During dinner, Allie suggested that we watch the sun set on Muriwai Beach on this last day of the year, 12/31/16. Jeanne and I were immediately on board with the idea but the boys were less enthusiastic. They were then reminded of the excellent playground at the beach. And, they were informed that we were going and that was that.
In their defence let it be said that they were looking forward to watching a movie and staying up late. Mama's plan seemed to be directly opposing theirs. They were made to understand that both plans could, and would be, fulfilled. So off we went.
Muriwai as we arrived. The Tasman Sea seemed subdued.
Looking at the cliffs that we would climb. We would watch the sunset from the highest point we could, overlooking the gannet colonies.
Jeanne had a phone camera and I had my Canon. We have both contributed photos to this post.
Here, Jeanne, Allie and the boys have started climbing from the beach rocks up the side of the cliff.
Just a little higher than the last photo.
Higher still and the sun has become like 'butta.'
Higher yet and facing into the glorious sun. Notice the rocks just to the left of center in the picture. There are fishermen out there.
At nearly the top. The sun is mesmerising.
While Jeanne and the others climbed, I stayed below. I wanted to walk out onto the rocks and take a shot or two of the fishermen.
This one is my favourite of the fishermen pictures. Notice there is water in the depressions on this stretch of rock, proving that spray has been thrown up here. However, at this point in the evening, the sea is as calm as I've ever seen it at Muriwai. It feels peaceful here.
In this shot and the next, I have turned from the fishermen and the sun and the world looks quite a bit different.
In this one, I have turned farther around and will soon retrace my footsteps. The cliff looks like the prow and side of a ship, doesn't it? First though, a couple of short videos, if you want to watch some waves.
I have now made it to the top as well. Jeanne, Allie and the boys (Arram is running around) have found comfortable nests in the pillow grass. The pillow grass is aptly named. I'm sure that they are sitting on pads of grass that are at least 18 inches thick. It's like walking on a mattress. Some more of Jeanne's photography is below.
Below you can see some of the gannets.
I was standing a little below the others, at a fence separating the people from the birds.
Here is a close up. Gorgeous creatures. Smelly though.
The sun is getting pretty low.
Lower still. This was my last photo. After this, I switched my camera to the video mode.
I'm afraid my videos are jerky and lack finesse. Still, it's all I have. In each of them, you can hear comments from Arram who was running between the others and me. And you'll hear the wind and waves, birds, and unfortunately, other people.
Finally, we climbed down from our perches and returned to the beach. It was suddenly hard to leave. The tide had turned and was coming in, and as the darkness descended, the surf started getting stronger.
Driving home we agreed that being on the beach in the evening had some magic quality about it. Allie said that we have Got to do that more often. Sounds good to me. -djf
This was an awesome adventure ! Thank you for sharing it , I especially like the videos and the pictures of the family enjoying this beauty ! Totally amazing ! Wow !
ReplyDeleteAlthough the boys were hesitant at first about this adventure, they enjoyed themselves immensely. First on the playground and later watching the sun. Arram dashed back and forth between us while Amiri found his perch in the grass and enjoyed the spectacle. I think they were impressed that there were so many other people doing what we were doing. Glad you enjoyed this.
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteLove how you spent your New Year's Eve! Muriwai offers such a gorgeous sunset! I really enjoyed all the videos too and hearing the waves crashing, the gannets and people... I think the last video was most stunning in the subtle change of colors from the previous clips' rosy oranges to blues and greys with you and your family on the shore with just the waves and Arram's voice...
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it Dianne.
ReplyDeleteAll of the pictures and the video were just incredible. What a way to end a year! You are all truly blessed to be in such a beautiful place. I am glad that the boys enjoyed themselves after all. Did they still get to see a movie & stay up late? Thank you for sharing such wonderful pictures and memories. McKenzie
ReplyDeleteOh, yes they did. In fact, they got out their sleeping bags and the three of them 'camped out' on the living room floor. Allie made both kettle corn And popcorn and they had a wonderful time. What an ending and what a beginning.
DeleteSo happy!
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