It was a warm but windy day and the shore of Marine Beach in Kagman stretched endlessly before us. The beach was deserted and it felt nice having the entire place to ourselves.
Lugging my cameras, a heavy tripod and long lens was not an easy job, but I was excited to spend the whole afternoon in total seclusion.
Finding a soft spot to sit on the rocky shore was next to impossible, but I did. I then positioned my tripod to take video and photos of the huge waves a few yards away.
When I say huge, I meant really huge like several feet of angry foam and froth rolling and crashing on the rocky ledge. It was a horrifying yet exciting sight to watch.
The little lagoon near the shore, which I learned was a favorite swimming hole, was no longer visible under the angry waves.
I tried to take as many images as I could but I was distracted and mesmerized by the sight and sound of the waves. I could listen to it for days and never get tired.
Marine Beach is not ideal for swimming. The shore is all rocks and pebbles and the current is so strong that you will either be swept into the ocean — or flung against the rocky cliff.
But the place is just perfect for hanging out.
I had been to this place several times before to try to capture sunrise on camera. I had always found the place intriguing and fascinating. Somehow, that peaceful Christmas afternoon on Marine Beach helped a little to blur the image of rescuers and a chopper hovering above the water in a futile attempt to search for a missing fisherman who was wiped out by a huge wave a couple of years back.
I was trying to blot a tragic memory linked to this place and restore my earlier impression of a wonderful hangout with blue skies, crashing waters, rocky shores and a green mountain backdrop.
A cold blast of wind reminded me that I did have a buddy who was also busy in his own world at another part of the beach. Very soon it got dark and we had no choice but to pack up our gear and return to real life. We went home refreshed and rejuvenated.
Sometimes, spending a few hours bonding with nature can make a big difference. While most of us take Saipan’s beaches for granted, thousands of people from other parts of the world would give a lot to have the chance to enjoy what we have.
