Snapshots of Tauranga #49

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 was doing its thing. 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.

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.

Linking to Jo’s Monday Walks