It has been a project over the past few years that I try to find these esoteric sea caves which were often immersed in sea during high tides. They are not easy to access but it has become an adventure since pandemic happens.
The good thing about these sea caves is that no tourists come visit at all. But the bad thing is if anything happen to me, no one would know about it. Sometimes rogue waves would cover the sea cave opening and wash me down the cave into an abyss. The very thought does scare me from time to time. This is why I have stopped photographing sea caves now. Time to do something cheaper and safer.
This pier is an attraction for troubles. It crashes a few times over the year. The place often gets seagulls (sea rats) attacking people randomly. One kid got a blind eye as a result as well. The water smells of organic waste from these flying sea gulls too.
It looks nice pointing my camera at the sun. Unfortunately these seagulls looked like dusts on my camera sensor!
The coastline from Inverloch to Hamer's beach is where dinosaur fossils are frequently discovered. There are numerous sea caves along the coastline too.
This particular cave is very wide. There are many spiders crawling on the ground as well. Not a fun place to stay still.
Miscalculation on my part. The low tide on Saturday was actually not so low 1 metre high. So Joel blamed me for it for the turbulent sea hitting at us.
For me, sea is my treasure. The gentle hiking and the smell of ocean just cleanse my worries away.
By sunset, it was pouring rain on us. We ended up discovering another fish and chips shop run by Greek grandfather. The snapper and souvlaki were so yummy and delish!
Pulpit rock is a basalt type formed by cooling lava. This is a popular location for angling fishing and photographers. Few get hurled out into the sea every year according to the statistics. During high tide, one would be standing at the sea floor scuba diving.
Coming here is always a challenge. Photographers are like a pack of wolves here. We gonna get our spots like a prized possession. I often browse for stock market news on my phone, squatting on these uneven rock surfaces.
Did I mention that there were more tourists than the fish in the ocean here?
Joel and I were supposed to find the entrance to forest cave. We believed the tide was not low enough that the entrance was immersed in the sea still. So we took a snap at the sea.
Three years later, I realise I had something good going in blogspot. Though I had started my ventures in zenfolio and instagram, blogspot platform has its own advantages. I think I cannot put all eggs in one basket as all my previous successful blogs on here either get bot attacked or domain hijacked. So this is just a space that I post whatever I want from my amateur career in photography
This sea cave is among the thousands on back beach of Mornington Peninsula.
This was taken during a disappointing adventure to Phillip Island. I was meant to discover a meteor shower at night for the wonder in the night sky. Instead, the thick cloud cover came over my head leaving me in despair. All the effort down the drain that the sky was looking so opaque without colours. Then I set up the gear pointing at the shipwreck in the water.
Joel and I took a long drive to reach this destination. Not much else is there apart from droning.
The Geology of Pink Lake
Pink Lake’s iconic pink color and its unusual salt crust have sparked scientific interest, and its geology is just as captivating as its history.
The Formation of the Lake
Pink Lake is a saline lake, which means it is highly concentrated with dissolved salts. The lake itself is part of the Eyre Basin, a large endorheic basin in South Australia. Endorheic basins are unique because they don’t drain into the sea, which results in the accumulation of water, salts, and minerals over time. The lake was formed through a combination of ancient geological processes, including the movement of tectonic plates, as well as climatic factors such as evaporation and rainfall patterns.
Over millions of years, the region's climate has fluctuated, with periods of both wetter and drier conditions. During drier times, the lake has dried up, leaving behind a thick layer of salt. When filled with water, the lake remains highly saline due to the evaporation that occurs in the hot, dry conditions of South Australia. This process of evaporation leads to a concentration of salts, and the lake’s high salinity is what supports the formation of salt crusts on its surface.
The Pink Color Phenomenon
The stunning pink hue of Pink Lake is one of its most distinctive features. The color of the lake can vary in intensity, from pale pink to deep fuchsia, and is influenced by several factors, most notably the presence of specific microorganisms in the water. A key contributor to this coloration is a type of algae known as Dunaliella salina, which thrives in highly saline environments. This algae produces a red pigment called beta-carotene, which is responsible for the lake's signature pink appearance.
In addition to the algae, the lake’s unique chemistry also plays a role in the color change. High levels of salt in the water create an environment where certain types of bacteria and microorganisms flourish, leading to the vivid color shifts. The lake's color can also be affected by the time of year, temperature, and the water’s salt content, which explains why the lake’s appearance can change from one season to another.
Salt Production and Mining
Over the years, salt mining has been a significant part of the lake's economic history. The salt extracted from Pink Lake is high in quality, and it was used in a variety of applications, from table salt to industrial and agricultural uses. In the past, large-scale mining operations have extracted salt using evaporation techniques, where water from the lake was allowed to evaporate, leaving behind a thick, white salt crust.
Today, salt production at the lake has mostly ceased, but remnants of the industry remain. The area is still an important site for scientific study, particularly concerning its saline ecosystem and the unique microorganisms that call the lake home.
The Twelve Apostles, located along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, are one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the country. These towering limestone stacks have captivated visitors for centuries, standing as a testament to the immense geological forces that have shaped Australia’s southern coastline. The formation, composition, and ongoing erosion of the Twelve Apostles reveal a fascinating geological history that continues to evolve over time.
Formation and Composition
The Twelve Apostles were formed approximately 10 to 20 million years ago during the Miocene epoch. They are composed primarily of limestone, which is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of marine organisms such as coral, shells, and microscopic plankton. Over millions of years, these organic materials were compacted and cemented together, creating the limestone formations seen today.
Erosional Processes
The striking stacks of the Twelve Apostles are a direct result of erosion processes driven by the powerful forces of the Southern Ocean. The relentless action of wind and waves gradually carved into the soft limestone cliffs, forming caves that eventually deepened into arches. As the arches collapsed, they left behind the isolated rock stacks known as the Twelve Apostles.
Erosion continues to shape the landscape, with the relentless ocean wearing away at the bases of these limestone stacks. This process not only reduces the size of the existing formations but also contributes to the formation of new stacks as sections of the mainland erode and become isolated.
Changes Over Time
Despite the name, there have never been exactly twelve rock stacks. At the time of European exploration, nine stacks were visible, and as of today, only eight remain due to natural erosion. One of the formations collapsed in 2005, demonstrating the ongoing geological changes in the region. The rapid pace of erosion, estimated at approximately 2 cm per year, suggests that more stacks may collapse in the future, while new ones may emerge as sections of the coastline break away.
Geological Significance
The Twelve Apostles provide valuable insights into past marine environments and climate conditions. By studying the limestone formations, geologists can reconstruct historical sea levels, climate fluctuations, and the evolution of coastal landscapes. Additionally, the site serves as an excellent example of coastal erosion and sedimentary rock formation, making it an important location for scientific research and education.
Weather is getting quite cold. -2 degree Celsius almost every night. Walking in the ankle deep sea water on the beach rocks is really designed for iron man or iron woman.
Normally one would come up a poem for this image. I just like to ponder on a view like this. No words.
Hualien is the meeting point of the Central Cross-Island Highway, Suao-Hualien Highway, and highways leading south to Taitung.
Hualien County is home to several world-class scenic attractions. In 1590, Portuguese sailors passed by the eastern coast of Taiwan and were so moved by the grandeur of what they saw that they named this land "Formosa," the beautiful island. Since that time, the majestic views of Hualien have come to represent Taiwan.
Formerly known as Qilai, Hualien's current name derives from the phrase "huilan" (eddying water), a reference to the swirling currents of the Hualien River where it meets the sea.
Hualien is Taiwan's biggest county, with an area of about 4,628 square kilometers and a population of 350,000. The county borders the Pacific Ocean to the east and is hemmed in by the Central Range to the west. With its towering peaks, azure skies, vast seas, scenic valleys, cultural diversity, and friendly kindhearted people, Hualien has become one of Taiwan's first-choice travel destinations for local and international visitors alike.
There are some 200 after quakes after the initial one 1 month ago. I am not planning to go anywhere near the location now.
I took at least 200 long exposure photos at this location in my last visit where I sustained an avulsion tendon tear in my left ankle. You can see the two people standing on top of the cliff in the distance. It was a worry that I thought one guy was going to push the lady off the cliff for a jump into the sea.
Bridgewater Bay, located in Blairgowrie on the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne, is a stunning coastal attraction known for its rugged beauty, striking rock formations, and picturesque ocean views. This secluded bay is a favorite among nature lovers, hikers, and photographers, offering a unique blend of natural splendor and adventure.
Natural Beauty and Geography
Bridgewater Bay is characterized by its dramatic limestone cliffs, rocky outcrops, and sandy coves. Unlike the more sheltered beaches on the bay side of the Mornington Peninsula, Bridgewater Bay faces the open ocean, resulting in powerful waves and a constantly changing landscape. The area is shaped by natural erosion, creating fascinating rock pools, sea caves, and arch formations that draw visitors seeking both exploration and relaxation.
Bridgewater Bay is part of the protected ecosystems within the Mornington Peninsula National Park. The region is home to unique flora and fauna, including coastal heathlands and bird species such as the Pacific gull. Conservation efforts ensure that the natural beauty of the bay is preserved while allowing visitors to appreciate its ecological importance.
