"You swam to the shark nets?!" the awed whisper; "Were there sharks? Did they try to bite you?"
"Yes. And no. And no. But there were dolphins. And they would've protected me from any hungry sharks".
The BuckarooBabies were shocked. Their goat loving, mountain hiking, herb growing, chocolate making mother who seldom swam - surfing the waves? Out there? In the unknown depths - with sharks?
We were wandering the scenic path down to one of the most magnificent beaches I have ever seen. And I have wandered many across the world, apart from those that I grew up on. The sound of the gentle waves filled the air. I breathed deeply of the salty air and my mind travelled back in time.
My children's initial enthusiasm camping in the beautiful coastal nature reserve came with the usual 40 thousand questions unique to each child. Having grown up on one of the South African coastlines it is strange for me to raise my children inland. Not only are we very very far from the sea but live in close to desert conditions. It is not often we are able to get to the sea. When we do the joy that accompanies the wonderful memories spills out as seaside stories which my children love hearing.
Camping at Hoop Nature Reserve is an incredible experience. The wild life wandering or flying around adds to the serenity of the African experience. We loved playing on the white shores, squealing at the water lapping around our feet. We had fun wading in the chilly rock pools looking for sea treasures. We loved climbing into the cave and listening to the amplified ocean sounds.
The Cape coastline is vastly different to the Natal shores. For one thing the water is icy cold. It takes your breath away. On top of which; our seaside visit was at the start of winter.
It was a wonderful day. Being out of season there were very few people. The dunes stretch for miles, covered with a carpet of exotic coastal vegetation on which ostriches and majestic buck flourish. The rock pools were refreshing, almost warm. It felt like we were in a bubble. Peaceful. Making memories as I reflected back on childhood memories.
Another glorious and beautiful day to be alive. Life is like a beach. There may be sharks. There may be unknown depths, tall waves and strong currents. But from the shoreline and among the warm rock pools it is beautiful. Perfect. Peaceful.
It's always funny when your children are shocked by your life stories. 😆 They don't think that we were also once young and at times adventurous.
I'm glad you all got to the coast for a bit. I'm not crazy on the beaches, but there is certainly something soothing about the sea and the sound of the waves, if you can ignore the sand getting into everything for a bit. It comes out of all your creases eventually after a shower or bath. 🤣
Ooops...only back on hive now. I really laughed at your description of the distribution of sand. It really is that way.
It truly is!❤️
Ditto!! Although some of their life has been on the coast, some of it is inland, and yes! We lived in the desert three times - for about a total of 5 years! Split up, so the times are separated, but, still!! It felt so wrong at times, usually at the end of a year living at the coast!
Your pictures are spectacular and warm my soul! The caves are fun!!!! I had to look twice at the ostrich! :)
You are such a fun mom! ❤️ Nothing else matters at this moment. xo
Aaaah. Thanks Denise. I am so busy that I feel that despite being a homesteading, homeschooling mom (and my children constantly with me) I don't spend as much time with them as I should or as I would like. It's nice to know you identify. It does feel wrong but only really when I take the kids to the coast. Mostly we love it here
That is exactly it. I am happy wherever I am placed, and it is only when I am reminded how much I love that it feels really wrong, usually when we have been moved (for work) near the coast.
Ah, live is still good. Amazingly so. ❤️
Wow, what a beautiful land. So good to be !ALIVE
HalleluYah!!
@buckaroobaby! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @ironshield. (9/30)
The tip has been paid for by the We Are Alive Tribe through the earnings on @alive.chat, feel free to swing by our daily chat any time you want.
Thank you so much!
We are an island here and I don't get to see the beach often too so I just have to make it to the bay to see the sea but it's not the same without the beach.
Lifes demands and requirements often takes us away from something that is right in front of us. And then when we stop and breath in the sea air and feel the wet sea sand between our toes we are invigorated
Yes, need to get out more often
@tipu curate
Upvoted 👌 (Mana: 45/55) Liquid rewards.
I love relaxing near beaches. You have such a great place! It has the serenity that I always want. Thank you for sharing this!
Truly serene. I think the beach is a comforting place
We South Africans are really blessed with the nature we have at our doorsteps! Thanks for sharing and enticing us all to get off our lazy couches to book some camping haha. I am going inland for a couple of months now so I might as well enjoy the ocean while I am here!
Well, inland has its own appeal. And I'm sure it will be amazing. Where is inland?
True! I am travelling to Gauteng (JHB and PTA). There are some nice spots up there.
Yuck (IMO) don't like them. But then I am a country bumpkin. Hope you do some fun exploring
So true, never want to return there! But what can one do if you travel for the sake of love? Hahah.
Aaaaaaaaaah.....what one doesn't (or does) do for love!
Exactly! It pushes me inland haha. Giving up the mountains for love.
Life is good, @buckaroobaby !
Indeed!
Anytime, I will enjoy my life at the beach. Amazing photos you have. <3