The sky was cloudy when we left home, but the sun came out strong and fierce. There weren’t many cars, and the little cafe wasn’t too busy. The man taking orders cheerfully greeted customers and the barista called out their first names when their coffees were ready. We sipped our coffee and nibbled on the shared muffin.
The beach under the southern sun appeared orange. The sea was greyish blue, the colour of the eyes of Athena. In the sea’s distance, dark clouds blurred out the horizon, and two isolated ships like toy boats were caught up in the stormy communication between heaven and earth. Closer to the shore, a drama was unfolding silently in the sky, staged by many entangled clouds, but the waves were acting as their mouthpieces, again and again making a noisy show of strengthened resolve as they threw themselves now on the glistening clay-coloured beach, now on the black, moistened rocks let loose from the precipitous cliffs long ago, washed flat by relentless waters, eroded by salty winds, covered with leprous mosses.
The seaside trail we walked last time has been blocked off because of new falling rocks. We walked along the rock pool, seeing its peaceful face like a mirror. “Imagine having a lovely swim in it, amidst a storm and roaring waves,” Glenn said.
But the sun was quietly but quickly scorching his head and neck. He sought refuge in the car, waiting for me while I took a walk in the bush above the sea shore.
It was sunny when I climbed the stairs to walk in the track, but when I returned it had turned overcast. When I got into the car, a drizzle had started. We got onto Mona Vale Road via Newport. The downpour and the road work happening around stirred up both amazement and slight apprehension. As the car turned unto Forest Drive, the rain was torrential. The world outside appeared shrouded behind rain curtains, and the window swipes worked into a frenzy trying in vain to keep a clear view. Soon yellow muddy rivulets began to rush along the kerb, and streams were flowing on the road.
Is anyone swimming in the rock pool right now amidst the storm and the voice of many waters? I wondered. Our little red Hyundai made splashes behind her on both sides and was in turn splashed at, as the vehicles all turned their head lights on, braving through rain and mist.
