Maddie and I are just back from watching the sun rise while having a pleasant stroll on the beach. Or in the case of Maddie, a sniff and a trot.
There were lots of different sponges and weeds and shells in the tideline, and a generous abundance of pieces of rounded pumice - the aerated, glassy, floating rock that almost certainly came from White island, New Zealand's most active volcano not far offshore. On one of these images you can see it with its plume of steam. Up until 1914 they mined sulphur off it, but in that year a lahar killed all 10 workers, so mining was sensibly given up. These days you can have a guided tour but landing on the island without permission is illegal, and also possibly foolish*.
 |
| A couple of oystercatchers wait for the warmth. |
 |
There's steamy White Island (Whakaari) to the left of Whale Island (Motuhora).
White Island/Whakaari is actually about three times the size. |
 |
| The classic gull, island and sun shot. |
 |
| cashew brittle - mmm, my favourite. |
 |
| Off out of the river mouth to do a spot of fishing. |
*
Although exciting and very interesting, according to a member of my family.
What an early bird you are !! Lovely photos, I'll take your word for it !
ReplyDeleteHelsie - Five minutes up the road, and 7 am. Not TOO early, really. I am a bit of a slug-a-bug usually, but to live is to blog.
DeleteGreat beach along with great skies.
ReplyDeleteYes Red! A lovely beach. We have been lucky with the weather - a very mild May.
DeleteI could spend time there. You caught it looking wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Adrian. It is very mild and peaceful. The dogs would love the walk and the sniffing.
DeleteI had to look-up lahar! Islands like that are so beautiful, although I don't suppose the sulphur would be too good for my chest.
ReplyDeleteThe island is fascinating, by all accounts. But yes, very smelly Cro.
DeleteI love Your beatyfull photos. Here in Denmark we have spring.
ReplyDelete