A short stay in Sydney followed on from our trip to Melbourne. Halfway home! While we walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and looked up at the architectural sails of the Opera House, introducing our son to these iconic Australian landmarks, it was a beautiful little beach, not far from where we were staying with friends, that created favourite memories.
The very lovely Little Bay Beach.
After days of exploring hustling and bustling cities, the sand and the rocks and the water of quiet Little Bay felt so peaceful. An afternoon spent wading through shallow ocean water, rock hopping and collecting tiny pieces of sea glass from the shore were nature's restorative antidote to that busy-ness of city days. It was such a perfect afternoon. An Autumnal blue sky, the line of our Earth's horizon so clear and defined, the way sunlight and shadow fell onto the rocks and the crisp clear water of such very gentle waves. Time slowed right down and drifted away...
Another view of the beach.
A little rock "bridge" to cross.
The rugged & rocky headland from above.
Rocks sculpted by nature.
Light and shadow on swirly-coloured rocks.
Gently lapping waves.
Our afternoon spent exploring lovely Little Bay together reminded me of the wisdom of Richard Louv's words, written in one of my favourite books, about the place and importance of nature in our lives and our children's lives:
"We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love of this Earth, and to tell our stories. These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children's memories, the adventures we've had together in nature will always exist."
~ Richard Louv ( from Last Child in the Woods)
Rock hopping fun!
An afternoon when "Dad" took him across the rocks and around the headland; when he leapt "great" distances from one beach rock to another; when he felt that cool ocean water lapping at his toes and when he found more pieces of his precious sea glass. Those moments now form part of my son's childhood memories, of his family and of nature. I hope he'll always feel the presence of nature in his life.
Do you make time for nature in your life?
Meg
I lived in Sydney for 2 years and loved the walk around to Shelley Beach from Manly. I love the beach when it's not boiling hot too.
ReplyDeleteI love the beach when it's not too hot as well, Kathy. We were rugged up in our long pants and jackets for the walk down but, as you can see in the photo, my son quickly shed those warm layers! Meg:)
DeleteAll the years I lived in Sydney and didn't know that beach existed, thanks for sharing Meg.
ReplyDeleteIt was really quiet there, Jan. Perhaps many other Sydney folk don't know it's there either! Meg:)
DeleteWonderful post and a charming beach, your words brought the photo's to life.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely afternoon, Marlene. Just what we needed after lots of travel. Meg:)
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful, Meg. Yes, I make time for Mother Nature every day. It's so important to connect to that healing energy. Just returned from a relaxing cruise, with gorgeous vistas...
ReplyDeleteI agree, Stephenie. I think we all need a deep connection with nature and that this is as important for nature as it is for us. Meg:)
DeleteGoodmorning Meg,
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful and tranquil beach and such lovely memories to bank away. It looks like you had a great time away. Have a lovely day,
Fi
Welcome home, Fi. Your trip to France looked and sounded amazing!! Meg:)
DeleteA special beach for sure. Your pictures and descriptions tell a happy story of your interaction and thankfulness, which is as beautiful as the beach itself.
ReplyDeleteI love that this beach was so close to the sprawl of our biggest Australian city but it was so quiet. I think if I lived nearby I'd go everyday just to experience the beauty and the peace of it. So much in that natural world to be thankful for. Meg:)
DeleteThat looked like a spot of paradise, for sure! How surreal, was all that blue, between the ocean and sea? Lovely pictures, Meg. Memories forever.
ReplyDeleteSome days, I just need to immerse myself in the backyard. Where all the drifting birds fly in, and remind me, they still have busy bird business, to attend. Songs to sing. Water to splash about in. Territory to defend. Long sprays of grass, to carry to their nests. I really lose track of time, when I'm out there in nature.
It's lovely that you can watch nature at work in your backyard, Chris. Sounds so peaceful! Meg:)
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