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Lion Rock// Piha Beach

November 28, 2016 Sammie Downing
Erika at Lion Rock Piha Beach Auckland Piha Beach Auckland Piha Beach Auckland

Without a doubt, this was one of the best sunsets of my entire life. The black, volcanic sands of the beach were warm from the days sun. Before we reached the waves we crossed small, idling tributaries that were so hot they felt almost sulfuric. Only a short 50 minute drive from Auckland, this beach was the perfect escape from the labyrinth of the city. While Auckland only has a population of around 1 million, coming from the wide desolation of the Sierra it was easy to find myself overwhelmed by the people and the traffic. Piha offered a sense of tropical isolation and wonder.

The drive itself, while simple in its directions, snakes and cuts through vivid views of tropical hills covered in a mystic fog and mist that emanates from the ocean.  

Mixtape for the Ride, Courtesy of Jasibe Cure-Twede featured some perfect gems for the scenery and the descending dusk:

  1. Havalina, Pixies
  2. I Can See the Pines are Dancing, A.A. Bondy
  3. I Done got Over, Irma Thomas
  4. Fire by the River, Harumi
In Travel, beach, mixtape Tags beach, auckland, mixtape
← On Displacement All About New Zealand Coffee →
Bye Portland 👋🏻 I’ll miss this view from my window and your lush, unparalleled green. I’m glad we gave it another shot but it’s just not gonna work out. It’s not you, it’s me.
Thank god. Sun. At last 🌻🌞
My short story “Antipodes” about fly fishing in rural New Zealand is out today in the Capra Review! 🌬🌟I wrote this story exactly two years ago while I was living in a tiny farm house at a rural fly fishing and hunting lodge and it’s only just now seeing the light of day. Writing is totally about the long game 🌪😬 but the truth is, if someone told me years ago how much rejection I’d face (a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot) trying to get my words released into this world, I’d still do it. Masochism anyone? 
But seriously— thanks to Spotter Sean and Paul for taking me under their expert wings and showing me just a tiny glimpse of their magical art 🐠🐟💦 Link in bio 💌
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#flyfishing #flyfishingnewzealand #flyfishingnz #writersofinstagram
Thank you @greyhawkins for painting a portrait of my grandmother’s house that has raised three generations of women. You’re a fantastic, artist, Christian and I think the spirit of this place entered the light of this piece. 🌟🌙💫 (if you need anything illustrated, @greyhawkins is your man)
Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose ✨🌟🦋
Ireland, you taught me to believe in fairies. I needed that. Thank you 🦋🧚🏻‍♀️🌈🍄🦄
All my love
Best part about being home in Denver? Photo booth tradition with @deathtonostalgia (I’m gonna miss you 💫🌼✨)

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