An interesting phenomenon has been occurring at Seaford beach lately. Piles of delicately balanced rocks that seem to defy gravity appear overnight as if by magic. The stone towers vary in shape, size, and degree of complexity. They can be seen on the shore and the cliffs that shape it.
Deliberately stacked stones similar to these are known as cairns. They are sometimes constructed simply as landmarks to point the way or warn of danger on hiking trails and the like. Other times, the purpose is much deeper and meaningful and a cairn is a memorial to a lost loved one or marks one's final resting place.
Folklore also suggests the stacking of these stones brings good luck, so don't even think about knocking one down! Nowadays, however, they are usually made as a personal, creative, or even spiritual statement, but aren't necessarily considered true cairns. A statement of some kind is the most likely reason behind the piles appearing at Seaford.
In some areas where such traditions and practices are more prevalent (particularly in the case of landmarks, statements, and wish making), cairns can be deemed unnecessary and at times even a nuisance. It's difficult to believe, but they are sometimes thought to disrupt the natural surrounds and cause damage to the environment.
Others would argue, however, that a pile of balancing stones is much more natural, less obtrusive, and pleasing to both the eye and the environment than the usual signage found in many conservation and national parks.
Likewise for graffiti art, which in the right location can certainly be visually spectacular and send a powerful message, but when it comes to making a statement on the beach - be it personal, artistic, or spiritual - a beautifully and thoughtfully created pile of natural stones seems much more appropriate for the setting.
In any case, the rock piles at Seaford are essentially harmless and it's difficult to think of them as anything less than lovely and enchanting. They serve as an important and timely reminder to find balance in your day (and life in general).
There is a meditative quality to the stone stacks and they bring a Zen-like energy and an element of the sacred to an already tranquil location. With an ever-changing background and 360 degree views, this is organic art at its very finest and a unique feature of Seaford beach.
There's no guarantee, but if you're lucky enough and wander the stretch of sand from Seaford to Port Noarlunga on your next trip to the mid-coast of South Australia, you might just be able to see some of these cairns. The beach is located about a 45 minute drive south of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Of course, all of the beaches in this region are wonderful and have something special to offer.
For example, you can SNUBA at
Port Noarlunga, let your dog run free at
Moana, see maritime ruins at
Port Willunga, drive on the sand at
Aldinga and
Sellicks, get your gear off at
Maslin's, snorkel at
Second Valley, and now see stone stacks at
Seaford.
The occurrence has many locals intrigued and as charming as it is to imagine the intricate creations have evolved from the earth, there's someone behind this. For that reason, the only thing left to do is acknowledge the effort involved and express gratitude to the mysterious Seaford Stone Stacker. Thank you for sharing your vision with us and making our beach even better.
