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Hiking to La`au Point, Part 3

We resume the hike to La`au Point with a surprising rocky beach scene. I have chosen to provide a larger image so you can see the debris of at least one shipwrecked boat, possibly more. The combination of a rocky shoreline, huge waves and few visitors results in the debris resting here for a long time.


I am not an expert on boat construction, so I can only guess at what these parts were originally. Perhaps one of my nautical friends will add their opinion — but this rusty metal box may have been used to keep fish that had been caught — or maybe it was a fuel tank. Help please.

And I have no idea was this was. The bent sheet metal at the top waved around in the wind, so I could not even get a good idea of its original shape. And with a shipwreck, who knows which side of this "thing" is supposed to be up.

At least I know rope when I see it. Rope serves many purposes on a boat so who knows what this rope was used for originally. And what are the orange fabric thingies? We need a nautical Doctor Quincy to help with these mysteries.

Continuing down the beach I encountered this hole in the rock that allowed a safe view of the raging ocean waves. It reminds me of the eroded rock formations of Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz, CA. Its span is smaller but the relentless wave action will eventually widen it — and ultimately lead to its collapse, just like at Santa Cruz.

Finally, a companion — a Sandpiper — although we will have to call in an ornithologist to know what kind. I love to watch these little birds darting about, trying to stay above the top of each new wave surge, then rushing into the retreating water looking for tasty crabs and other delicacies.

Although I was mesmerized by the Sandpiper, eventually I had to press on. As I hiked, something caused me to think of one of my photography workshop leaders (and excellent nature photographer), Eddie Soloway, who always reminded us to look in the opposite direction occasionally. We photographers tend to get so absorbed with what lies ahead that we might miss that great shot behind us. If only we had eyes in the back of our heads. So following Eddie's advice, I turned around to observe an absolutely stunning vista.

Up ahead were rocks — volcanic rocks — and lots of them. They have also captured quite a bit of floating debris — mostly wood. I guess if you gathered some of the wood higher on the beach, you could have a nice bonfire to keep you warm at night and perhaps roast that fresh fish you caught. That would be unforgetable!

Back along the trail, I encountered more lichen...

different colors...

different thicknesses. Fascinating what Mother Nature does when she is left undisturbed for a while.


The variety of scenery seems endless. This was a shallow area where the waves did not reach directly but where the water flowed over an aggregation of rocks of many shapes, sizes and colors. The ripples made the sunlight dance over the bed. Another Eddie Soloway inspiration — art created by Nature. And I found that only a larger photo could do it justice — the smaller image was not even in the same league. Enjoy.


To be continued...

Life is good.

Aloha,
B. David

P. S., All photos and text © B. David Cathell Photography, Inc. — www.bdavidcathell.com