13/08/2026
People flocked from far and wide yesterday to enjoy the eclipse at Freshwater West. I have never seen it anywhere near as busy as it was yesterday evening, but despite the crowds and the traffic, there was such a calm and almost surreal atmosphere.
These events would have been celebrated and worshipped in years gone by. With the solar, lunar and planetary spectacle, topped off with a night sky full of meteors, Freshwater West and the surrounding area really showed off in all its glory.
Hopefully, while people looked to the skies, something many of us don’t do enough of in day to day life, it made them wonder, contemplate and feel humble and grateful for the incredible world we all live in.
It certainly did for me.
I watched the eclipse from Stack Rocks and then went for a surf at sunset at Fresh. Someone said to me in the water, as the sun was going down, “It truly was a magical day.”
I think that pretty much sums it up. ☀️🌓💫✨🕊️
Photo credit to Steven Clarey 🙏