Lets go to Muri-Why? Why not?

Yeah, yeah, I know. I've shown you several posts featuring Muriwai Beach in the past.  But consider for a moment. Do you really think you know Muriwai? 

The southern-most portion of Muriwai is about half a mile long. It is bounded by lava outcropings on the south and a sea cave on the north. The waves in between are very popular with surfers.  Then there are the gannet colonies and the rocks, including the blow-hole. Then, there is the northern portion with it's miles of sand. It extends all the way up and past the beach we call Birthday that's a good 10 miles north of the swimming beach at Muriwai. 

I don't think I'll run out of interesting photos of this amazing place. 

I've said that I think that Bethell Beach is my favorite beach over-all. That's because it is somewhat closer to us and because it has just so many things to look at. Muriwai is my favorite jaw-dropping beach though. That means there is a place on the beach that I think is so awe-inspiringly gorgeous that photography is completely unequal to the task of bringing it to you. And I so wish I could. 

Remember back when I was taking pictures of the moon and I said that upgrading my equipment wouldn't really give me That much better pictures? Well, I think the same can be said about my favorite spot at Muriwai. I don't care how good a camera I had, I wouldn't be able to show you what it really feels like to stand on the sand, with the wind and the surf and the sun, and gawk at the spectacle of the 'gannet rocks.' 

This past Saturday was perfect. We had a blue sky and warm but not hot temperatures. Allie issued a parental decree at breakfast. "We are going to Muriwai," she announced. 

We had had crepes moments earlier with chopped Grany Smith apples, strawberries, kiwis, bananas, and chocolate and strawberry yogurt. We adults were also fully caffeinated. 

Allie made her pronouncement regarding our plans for the day and then added, "You guys know what to do to get ready. Hop to it."  (I think she was talking to the boys but Jeanne and I jumped too.) We left less than an hour later.  (She didn't really have to push us very hard. Arram wondered if he would find any crabs and Amiri dreamed of getting good and wet.)

We made a brief stop at the Subway shop on Lincoln Road and then off we went to the beach. Please come along. 

Not all my pictures came out as well as I had hoped. Some of them taken in the sea cave are out of focus. I think it is because the constant motion of the water and possibly the outside light reflectiing from the water on to the cave's walls and ceiling gave my camera fits. Well, it did it's best. What I have is pretty good. Take a look at our day. 

Arriving at the car park. 

There is a much more gradual route down to the beach over to the left of this path. 

It's actually steeper here than it looks. Jeanne and I considered this route carefully before committing to it. We took our time and made it just fine. 

We did take the easier way coming back up though. 

When he got to the beach, we turned right and were pleased to see the sea cave entrance  was high and dry. (for the moment anyway)
Those are terns. They are also nesting but the gannets rule the roost(s). 

We're getting too close for the tern's comfort. Off they go.

Allie and the boys are checking it out. 

Allie, Jeanne and Arram are just to the left of the cave, searching the rocks there for crabs. (one of Arram's special interests at the moment.) Amiri can't wait to see the cave. Nor can I. 

 We've never been in this cave before. It's floor is smooth sand.
Look at the colors on the walls.

Amiri takes his time and is watching to see what the sea might do. Surf sounds are very loud in here. 

There were some small waves that came in and tickled his toes.
Then, it got more exciting...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HicoyVzk8bQ

Later, after the tide went out a bit, we ventured farther into the cave and looked at what was around the corner toward the sea side opening.  Notice that it gets bigger as we go in. 

Allie counted her steps as she returned to the shore-side opening of the cave. It was 55 paces, and she made them taking fairly large strides. 

I'd estimate that it is 25 or 30 paces from the camera to the sea-side front of the cave shown here. 

Looking straight out. That's only about a foot or so of water. 

Angled just a bit here to see the off-shore rocks better.

 I like this picture of Amiri. With the tide no longer making waves an issue, Allie and Amiri were able to go back in and take a few minutes to just soak in what they were seeing. 

Time to head down the beach to the south end. 

 The terns have relaxed again. 

 They are fast moving. I didn't have much time but caught a couple of them holding still. 

 This is it.  This is my favorite area of Muriwai. Especially when the gannets are nesting. They soar against the sky and rocks and are just so spectacular. 

Well, that's it for today. I'll continue to bring you much more Muriwai very soon. -djf