Saturday was a perfect day . . .

Warning: Sentimental Rambling ahead!

After a difficult week of fighting infections, progressing pain, stroppy insurance agents and a 4am meltdown, by the time I got up Friday morning I'd lost all enthusiasm for the trip I'd been looking forward to for weeks. It was raining with a freezing wind blasting out of the south. Brrrr . . . Officially it may be spring here but winter was having a last laugh.

I knew my destination well from previous trips years ago prior to illness, but the trepidation was that I'd no longer be able to physically access locations that held so many great memories. In my heart I knew this special place would replenish my depleted spirits – even if I arrived in the foulest of moods! Decision time – do I stay or do I go? The heart won – the road trip was on.

As I headed north the rain eased but the wind continued – one small town I stopped in, the storekeepers had their doors closed with signs “we're open – come in - but close the door – it's freezing”. Just 15 minutes before my destination the sun peeked out – an auspicious sign maybe?
Turning off the main road onto the familiar narrow, winding bush road I finally felt I was leaving behind the hassles of everyday life. Ancient gnarled trees overhanging the road, glimpses of tidal shallows through the ferns, rustic beach houses poking out of the bush and my accommodation waiting near the end of the road. Tired from the drive, with aching joints and a massive headache I headed off to bed early . . .

(Click to enlarge)

This was the view I woke to on Saturday morning – who wouldn't want to get out of bed?
The beach in the distance was my goal for the trip – if I could just make it out there I'd go home happy. The only access - a 20 minute (slow) walk through a forest track, over a low sand dune and I was there. Yeehah! For two hours I fossicked for shells, paddled in icy waves (good for the PN), watched oystercatchers pulling shellfish from the sand, threw sticks for dogs, fed dried cranberries to seagulls and sat in the sun mesmerized by the breakers curling one after the other crashing onto the shore. Absolute soul enhancing bliss.

I wanted to share my perfect day with you as it happened but that's another great thing about this place - no tv, no cell phone reception and no wifi – just nature in glorious abundance! The rest of my 3 day trip was just as rejuvenating – perfect location – great weather and congenial company.
It made me realize I've spent too much time & energy managing the physical effects of my conditions, as well as fighting the medical system for adequate treatment and other BS. Doing things to maintain my mental well-being, such as this trip, have been side-lined too often. I hope, as my health allows, to undertake more adventures to keep my brain happy.

I've put a few more views of the beach in my profile album for those who want to see more.