Day 273 of 366: A Symphony of Swells at Werri Beach

The Call of the Sea

Today concluded with the familiar ache in my bones from a full day's work on the dairy farm, but the sea beckoned, promising a new perspective and fresh inspirations. As the day waned, I found myself driving towards Werri Beach, a place where the land meets the vast, untamed ocean.

A Change in Plans

My initial intent was to capture the majestic whales that frequented the waters near the headland. Earlier in the day, I had glimpsed a couple of whales off Gerroa and hoped to catch them on camera. However, upon reaching the headland, the whales proved elusive, merely distant shadows against the vast blue.

The Dance of the Waves

As I shifted my focus from the horizon to the immediate surroundings, I was struck by the formidable swell rolling across the pool. The waves were not just water; they were alive, pulsing with energy, refreshing the pool with every crash against the rocky embrace. There's something mesmerizing about the power and rhythm of the sea—it draws you in, urging you to stay a moment longer, to watch just one more wave crash.

Capturing the Moment

With caution born from years of experience, I approached the edge of the action. Past encounters had taught me well: respect the ocean's boundaries. I set up my tripod behind the safety of the concrete blocks that dotted the platform, providing some protection from the unpredictable swells. My goal was to freeze the dramatic ballet of water cascading over the pool’s edge—a slow shutter speed capturing every splash, every droplet suspended in time.

The Surge

As I was about to pack up, a larger set of waves rolled in, more forceful than before. Instinct and prudence kept me behind the blocks, camera at the ready. It was a thrilling display as the water surged over the barriers, a reminder of nature's raw power and beauty. The shutter clicked at just the right moment, capturing the water's chaotic dance over the concrete—a perfect blend of danger and beauty.

Reflections

Back home, reviewing the images, I felt a deep satisfaction. Each photograph was a story, a fleeting moment of nature’s grandeur captured forever. It’s days like these that remind me why I embarked on this 366-day photographic journey: to connect, to witness, to preserve the ephemeral beauty of our world.

The ocean is both a formidable force and a gentle giant, and in its presence, I find a profound peace. Today, I was a spectator to its most intimate performances, a privilege and a thrill that will fuel many more early mornings by the sea.