The cove at the east end of the beach...

consists of a cluster of sharp-edged volcanic formations. While hard enough to prove painful for the barefoot climber, the elevated cliff areas have a sandy-edged appearance pocketed with holes. The overall look of the cove and the elements in it can vary greatly with the height of the tide, or with the effects of seasonal storms, which can either bury many of the rocks and outcroppings completely, or wash sand from this protected area, revealing a boulder-strewn floor.

A wave crashes against the outer rocks
of the cove, sending water flying.

This picture of the cove formations is taken from
the far side of the cove, beyond the beach. This
area can be reached by foot only at extremely low
tide, when passage can be made around the rocks at left.

The honeycomb appearance of the upper
cliffs. They look sandy, but they're hard
and sharp to the touch. Some of these
pockets are several inches across.

Cove formations under a layer of sand. Even Alex's
rock (background at left) can be so surrounded with
shifting sand that only three feet of it is visible on the
beach (upper) side, instead of the customary seven feet or more.