Outcropping

This is what is commonly called

a rock outcropping.

Funny word - outcropping.

This photo takes my imagination 

in many directions.

I can almost see some kind of primitive face on this rock;

or it is a huge petrified shark fin;

or a finger...

an index finger pointing to the sky -

the "One Way" sign;

or the upturned rudder of an ancient ship...

Whatever.

It is the central focus of this photo,

but there are many other elements

lending interest to this composition:

the seagull in flight,

the purple iceplant blooming on the far bank,

the stunning blue sky,

the congregation of stone around the central monolith,

the green iceplant in the foreground,

waves crashing on the distant shoreline.

Overall,

a scene that beckons

with an offering of serenity

and peace.

Like holding a conch shell to your ear,

you can hear the sound of the ocean waves.

Taken 13 May 2011,

Pacific Grove, California.