A Solid-Rock Nature Walk

Cliffs, shallows, and life on Tsunoshima

Tristan Scholze Feb 12, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Rocky inlets and cliffs to explore</p>

<p>The jagged coastline views are beautiful even on a cloudy day</p>

<p>Watching over the grassy land above the rocks</p>

<p>This is <em>kame-no-te</em>, literally "turtle foot," an edible stalked barnacle (<i>Capitulum mitella)</i></p>

<p>As the tide falls, beadlet anemone (<i>Actinia</i> <i>equina</i>) tentacles will retract until they look like red blobs</p>

<p>Bits of green find a home on these rocks, too</p>

<p>A sea urchin shell left on land, presumably by its predator</p>

<p>White sand is easily visible in these clear waters</p>

<p>Coral Blue Beach lies just beyond those cliffs</p>

<p>The osprey back on the nest at the top of an isolated cliff</p>

<p>Looking back on the "church" and campsite from the grass above the rocks</p>

Near a lighthouse, between Ohama Campground and Cobalt Blue Beach on Tsunoshima, live some rocks. They are indeed alive; so close to civilization yet in an undeveloped area, they thrive with marine life and are home to osprey patrolling the shoreline grasses and beaches. Look closely, deep in their cracks and crevices and across their broad surfaces, and discover their character softly singing out to you. Their stories whisper a colorful, ancient melody.

Tristan Scholze @tristan.scholze

I'm also known as Faer Out. I love learning about people and nature. I've traveled around the world and throughout Japan, and I hope to continue seeing and experiencing the wonder of this planet as long as I live.Based in Japan for nearly two decades, I'm a Japan Travel expert for Fukuoka and Sag...