Everyone talks about Sea Glass Beach. Apparently there was an old glass factory that dumped the rejects or whatever into a pile, which has been covered by dirt and is now eroding away. So the buried and time-warped glass will be swept into the ocean, smoothed out, and washed back on shore again. People like to walk around and pick it up for art projects or decor or whatever. I had just watched a bunch of YouTube videos on things to do on Okinawa and then someone posted that this was a dog-friendly place, and typically not crowded. In a moment of excitement, I decided we should go, and take the dog!
So Monday we packed up the car, let Levi joyfully join us, and off we went. We took the expressway to exit 9 (680 yen? each way) and then meandered around a bit. It took us about 45 minutes. The GPS showed three different places to go for Sea Glass Beach, so I picked the one that said Sea Glass Beach Parking. It did indeed have parking. It was a small area by a park. No facilities. We walked across a small bridge and down to the water. It was a long walk. I had timed it to when the tide was out, and the parking is not on a beach. It is by a canal where the water feeds into the ocean, and we had to walk down that to get to the water. At high tide, it was probably full of water, but then there wouldn't have been any beach or sea glass!
The kids were good about walking for 15 minutes and we found a decent spot on the rocks in the shade. There was rock beach that gave way to sand, so you wanted shoes till you got to the sand. Then you could walk barefoot if you were careful. Most of the glass has been ground down so there are not sharp edges, but there is a lot of stuff that isn't comfortable to step on!
One of the really fun things was that you could walk waaaaay out and still only be knee deep in water. There were no waves. You could also climb up the rocks and the girls enjoyed that all very much. We were the only people in sight, so we let Levi off the leash and he had a grand time dashing around and sniffing stuff. He was happy to go a few inches into the water, but he had zero desire to go further than that.
The downside is that we had to hoof it back to the car and change in the trunk of the van. There really was no facilities. We drove till we found a Lawson's so we could go to the bathroom (one of the awesome things about Japan is knowing that Lawson's are always good for a clean bathroom) and then we bought delicious corn dogs. Lawson's corn dogs are the best thing ever made, in case you were wondering.
The beach. Lots of rocks, then sand. And I can't figure out why it doesn't look as gorgeous in the picture as it did in real life.
Obligatory selfie. And it is important, because I'm not a big fan of the beach. But I did have fun!
Levi was happy to go in about this far. then he was not happy and dashed away. But galloping through water this deep.... he liked that!
We timed it for low tide, and it was indeed, low. You could walk out quite a ways and not get very deep, as you can see here with Marian.
We let Levi off the leash and he had a marvelous time.
You may want to blow this up to see all the sea glass. The whole beach looked like this.
It was really pretty! I will admit that Okinawa has some really gorgeous beaches.
Levi was just glad he was invited on this adventure. He usually gets left behind.
I kicked off my shoes and walked down this beach to that big rock formation. It was such a nice day.
Me and the beach.
Marian, climbing the rocks. The problem with most of the rock is that it was coral, with sharp jagged edges. Not so great for climbing. Well, good for footholds, but hard on the hands.
This one was much better for climbing. Except is twas a lot more slippery!
Rylee and Delaney had a great time playing in the water. Delaney complained though that it was too shallow. But Rylee thought that was a perk.
Speaking of Rylee, here she is!
Callie and Marian climbed up this formation and were very pleased with themselves.
Rylee managed to work her way up to the rock as well.
And she posed heroically for me.
Levi got a little hot and tired. He found the damp moss to be nice and cool.
These two climbed across the face of the little cliff to check out that cave.
Rylee saw her big sisters do it and wanted to see the cave as well. However, the only way to reach it (without a ladder!) was to work your way across the cliff about 20 feet. She decided she was going to do it and I tried really hard to not hover under her in case she fell. I totally did though. It was a bit hair raising for me!
I mean, look at this!! She was 6 -8 feet above ground and worked her way sideways to make it to the cave. I was so proud of her!
All my girls in the cave. See how high it was?
And a close up so you can appreciate their satisfaction of making the perilous journey to the cave. And then they had to get down. Gulp!
Delaney climbed the first rock but said no way to the cave. I was relieved.
More rocks? Then they must climb them!!
Delaney thought the water was more fun. And she did have fun in the water!
She cracks me up. I love this kid.
