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.

Bluesfan,

Sounds, and looks, like a wonderful, well-deserved trip.

Dave.

Wow, this shot is amazing! Where is this bluesfan? Do you mind saying?

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/al...pictureid=8203

Yeah it has been gloomy, cold and rainy here for over 48 hours so those pictures made me smile. Thanks for sharing them.

Dancing is one of my favorite things in the world. For the past 25 years I had been taking a class with a group of women. Over the years we have become a type of community of support and love. It has been very hard for me to give it up. The doctors think my symptoms come from my spine and I was afraid that dance would possible make my situation worse.

My doctor urged me to try it being careful so about 4 months ago I went. I promised myself I wouldn't jump or do anything stupid. However, as soon as I started the warm-up my legs began to burn badly and felt heavy. I know it wasn't going to work.

Last month I put the same sneakers on with socks to take a walk and immediately the exact same sensations began. I then remembered reading about some of you not being able to wear socks and certain shoes. So I did an experiment and tried all my sneakers without socks. I found one pair that did not trigger anything and to make a long story short, yesterday I put on those sneakers, went to my class, stood toward the back making sure I didn't jump or do anything too crazy. I was elated. It was wonderful to move, feel the music and be surrounded by the love and energy of people I've basically grown up with. I am a happy, grateful girl today.

Gettin' your Groove On, Pinkynose

Dave.

Hi janieg

I'd love to share publicly where this idyllic spot is but unfortunately preservation of it's natural beauty is not yet guaranteed. Locals and others who appreciate its uniqueness are still working to protect it permanently. If it got too much publicity and became inundated with tourists then the pressure for development would ruin it. In this region there are several other similar coastal locations that have become over-developed, and the original natural features such as bush walks, serenity, native bird-life etc have disappeared.

At the moment any member of the public can access much of the area without difficulty. With development that would become restricted.

The other thing is that half the enjoyment of this place is in discovering it for yourself. But if you're thinking of coming down here, drop me a PM and I'd be happy to give you a clue to find it yourself.

Just thought I'd dig up this old thread, and add a new story. Two weeks ago, my wife and I spent several days in the Traverse City, MI area. Of course my wife likes walking and shopping the downtown areas - and I did as much of that as my feet would allow. But we spent a lot of time driving, sight seeing, dining, and wine tasting at the huge number of wineries in the area.

But the best part for me was Sleeping Bear Dunes (A National Park area made up of large sand dunes on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.) They have a "dune climb" area, and I decided to make the climb. It was a warm day and it's a bigger challenge than it appears from the bottom. Halfway up I wasn't sure I could make it. But I took my time and eventually made it to the top, where the reward was a park bench at the top of the dune, with a great view and a cool breeze coming in off the lake. Fortunately, going back down was much easier for me.

I did pay for it a bit the next day, but I think it's good for everyone to push their limits once in a while - no matter what your personal limits are. Keep posting your stories - I love to hear them

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That's quite a climb Ragtop - well done - sometimes we go into these 'adventures' knowing there will be a price to pay after but we do it anyway - just for the chance to feel 'normal' again for short while.

Hope your 'Good Day' feelings helped you get through the surgery (read your other post) and you're recovering well. All the best - bluesfan

What a climb, what a view, Ragtop!

Great achievement.

Dave.