Gannet Colony, Muriwai NZ
The soaring, swooping avian wonders are only here for the summer, and when they are, they rule their roost!
Tag: Muriwai
Door In The Water
Sea Cave, Muriwai, NZ
Water swirls at the mouth of this sea cave at Muriwai.
The darkened gap in the cliff face speaks of ancient mysteries and evolution through irresistible forces of wind and water.
A door to secrets I cannot fathom or be privy to…
Flax & Islet
Muriwai, NZ
View though flax stalks to a rocky islet at Muriwai, on the west coast out from Auckland.
We were there three days ago to visit friends who live at this beautiful spot.
Before catching up, we took in the spectacular coastal views, on a day which was distinctly un-summery.
The Tasman Sea was at its moody, relentless best, surf pounding the lonely islet; the flax stalks waving and bending in the wind.
It felt like a Christmas cleanser!
Together In Precarious Places
Gannet Colony, Muriwai Beach, NZ
Back to the beach and birds.
Previously: Return Of The Gannets
Where, and how, they gather together in this place is a marvel.
It’s not easy.
The migration route across the Tasman Sea to this very location, for some of the gannets at least, is a miracle of sorts.
But even the smallest things are difficult.
On a recent trip out to Muriwai, I observed one gannet make a dozen unsuccessful passes trying to deposit twigs as nesting material to its partner. Landing in the small nest space (indentations in the soft rock and dirt , which they create) was prevented time and again by the swirling gusts of wind. I watched for minutes and the creature persevered, but still hadn’t completed the task by the time I left (it was way worse than any airline delays and technical issues I have suffered through!).
The bird was working so hard for its mate and family.
The entire flock of gannets pull together to survive in this precarious place of wind, sea and clifftops.
So too, vulnerable people need each other just to get by.
Immigrants in strange lands. Struggling sports teams. Addicts in recovery. The destitute and homeless.
Communities formed by necessity and nurtured by mutual reliance. Strength in numbers, for sure.
When the odds are stacked against you, there are no prizes for being a f**king lone ranger…
Return Of The Gannets
In late winter,the gannets return en masse to Muriwai, on the Tasman Sea coast near Auckland.
Home for the season to nest in rocky hollows above the crashing surf on a stretch of coastline constantly buffeted by the prevailing westerly winds.
It is a staggering sight.
Equally staggering is their annual migratory journey across the ocean to Australia ,2000 kilometres away.
The gannets literally live their entire lives on the edge.
It is all enough to make this comfortable human feel just a little inadequate.
Sea Cave Treasure Seeker
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”
– Joseph Campbell
Mighty sea cave on New Zealand’s west coast at Muriwai Beach.
I would be more than a little afraid to explore beyond the cave’s entrance – the power of the sea ,the damp rock walls and general darkness puts me off. Plus, a tiny fear of drowning…
The uncovering of the mystery of the cave’s depths and discovery of its ‘treasure’ will fall to someone else braver than me…..
Fear holds us back from discovery so often. Even when we know that at the times we have been most brave, we have learned and gained much.
As an aside, sea caves are products of erosive wave action – it is amazing that the destruction of the softish cliff rock over time actually creates something ‘other’ and new!
The Real You II
Following on from my previous post The Real You, and the quote from Don Miguel Ruiz contained in it, this photo taken yesterday shows the beauty of the west coast of New Zealand.
The quote likened the wind and ocean as signifiers of our true essence.
Fresh (like the wind you can’t see here ,but believe me, it was, erm, invigorating, to say the least!).
Wild.
Unspoiled.
Not yet tamed.
That is the real you.
Take a trip out to your proverbial coastline and find, or re-find, it!
Ebb Then Flood 