Note: Episode 208 will come a little later. It is complicated and
needs a little more research. while combing through my pictures
I came across these two photos…reminded me of an adventure i
had almost forgotten.
EPISODE 209 TRAPPED…WITH THE INCOMING TIDE
alan skeoch
Dec. 2020
Some time ago
Andrew, Marjorie and I decided to explore some hidden beaches on the
east side of New Zealand’s North Island… Taranga location. Not very
far from the the Maori grave of my cousin Roy Skeoch whose Maori wife, Anna
and family we came to see.
Black volcanic rocks with glass like needles rose sharply above the beautiful beaches.
We did not pay much attention to the fact that those beaches were
getting smaller and smaller and the surf was at the same time
becoming angry.
Too late. Our escape route was closed…no footpath remained… just churning
surf. Our only escape was over the volcanic base of Mount Taranga.
We thought it was funny at first. Then we became aware that there
was no place to hide. Marjorie got a bit ripped. In the end Andrew
carried Marjorie over the rocks. That gave me a chance to get
two fast pictures. Afterwards we decided to name our kitten Taranga
in memory of this bit of surf and rock and churning water.
New Zealand is very safe for tourists. Great long beaches on both sides of
the islands. Accessible. The only danger, apparently, is from a tiny toxic
spider that lives under the rocks.
Well, not the only danger.
Shortly after we returned to North America with Andrew he decided to go back
to New Zealand with his friend Keith Merker. Both of them kids who would turn
into young men while exploring the world around them. The danger? The greatest
danger they faed in New Zealand came from fellow human beings.
And at the same time the greatest rescue they experienced also came from
a human being…a New Zealand police officer.
I will try to put that story together. I have the pictures.
The pictures of this wild surf reminded me of those days and the adventures
we shared. Our other son, Kevin, could not go with us as he was a student
at the University of Toronto at the time. He would have his own adventures on
the other side of the world that might interest you. Again…I have the pictures.
alan skeoch
Dec. 2020