Today began with a much more “cooperative” sunrise. Although still overcast, the cloud cover was much less dense, and the filtered light actually made for a stunning dawn. Again, I had the beach to myself 😍 The ocean was in that magical kind of mood, where it fully assaults your senses; you know? When the salty air can be simultaneously smelled and tasted? If I could, I would get drunk on it!
The day’s forecast was on the coolish/cloudy side (Oh Summer, where art thou?) So, my husband and I decided to do a “day trip” around the Sapphire Coast area. Our original intention was to go as far as Eden, but we only got to Merimbula and Pambula – there was just so much to see and do!
We strolled Merimbula’s “Scenic Walk,” which was really quite breathtaking – incredible sweeping vistas (which reminded me a little of Nambucca Heads, on the mid-north coast, where I used to holiday as a child). The rocks around this area were pretty interesting too. They have almost a reddish/purplish hue – which (according to a quick search) can be attributed to “rust-coloured iron oxide staining the sediment.” Our car didn’t cope too well with all the hills, but we made it out again.
For lunch, we had seafood and I enjoyed LOTS of fresh oysters! We then headed to Pambula Beach and did some beach-combing. The wind and tides had brought in plenty of interesting things to look at, but we did have to dodge the bluebottles!
A friend recommended we visit Longstocking Brewery in Pambula, so off we trundled for some afternoon tastings. The brewery was in the “Oaklands” Barn precinct and we found plenty of other distractions there too…besides the beer!
Another highlight for me today, was the absolute menagerie we saw: kangaroos, emus, wombats, chickens, pigeons, sheep, pigs, horses, goats, donkeys, pelicans, swans, ducks, fish, dolphins, sting rays, and a “heap” of cormorants (curiously, I found out that the collective noun for cormorants is a “gulp”…seems quite fitting actually!)
My favourite photo from today was SO hard to choose! But, rather than (yet another) landscape, I went with hubby’s “bird theme” and chose this shot of a cormorant, just before it took flight.
Here’s hubby’s pick… his Little Corella alarm clock! At least he has a sense of humour about it 😂
I began today with the intention of watching the sunrise, however Mother Nature had other ideas! The thick cloud cover and slight fog thwarted any views but….regardless, it was an opportune time for reflection and stillness by myself on the beach. I thoroughly enjoyed just sitting and “being.” It is not something I find easy to do and I always cherish those moments when it happens.
When I got back, I was surprised to find my husband already up and about. He grumbled about the (what felt like a thousand) Little Corellas and their rather exuberant morning “greetings” right outside our window. 😂
And so, taking advantage of the cooler conditions and still-early hour, we got to walking. First we completed a small section of the heritage coastal trail between Baragoot Beach and Cuttagee Beach (plus another quaint bridge over Cuttagee Lake). We saw a fish of some sort repeatedly leaping (flying?) which was quite amusing, and also spotted more seals on the rocks!
We then headed north to check out Camel Rock and Horse Head Rock, walking the coastal track between these two points. We stopped for a coffee and subconsciously coaxed the sun out of hiding (unsuccessfully)…but we swam anyway.
Lunch was at an artisan bakery across the road. Hubby bought the most expensive sausage rolls I think I’ve ever seen (2 for $25!) but he assured me they were worth it.
We whiled away the afternoon reading (hubby) and writing (me) before playing some barefoot bowls. The synthetic green was quite challenging and it took a while to successfully gauge the line and length required. However, I somehow managed to pull this shot out of nowhere…
I went for an amble along the main street and crazily, sniffed out the local djembe group as they were rehearsing. I popped in and said hi. They were so welcoming and let me sit a while. It made my heart happy (think Bermagui’s version of Hit ‘n’ Miss).
We walked to the wharf and had “fish and chips” for dinner… minus the chips and fish for me as I don’t really eat either! I indulged in some wonderfully fresh calamari instead 🤤
My favourite photo from today is this reverse, up close shot of Camel Rock because of the colours and the dramatic effect.
Bermagui is a small seaside town on the Sapphire Coast of NSW. With breathtaking scenery, Bermagui nestles against its harbour and beaches, and sits under the shadow of nearby “Mt Gulaga.”
After a busy Christmas and New Year’s period, my husband and I are fortunate to be able to get away and enjoy this town and its surrounds, for the week. Although we have now lived in Canberra for 4 years, my hubby has never been to the south coast of NSW! (Well, aside from a very fleeting road trip waaaaayyy back in 2009)
So…for this reason, we took our time getting here today – moseying through the townships of Batemans Bay, Mogo, Moruya, Bodalla, and Narooma. We stopped and looked at any points of interest, as the whims took us (“It’s the journey not the destination” right!?)
The car trip itself consisted of a rather competitive game of “Windmill, White Horse” (hubby ended up winning) and “Meh/Yeah!” with our 90s playlist. The “meh” turned quickly into a resounding “NAH!” when I tried to slip in some NKOTB….Hey! It was worth a try and a girl’s gotta have her guilty pleasures 😂
Our drive into Bermagui itself was an absolute delight with lush foliage, stunning vistas and a couple of quaint bridges! So pretty…and the water! 😍😍
Our accommodation is charming, and right across from the beach. We headed out immediately for a walk, traipsing the nearby headland. We discovered the “Blue Pool” and spied a colony of seals basking on the rocks. We stayed a while to observe them stretching and contemplating their next move as the tide was slowly encroaching. I could almost imagine their commentary! We also saw three Great Cormorants (a new bird spot for me), and (what felt like a thousand) Little Corellas.
Afterwards, we took a dip in Horseshoe Bay, which was divine. The water was so clear! Cocktails and dinner at the Bermagui Beach Hotel was a good vibe, even though it was only Monday! We then strolled the beach and watched the sun as it set.
It was so tough deciding on my favourite photo from today! But I’ve gone with this one, as the sun dipped behind the mountains. I like the composition and colours…and the seagulls…
Author’s Note:The Bloganuary prompt for 8 January 2023 isHow far back in your family tree can you go? I have pared this back somewhat and gone with just “family tree” as a theme. I have also combined this with words from the Sunday Whirl, Wordle #586. I’ll be honest, I don’t “love” this prompt today!
I thought I would write a pre-trip post and introduce you to my sister Claudia – my travelling companion on our upcoming holiday to New Zealand. Claudia is the youngest of my three sisters (we have six kids altogether in our family – 2 boys and 4 girls).
Despite a ten year age gap, we have always been close. We shared a room growing up – even though I was a teenager and she was a toddler and we enjoy spending time with one another.
The thing I love best about my sister is her laid back and relaxed attitude. I have a tendency to be a little “highly strung” at times and suffer periodically from anxiety and depression. Her no-nonsense, ‘whatever’ approach always puts thing into perspective for me, and reminds me not to take things too seriously.
Now, you may be wondering, If her name is Claudia why is this post entitled Introducing The Clam?
Well, I promise. There is a reason.
Two years ago today, my husband and I were visiting my mum and dad in Canberra. My sister lives with them as she helps care for my mum after her stroke in 2015. We all decided to go ten pin bowling and the bowling alley was very ‘old-school’. We had to write our names on a slip of paper and hand it to the young man attending the shoe counter. He then entered the details into the computer for our lane, on our behalf.
Claudia and I were challenging each other and as we commenced the bowling, we soon realised the hilarity that confronted us on the screen. Instead of entering ‘Claud’ the young man had inadvertently entered the name ‘Clam’. (I have always told her her handwriting was messy!)
You can imagine every spare, every strike and every miss, our guffawing laughter as we received encouraging messages for the ‘clam’.
The nickname has certainly stuck and two years on, ‘The Clam’ is still going strong. Although her game has not improved much…
I am certainly looking forward to some good times and laughter with my sis.
Death by Roses, she thought, Death by Roses. What kind of a name for a perfume was that anyway?!
She reigned in her thoughts and tried to focus on the array before her. It didn’t help that the rows upon rows of delicate little bottles stood behind locked glass doors. She strained to see the names and brands, but ‘Death by Roses’ continued to elude her.
Exasperated, she finally decided to ask someone. If she didn’t get the right one, Heaven help her! What would be a minor catastrophe for most, would become a major catastrophe for her sister. Drama queen! she raged internally, while externally, she smiled, and asked the overly quiffed, but pleasant enough looking sales assistant, for, well…assistance.
“It’s right over here,” the girl indicated, with a sweep of her carefully painted fingernails.
Following her, the girl reached for a key attached to a stretchy chain on her pants.
“We have to keep these cabinets locked,” she stated apologetically, “you know, for the, um, shoplifters.” She lowered her voice as she uttered the last word, unnecessarily, as surely, the shoplifters wouldn’t care.
She picked up a small, blush coloured bottle. It was elaborately shaped into a rose; quite exquisite really. However, in contrast to the pretty pale glass was a black, thorned stem that wrapped around the bottle, culminating in a large thorn that formed the cap. How had she missed it? she wondered. It was altogether, a grotesque juxtaposition of a bottle. And aptly named. The black stem appeared to be choking the rose.
“It’s one of our most popular fragrances,” the sales assistance continued, “would you like to try it?”
“Er, no, thanks. It’s a gift.”
The girl beamed, “Oh wonderful! A present! Shall I have it gift wrapped for you then?”
“Yes please,” she replied, feeling grateful that she didn’t have to attend to that tedious task as well. Her sister would appreciate the professional touch, rather than her own clumsy fingers struggling with sticky tape and awkwardly presenting the perfume in a misshapen, mess of wrapping paper.
Finally making an exit from the crowded shopping mall, she breathed a sigh of relief that the last of her Christmas shopping was done.
Until, she realised she couldn’t remember which entrance she had parked her car. Dammit! she cursed. Why hadn’t she been paying attention?
She began trawling through her memory; trying to recall landmarks, colours, shops, anything that would help her. She walked and walked, row after row. She was positive it was in this area. Maybe it had been stolen, she thought, dreading the idea.
Frustrated, and not knowing what else to do, she went to the concierge desk to ask for help.
“Have you checked the other levels?” the young man suggested, “this happens quite a bit, you know.”
Of course! Stupid!
“No. I’ll do that now, thank you,” she replied sheepishly.
At this rate, she would miss her family’s Christmas Eve celebrations altogether! Starting to panic a little, she trekked to the floor above, and searched the car park once more. Still, no car.
However, on the third level, there it was. She sighed. Her trusty, red sedan, was patiently waiting, right where she had left it.
Tossing her packages in the back, she opened the door and jumped in. She hastily put the key in the ignition, threw the car into reverse and hurried out of the car park. She winced as her tyres screeched on the glossy grey concrete.
“You’re late!” her sister pointed out as she opened the door.
“Nice to see you too, sis,” she retorted sarcastically. “Sorry, it’s been a day. You know?”
“Yes, I know,” her sister conceded, “Christmas Eve is always crazy. I don’t know why you leave these things to the last minute!”
Because I work two jobs and only get one day off a fortnight, she thought, through gritted teeth. Deciding to ignore the admonishment, she laughed nervously, said nothing and walked through the door, to join the rest of her family.
The minute she saw her mother, father, grandparents and brother, she immediately relaxed. They rushed to greet her and as they hugged and kissed, she thought, what a prickly rose her sister was. Indeed, it was a fitting choice for her perfume.
They had waited for her, and hadn’t eaten yet, so the family convened to the table, said grace and commenced their Christmas Eve traditions. They ate roast turkey, complete with all the trimmings, drank lots of wine and all pretended they couldn’t possibly fit in dessert, before giving into protestations from the host. They talked and talked and caught up on all that was news in each other’s lives. They reminisced and spoke of friends and family no longer here. They spoke of good times and of bad, but also how they’d banded together to get through. This is what Christmas is about, she thought happily.
Next, they moved to the lounge room for the family Kris Kringle. As they started to give and receive gifts, butterflies began to dance in her stomach. She hoped her sister would be pleased. She held her breath as her sister grasped the small package in her hands.
“What beautiful wrapping!” she exclaimed. “Did you do this yourself?”
“Yes,” she found herself lying. She hated how her sister knew that she hadn’t.
“Ooooooh! Death by Roses!!!” she squealed excitedly. “How did you know?”
Rolling her eyes, she gave her mother a look, and smiled, “Just a hunch. Glad you like it.”
Her sister quickly extracted the thorn covered bottle and uncapped the lid. She squirted and sprayed liberally, her wrists and neck, before rushing around the room and spraying everyone else.
“Isn’t this scent divine? Just to die for!” she gushed.
Feeling pleased her sister loved her gift, she didn’t notice at first. It was subtle. A rushing of red to her face, and quickening of her pulse. She thought it may be the wine.
But then the coughing started, and the tightening of her throat. Just like when she was younger. Her eyes began to swell and bug in her face. Her lips began to tingle, and welts appeared on her skin.
She heard her mother scream, and then someone else say, “I thought she’d grown out of her anaphylaxis!”
Just before the world went black, she had one last fleeting thought…
Author’s note: My baby brother Matthew got married on the weekend! This collection of Haiku is an homage to him and his lovely new wife. Such a joyous day and I’m so lucky to have shared in their special celebration ❤️
By Sarah 