The true magnificence of this portion of the South African coastline is only fully appreciated in the early morning, as the rising orb of the sun broaches the distant horizon.
At that instant, the world is new and pure and unsullied by man.
Overhead wheel the gulls and the occasional bird of prey sweeps by in its constant search for prey.
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At this time of day, the previous high tide has wiped the sand beach clear of footprints, dog prints and the point of a dragged stick, rather like a chalk duster cleans on a school blackboard.
Flotsam and jetsam are strewn on the beach indicating a rough night, which is belied by the gentle crashing and spilling of the waves on the sand.
The surf looks inviting for sure, but I believe around here, the stunning rocky headlands and graceful crescent shaped beaches hide the presence of the dreaded rip tide, which will take you out to sea.
I see the many fisherman making ready to cast into the sea from a favourite vantage point on the rocks, and I wondered how many were fishing for the table or to sell to strangers along the way?
Watching the undulating seascape brings to mind tales and exploits of men at sea, in both times of peace and times of war.
When the wind of great strength is blowing with the current, the undulations become increasingly severe and climbing the wall of the wave bearing down on you can become deadly obstacle.
In July of 1909, SS Waratah became a victim of such a fearsome sea and disappeared during a storm off the KZN coast leaving not a single survivor to explain what had happened nor any wreckage.
The theory is that because of incorrect loading of deck cargo, she had developed a delayed recovery from the side to side motion at sea.
Steaming up the coast against the prevailing current, she headed into a growing storm of great ferocity.
This running sea, with a stiff breeze behind it, developed huge mountainous wave tops and deep troughs and it was while sailing into this running sea, that she nosed into a trough and never recovered from her downward plunge.
So, as much as the sea can look most beautiful and inviting, she has a cruel side which can wreak death and destruction in the blink of an eye, therefore be mindful when standing on the rocks and watch out for the seventh wave.
BIO
Trevor Barnes is a retired gentleman, who recently entered the club of septuagenarians. He was raised and schooled in Port Elizabeth at Grey High School until Std. 8 and finishing his matric year at Pretoria Boys High School. He trained as a cartographer and spent his productive working years on diamond mines or signage companies. His wife and he raised twin sons who presently are working in the UK and UAE respectively. His interests are history, exploring South Africa and meeting people.
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