We've been having gales and rain for the last three days.
Today, I stole some time for myself and went for a walk along Takapuna Beach.
Not actually cold, but with enough nip in the air to make snuggling into a warm jacket a cosy pleasure. Enjoying Graham's many zippered-pocketed jacket - so nice to have a separate and secure place for everything - car-keys, hanky for wiping spray of glasses, gloves, shells picked up off the beach....
Seeing the seawrack piled up on the shoreline - heaps of seaweed at the Milford end.
Feeling the wind numbing my cheekbones and the salt spray in my face as I push my way against the wind. Then turning and letting the wind push me back to the carpark. My hair tossed and tangled over my face so the view flickers like an old fashioned movie.
Watching the breakers crash and tumble on the shore, mounding up piles of foam that flakes off in the wind, scudding up the beach like miniature tumbleweeds.
Tasting the first drops of rain, made salty by the sea spray on my lips. Then feeling the sharp raindrops driven by the wind.
Marveling at the suicidal bravery of the kite-surfers - airborne as they out-race wind and wave.
Sitting in the warm comfort of the Beach Cafe, drinking my latte, as I watch the waves continue to pound the sand into submission. Feeling the breath of chill, salt-laden air every time the door slides open, and a new customer is blown inside.
So much pleasure, that I had to share.
After I collected Mitchell from Playcentre, I brought him back to the beach - to feel for himself the joy of wind and wave - the beauty of the storm.
