We've been experiencing a hotter summer than usual here in Samani.

On Sunday, July 18^th, we held an event to clean up the beach around Cape Enrumu and to learn more about the area.

We had around 50 volunteers made up of Hidaka Credit Union staff, firefighters, Mt. Apoi Geopark guides, and townspeople.

Due to the natural harbor created by the cape there was a quite a bit of trash and drift wood that washed ashore. The volunteers worked hard for 2 hours picking up cans, plastic bottles, plastic containers and more. We filled 50 120-liter bags and 30 45-liter bags. It was a lot, but we still were not able to pick up everything.

Did you know that sand originates from the mountains and that the geological composition of the mountains can change the color of the sand? The sand around Samani tends to be darker in color and one reason for that is a higher iron sand content. We tested this idea by using magnets to see how much iron was in the surrounding sand.

We found several unusual objects that drifted ashore such as a birch buoy that came from abroad, pipes and feeders from eel fishing, and even pumice.

Here are some flowers that bloom along the coastline.

Seashore False Bindweed, Hamahirugao

Hamanigana

It was a hot day, but the coastline is a lot cleaner now.