Saliņas (salt pans) are a prominent feature of Washington-Slagbaai. These stretches of salty water and mud are a reminder of the island's geological past. The surrounding ocean was once 6 meters (19 feet) higher than it is now, meaning most of present-day Bonaire was under water. As the water level dropped, salt water remained in shallow valleys that soon silted up. In the past, salt was extracted from these areas and exported. Today, the salinas are good places to see birds feeding, especially flamingoes. The size of the saliņas varies according to rainfall, but even in the dry season the ground surrounding them is wet and soft.
Hell yeah! Great photo Eric! There's still a tilt in the horizon, but the relatively low camera position is very well chosen, and I like the piece of drifwood in the former ocean bed. It creates a lot of tension (thanks for your elaborate information!) and adds to creating the feeling of distance. Very good tonal range and colours.
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{K:88111} 5/31/2004
