I like going for an early morning walk at Spencer Beach Park when I get the chance. Recently, I was down there the morning after a full moon. The moon was out and it was a tranquil morning, which set me up for the hustle and bustle of the day ahead.
At Spencer Beach Park, there are several trees providing shade for beach goers. This picnic table sits beneath a False Kamani tree growing in the sandy beach.
A good while ago, I posted photos of smoky skies around Kawaihae, which were the result of a large brush fire up the hill from there. I intended to follow up with more photos and then forgot, which is nothing unusual.
Here are a few more photos from that time, taken from Spencer Beach Park. The smoke in the air resulted in golden light on the waters, which is the one and only time I’ve seen that in my 10 years here.
Posted in response to this month’s Becky’s Squares challenge theme of ‘Odd.’ See more responses here.
False Kamani (Terminalia catappa) is believed to have been introduced to Hawaii before 1800 and is now widespread here, particularly on beaches and shorelines. This one was at Spencer Beach Park and was heavy with green almond-shaped fruits as well as riper deep pink ones.
What caught my eye was that the ripe fruits had been gathered and used to ornament the battlements of a sandcastle below the tree. I thought they gave it an odd but distinctive look.
Posted in response to this month’s Becky’s Squares challenge theme of ‘Odd.’ see more responses here.
This is the first time I’ve seen signs like this one at Spencer Beach Park. I didn’t see any jellyfish on the beach so perhaps the signs were a warning for those getting in the water. There are often jellyfish in the water, but not in such numbers as to be a problem.
This park is popular with families with small kids so perhaps the authorities were being extra cautious with the signs.
A few days ago, I posted about a heron encounter (here) when I didn’t have enough time to walk along the coast before going to work. I took this photo when I did have that time.
This is a view from Spencer Beach Park towards Kawaihae Harbor. The footprints are mine. There were no others. As a start to the day, it doesn’t get much better.
This building at Spencer Beach Park is typical of how structures were built here in days gone by. A post and pier foundation raised it off the ground, keeping it relatively free from ground crawling bugs and improving air circulation around and into the building. Single board walls and single pane windows were the norm – not much need for insulation here. And it’s all topped by a corrugated iron roof.
This one has fallen into disrepair however, though it’s possible it’s still used for storage of some kind. Time, or a big storm, are likely to end even that option.
Evidence that the time-honored tradition of carving names into tree trunks is still as popular as ever.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Graham's Island 