Treasures From the Sea

Terschelling, a Dutch island that was molded into its current shape by a violent storm in 1296, often is the recipient of treasures from the sea. This week, 6 crates of bananas washed ashore after they fell off of a cargo ship. In February 2006, tennis shoes and aluminum brief cases littered the beach.

Terschelling is about 70 miles north of Amsterdam and is surrounded by polders (which is land that has sunk beneath the waves). The unique surroundings have been causing cargo to wash up on the beaches for centuries and the island is surrounded by famous shipwrecks. The islanders have taken advantage of their location and make use of the treasures from the sea.

Hat tip: photo and information courtesy of National Geographic.