A Close Shave At Muriwai Beach

Muriwai Beach. Beautiful, wild and potentially dangerous

If you ever go to Auckland and end up at one of it's west coast beaches, be aware of the danger they pose. Always swim between the flags and be careful walking around rocks to the sides of the sandy beaches. People have been swept off the rocks by a rogue wave, and even walking along the water's edge can turn into a disaster! Once in the water, a rip can quickly take you way out to sea.

When I was about six years of age and my brother about nine, our family went for our first trip to a beach called Muriwai. We were new to the country of New Zealand and not aware of any dangers. When my parents saw people congregated in one area and the rest of this large beach empty, they found a spot away from others. No one came to say anything. My brother and I ran into the water while my parents watched, sitting on the beach.

We were only a few metres or so from the shore in shallow water when a big wave hit us and sent us to the bottom. You could see nothing in the swirling water, Then this almighty drag instantly started pulling me seaward. I remember using my feet and hands to get out of the water, all the while submerged. Then the sand under me started falling away and it felt like a hole was forming under me. As I desperately clawed at the sand, it was as if a giant vacuum cleaner was sucking it away.

Just as I was about to be dragged out to sea, a second wave came and lifted me up. It took me to the shore and dumped me on the sand, then withdrew. I looked to my right where my brother had been before the big wave and he was also laying just as I was. He had a horrified and disbelieving look on his face about what had just happened in the previous few seconds.

We both jumped to our feet before another big wave came and ran to our parents, who were oblivious to what happened. We stood next to them silently so they asked why we were out so quickly. We both said we didn't want to swim anymore. They asked why and we told them of our brief ordeal. They were shocked. We spent the rest of the time just played on the sand, away form the water.

Later on my parents found out they should have stayed with the other people on the beach, where it was safer to swim. The lesson is be very careful if you decide to go swimming in an areas you don't know well. Ask locals for advice. The sea can be very dangerous and unforgiving. That close shave could have become a multiple drowning.

Pic source: rtw-travel-guide.com/

Animals With Attitude

No!

On Your Bike

Cycling is good for you. It doesn't have to be long, intense rides either. Shorter rides, preferably off road along tracks are sufficient. Why are they so good?

1) They give a cardiovascular workout. It strengthens the heart and makes it more efficient. Little and often can do this. As long as the heart gets pumping...

2) Good for coordination, especially if the track is variable and makes your brain work at quicker decision making.

3) Exercise releases chemicals called endorphins. They reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of depression. They improve self-esteem and better sleep.

4) Reduced weight and better body tone.

5) Clean for the environment. Of course you may have to drive to a place where you can have a cycle ride, but at least you are doing what's good for you. If you can avoid the car ride first, all the better.

Summary: You don't need an expensive bike. In fact if the bike is of basic standard, the less distance you need to travel for the same effect. Top quality cycles are good for winning races, but lesser bikes to make you work harder for less distance traveled. You don't need the Tour de France outfit either. Clothing that produces drag is also good for the work out. If on the road, be sure to make yourself as visible as possible.

So, what are you waiting for?

Something all the family can enjoy together

Battle Of The Sexes

Is it like this....

...or this?

The Morning After: Part 2

How can a head feel this bad?

Just leave me be...please

Who turned the lights on?

This isn't helping

That's the last time I go out with the boys

The Morning After: Part 1

I've never had a hangover. I don't get why you would drink to the point where you don't remember the 'fun' you had the night before. Besides, it is hard on the body. Still, for those that do, these picks will bring back feelings of the morning after....

Go away and leave me alone

Do I have to show up for the public?

I need a coffee

Do you have to point that thing at me?

I feel like a bear with a sore head

This is not what I had on my bucket list

Shy Dogs

I don't know why these canines are so reluctant to be visible. They may have been told it's time for a bath, or maybe they realise a vet visit is about to occur.

A Wasted Lunch

Not the lunch spoken of here, but one left unfinished

A few days ago my wife walked past a public rubbish bin and noticed a ten year old (roughly) school boy dump his untouched lunch. He was on his way home and decided not to let his mum know he didn't eat it.

She peered into the bin to see two wholemeal bread sandwiches with a nice filling of meat and other things. There were two unpeeled oranges, a small pot of yogurt, a wrapped muesli bar and two sizable portions of crisps in cling wrap.

That sounds a good lunch to me. What he ate instead I wonder. Did he buy something instead? When my other half expressed surprise, he was unconcerned. I would have felt guilty if anyone questioned what I did, I would think of my parents working hard to feed me well. I also was raised to hate waste of any sort. 

This is an indulged generation who lack moral principals and are self centred. I don't actually blame the child so much as the parents who have allowed this attitude to develop. The NIV Bible states in Proverbs 22:6 "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it". I know in New Zealand as in many other 'Christian lands', Bible standards have been discarded.

While this incident in isolation is a poor decision by an indulged youth, it is perhaps symptomatic of a generation that isn't getting guidance. The lack of respect involved in the action is, however, concerning.