Ramblings from Etty Bay

The tide half up, half down.

Endless lapping and movement regardless, from both land and ocean blue

Children frolic, castles built, endless search for shells and treasures

Chasing, catching, rolling, romping, screaming and laughter...

Joyful expressions of appreciation.

Junior Life Savers practice their skill

Rotate and take their turn at saving.

Spot the waving arm, march, guide harness, rescue, carry, drop and kneel... kiss of life.

Then there are the boards ...paddle out and glide back, turn ‘round and do it again.

A swayed backed mother leeds her twins to the waters edge

One with bucket other with spade

Sit in waves trying to contain the ocean in their toys

Their little bottoms sandy like crumbed chicken.

People gather; holiday makers, teens stealing time off work,

Mums and dads, grans and granddads hand in hand, not much talking.

No need.

In the silence I  sense the spirit of a visitor from another time

Young nubile nymph climbing rocks, jumping waves, the fresh sting of salt on skin.

Crisp, refreshing, dunkings on a hot summer’s day.

Bare feet cautiously climbing, clambering over shell encrusted volcanic leftovers.

Searching, inquisitive, prying and fascinated young eyes.

Waves’ creating an explosion of spray pounding islet rock.

New discoveries as the wash pulls away and exposes secrets.

The shadows almost reach the waters edge

Streams of low,  sun rays seep through the giant figs.

My silhouette grows chasing the last of the days light.

A Forest Kingfisher darts across my path

It’s time to retreat to my nest too.

Brisk cold shower, to get rid of crusty sand.

Fold up chairs and tables, baskets, bags of soggy towels, buckets and spades

Eskies, light now, picnic lunch long eaten....all lifted into the boot of the car.

Tired happy children strapped safely into car seats,  a far cry from the freedom of  the day

But too tired to care. Be asleep before they get home

Dreaming of castles, and wild roaring oceans.

A sumptuous feast for the soul as I sit and gaze into the setting of sweet little Etty Bay.