cite — though I was unfamiliar with some of the lore you mention. They are so ancient and beautiful. We have at least one fern forest near here but this one plant, in isolation and in contrast to the rock from which it springs, really stands out. Thanks for your comment! — JG
So beautiful! Sorta reminds me of Hocking Hills State Park which is one of my favorite destinations.
Beautiful photos as always James. Absolutely gorgeous. I love contrasts like that myself.
It’s just such a curious and unexpectedly beautiful jumble! — JG
The rock face looks like moving water.