Hunt for Sea Glass

14-Jan -- We decided to go east coast style today and head over toward the North Shore on a "Hunt for Sea Glass"

One of our good Atlanta friends, Kia, has an obsession? fixation? mania? for sea glass.  I'm not sure which most adequately describes her love of this "garbage" that the ocean has tumbled into smooth, colorful, beautiful, gem-like stones.  Before she goes to any shoreline, she researches a database to find out where the best sea glass can be found!  She has been making amazing jewelry for a while now and wants to incorporate some sea glass into a project for a jewelry class she is currently taking.  

kia

After checking her database for NZ, she directed us to Thorne Bay near Takapuna on the North Shore of Auckland.  The beach is full of volcanic pools and rocks with some creamy golden sand.  The differences between east and west coast beaches are very striking.  West coast here is very similar to the black sand beaches in Hawaii and the waves are very Pacific-like.  East coast here is more reminiscent of the Gulf of Mexico - golden sand, calm seas, few waves.

Across the water you have views of Rangitoto - a volcanic island.  It's a wildlife preserve with minimal human habitation.  You can see tons of lava slides and tunnels on the hike to the top.

views of rangitoto

thorne bay

The sea glass pickins were slim to none although we thoroughly enjoyed the day.  Only came away with two frosty white gems to send back to the US of A.  As Kia pointed out, it is nice to live in such a clean, litterbug free country unless you are looking for sea glass!!

two lonely sea glass gems

Of course Li'l Ella made the jaunt to Thorne Bay as well and had fun swimming in the calm clear east coast waters.

frisbee tossing at thorne bay beach

doggie paddle