Ganmon From pine-covered rocks to the sea: a summer detour for a closer look at the cave

I’d meant only to look at the sea from above, but seeing steps made me want to get closer. Going down one step at a time in white trainers, I watched the rocks gradually approach eye level. The sea felt closer than it had from inside the car.

Stopping on the landing, I could clearly see the hole through the rock. Only the far end of the darkness was bright, with sea beyond. A moment ago I’d been looking at a broad stretch of water; now I kept watching a little opening.

The nearer water was clear right up to the rock’s edge. Its brightness changed with each wave, making me wait a moment before pressing the shutter. Should I fill the frame with the opening or include the pines above it? I wanted to keep both.

The closer I looked, the more remarkable it seemed that the sea had eroded this shape. A passage for water remained through the huge rock. My driving friend would probably laugh if she saw me taking so many photos from the same angle here.

Perhaps I’d include a little of the steps in the photo I showed her, to convey that I’d walked closer myself. My memory of the view came with the feeling of the steps beneath my feet on the way down.

Once back, I’d like to choose a meal around Togi. Seeing a feature about sweet shrimp fritter burgers gave me another reason to continue along the coast. For now, with my hands still free, I took one more look through the rock opening.