I can still close my eyes and hear the sound of the sea in that place where there were no people, far, far away from the centre, the city, the tourists, the cars and everything else. So close to the sea, the sand and the sky, where I could see my footprints left in the dark sand.
Often we simply need to get out, as if we were escaping, to go anywhere at all, to breathe in the fresh air to recharge our batteries or to release the nervous tension that builds up. Sometimes unexpected events happen in life that throw us off balance, and we need to calm down and refocus, to take a deep breath so that we can carry on.
The sound of the sea helps me enormously; it’s as if it gently regulates my mind, soothing any stress or nerves I might have; it brings mental clarity and restores my balance. Perhaps it’s the rhythm and sound of the waves as they reach the beach, or maybe it’s a combination of that with walking barefoot, feeling the wet sand on my feet, letting the water wash over me and then stepping back into the sea.
Just a few days ago, I needed this walk, which came after I’d been on a path where I was leaving behind a new experience in nature; I hadn’t expected to go for a walk along a new beach, Guadalhorse Beach.
The sun was setting over that landscape, which resembled the countryside in Argentina, and when I looked straight ahead, I could see the sea. In fact, this area lies at the junction of the mouth of the river, which shares its name with the beach, and the Mediterranean Sea.
The sun was now to my right and I began to walk westwards, moving even further away from the city. To my left lay the sea, and as I walked, the twilight deepened.
The mountains looked blue in the distance and blended into the sea, which would occasionally let its white mantle of foam cascade down, as if embracing the dark sand, which contained small pebbles in places.
But in other places I could see sights as beautiful as this. I always love seeing them; they bring back lovely memories.
With every step, the sun continued to sink, and at times the sea looked darker, whilst at others it seemed shrouded in a mist in the distance, making it difficult to distinguish the boundary between sky and sea.
I’d never been to this beach before, and I really enjoyed walking along it as the sun went down; it’s rather secluded, although I did come across a few other people out for a stroll.
I spotted an old structure or building in the distance and tried to zoom in to see what it was. I’m not quite sure what it was, but it was abandoned.
Another marvel the sea brought me.
I retraced my steps a little when I saw a spot where I could climb up and take this photo.
From that spot too, which, to tell the truth, wasn’t very high, I could look out in both directions. The city was so far away. Sometimes I need to get some distance, a lot of distance.
And so find myself with nothing but the sound of the sea…
I looked back and the sun was almost setting, waving to me with its last rays. The countryside was already dark, but those colours in the sky were magical.
I looked ahead again and the foam resembled the spectre of a soul walking slowly through the night; the sky was growing darker and so I continued on my way. I could still see where I was walking. On the smooth stretches, I walked barefoot, I love that; it’s as if nature and its energy were entering through my feet and giving me new life.
Night was falling, and if I looked back, blackness had already taken over the land, allowing the reflection of the little light that remained and the colours of the sky to be seen in a small lagoon that forms at the mouth of the River Guadalhorse. These are some of the most beautiful photographs I have ever taken. Seeing those scenes, their contrast and the richness of the colours filled my eyes with joy.
The sea foam was so white, with the little light that remained, that it felt special. Walking along the beach at night is a wonderful experience.
The city far, far away with its lights, and my soul at peace.
Thank you for joining me on this Wednesday walk. Warmest regards to you all. See you soon.
Amonet.
All photographs are my own.