Life at No.22, Snapshots of Tauranga, Walks

Snapshots of Tauranga #49

Suzanne

It was one of those days that required me, for my mental health, to step further from my usual, easily assessed pathways. Deciding to head over to the beach, though not always memorable, it was yesterday.

It happened to be a Friday, and happily, the last day of the school holidays. With the holidays ending, I felt a small sense of relief, knowing the beach would soon be devoid of child-made potholes. Where’s the sandcastle creativity gone? Yes, I was tempted to get on all fours and build a beautiful castle until it hit the cloudy skies, though the long stretch of sand was beckoning me to keep on moving. So I did.

As I ambled along the retreating and returning lapping of waves, with the gentle sound filling the air, I came across a seagull having a nibble of a pippi, nothing extraordinary about that, you say. You would be correct. Its simple, unhurried presence made me feel more connected to the peaceful rhythm of that moment. The ocean was calm, I felt calm, and apparently so did this laidback seagull. In that moment, capturing it in action. This moment reinforced why I enjoy photography and how it’s largely based on luck.

Let me start from the beginning of my walk and that serendipity moment.

Starting off on the boardwalk before heading down the dunes. Looking back towards the West.
Now, if you were a dog walker or in need of a short walking stick, you are in luck.

Heading East towards Papamoa, thankfully, the sand has been flattened out more due to the last storm, and it is enjoyable to walk on, especially if you have an aching back, not that I would be complaining at all.

Here’s my new friend, the laidback hungry seagull. This isn’t the shot, next one is.
Here we go, a reflection, a shadow and the real thing. Nothing spectacular, just a bit different.
After that, I turn around and head west and back up onto the boardwalk, then return home. A pleasant moment in time to end the week on, and make the most of the sunshine.
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Published by Suzanne

I'm a lover of creativity and movement, expressed through photography, words, travel and sports. . . . . . .

31 thoughts on “Snapshots of Tauranga #49”

    1. Jo, the spirit is still strong, the back is an ongoing issue which needs a bit of pampering now and again though mostly I ignore it and keep moving.

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    1. We do, and even though I walk around the same areas either harbourside or ocean there’s always something different to enjoy. It’s the positive ions of the ocean that are great for us. We are fortunate to live here in Tauranga.

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  5. A very tranquil post. I enjoyed the seagull / reflection / shadow image – it too me a bit to sort it out. Yes we are lucky we can have this type of escape, I often walk along the Petone foreshore for the same reason.

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      1. The cafes are one of the best parts of Wellington. When I was working, we had very few meeting rooms so small project-related meetings were often held in a cafe. It was surprising how long some of these meetings lasted

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  9. Suzanne, I enjoyed this post and feel calmness coming my way from how you write about the calm. I do wonder where the castles have gone and have noticed holes and motes and digging down more so.
    also, oh my goodness – regarding the gull and shadow photo where you wrote “Here we go, a reflection, a shadow and the real thing. Nothing spectacular, just a bit different.”

    I think is was spectacular ans you are so correct about the “luck” and chance that comes with the lens and what is captured.
    There is so much HARMONY In that photo and every time I go back – I see more.
    For example, there is balance from the hull’s beak tip to the tail tip – then the open beack and open shell and the shape of the feet – all have this coordinated vibe.
    Then, the double shadow – a bit surreal and super fun – and interesting how the angle did not show the beak as open – which adds a different feel (weight) to the bottom photo.
    whew – it really IS spectacular

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