Nothing soothes the soul like a walk on the beach. That’s where we spent last weekend, but when we left on Friday afternoon the weather forecast was bleak. Not that it put me off. We were traveling in our camper and we had our site booked in the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, we had friends joining us and plenty of food and wine. All the ingredients of a relaxing weekend. But my plans were to walk on the beach, come rain, hail or shine.
Well, I nearly got my wish. The first night it bucketed down. It absolutely teemed with rain, and the wind was fierce, but by morning the worst was over.
This photo is indicative of my state of mind this past year, an imperfect picture, water on the lens, a lens which recently cracked on a camera that is barely a year old. More frustrations and more things needing to be fixed. But I have to remind myself they’re all temporary. That where there’s a will, and a path, there’s a way. To get through anything.
This path lead from our camp ground to the beach. I walked it many times over the weekend. At sunrise and at sunset. Mostly by myself, first thing in the morning when the others were still snug in their beds. A path well traveled.
On the first morning it was so windy. The sea shore felt wild and primitive and the waves crashed over the rocks like thunder reverberating. I absolutely loved it.
It’s invigorating to be so vulnerable and exposed. I felt a sense of freedom as I walked along the sand with only seagulls for company. This was time to think, to reflect and take in the stark beauty all around me.
As the wind subsided and the colors changed in the sky so did my mood. Calming. Soothing.
And during the day I walked in company. The best way to explore. Time to walk with those I love, laugh and enjoy life. Here I am along the board walk at the Prom with my son.
And this is the track that lead us to beautiful Whisky Bay, taking in the highlights of the Prom on a day when the grey clouds disappeared and the sun found its way out.
Leaving us free to explore this magnificent beach. Dropping the cares and relishing life.
I wish you all sunshine and a peaceful and calm mind today, and if the storm clouds come I hope they pass over and merely cleanse, leaving a silver lining in their wake.
Linked to Jo’s Monday Walk
Stay safe and happy and keep enjoying the journey.
Stunning photos, Miriam. Looks like a beautiful day 🙂
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Thanks Kim. Yes, it ended up being a glorious day.
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Wow! Some of these photos look like they were meant for a postcard or a desktop background on a computer. Good stuff!
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What an awesome compliment, thanks Paul.
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I love that: “It’s invigorating to be so vulnerable and exposed.” So true and beautiful! 🙂
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It’s how I felt, being near the ocean is so inspiring. Thanks Audrey.
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Another lovely reflective post Miriam. I love the beach it is so cleansing or maybe calming. The light in some of the photos is particularly lovely.
Hope the change of pace over the school holidays gives you some special healing time and break.
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Thanks so much Louise, the beach really is a place of calm and cleansing. I appreciate your supportive words.
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I really enjoyed the photography in this piece. It’s amazing how photos of beaches, the oceans and water are almost hypnotic when we look at them.
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Yes, so true, thanks so much for your comment.
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Terrific shots! 😃
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Thank you kindly 🙂
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Your writing really has a calming effect, just like these amazing pictures – so beautiful!
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Aw, thank you, you are too kind.
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Amazing Miriam.. these are some amazing photographs.. nature at its best 🙂
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Yes, mother nature puts on quite a show at times. Thanks for stopping by.
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Those are some special photos, Miriam. Really beautiful.
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Thanks George. Glad you enjoyed them.
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Gorgeous photos. They really made me want to be there! I could use something as peaceful and calming right about now…
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Oh, in that case, I wish you sunny skies and warm beaches Sandra, just close your eyes, breath deeply and you’ll be there …
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Thank you… I’ve not been feeling very sunny lately!
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Sorry to hear. We all have our down days. I hope the skies clear soon for you Sandra. Take care.
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Thanks…very kind of you. Maybe I will look at your lovely photos again… 🙂
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Ah, you make me smile. Enjoy.
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Love these, Miriam! Living next to the ocean myself, they speak directly to my saltwater soul! Just gorgeous 🙂
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Ah, so you know the joys. Thanks Thomas.
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Oh yes, I most certainly do. You are welcome, Miriam. Happy Hump Day and hope you have been well 😀
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Thanks Thomas and same to you. I’ve been ok, just about to hit the sack now, it’s nearly midnight here.
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You are welcome, Miriam! Hope you have the sweetest and most peaceful dreams. Good night 🙂
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Thank you kind sir. And you have a great day ahead. Go drink that coffee and eat some more dark chocolate for me!
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And thank you, kind lady off to bed 🙂 I will think of you as I enjoy the dark chocolate and wash it down with a strong, black beauty 🙂
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Sounds good. Now I’m definitely signing off. 🙂
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Nighty night 🙂
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Fabulous! 🙂 🙂 You show those last photos and it hardly seems like the same day but it can change in a flash. I love wild seas and striding along on my own- no cares! Just me and the waves. 🙂 Thank you so much for joining me again. Hope all goes well at Easter. Serene- remember? (easier said sometimes!)
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You’re right, such different scenes yet all on the same day. Mother Nature is pretty amazing. Hope you also have a peaceful and happy Easter Jo. Enjoy.
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Lovely photos. Mother nature can always be relied upon to cleanse the mind and the soul I find.
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So very true Suzy. Thanks.
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Beautiful shots, Miriam. I wish you sunshine and peaceful mind today, too.
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Thank you.
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You are welcome.
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What a beautiful beach!
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It really was.
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Beautiful photos, Miriam. I love the different beach personalities as well. One of my favorite times to walk the beach is after a storm as well, and I love solitary walks when I get the chance (although walking with friends and family is also enjoyable). Thanks for sharing!
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It’s my pleasure. Glad you enjoyed and that you also enjoy the beach. Stay well.
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All I can say, Miriam, is that I want to be there right know. It is so beautiful.
Take care, dear friend!
❤
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Me too Monica. I want to go back as well, I just love being on the beach. Hope you’re well. xo
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I am OK, thanks 🙂
xoxo
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What a beautiful place Miriam! Ah to have the ocean so near would be fantastic!
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Oh I agree. This wasn’t so near though Nicole. We had to drive three hours. But it was so worth it.
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Three hours is amazing! It feels like we have to drive so far to reach places like this in the US. Australia is huge too though. You must live in a beautiful area. What city are you in or near?
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I live on the outskirts of Melbourne near the hills of the Yarra Valley, one of the major wine producing areas in Australia. It’s a lovely area, feel very blessed to live here. And you Nicole?
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I love Melbourne! It is such a great city and to live near a wine region would be dreamy for me since I love wine so much! I live in Minneapolis a city of about 1 million so a little more urban. But it is beautiful as our state has over 10,000 lakes so lots of nature.
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10,000 lakes. That sounds utterly beautiful.
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Yes it is Miriam but very cold in the winter!
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Brrrr. I’m shivering now just thinking about it.
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The Prom looks as gorgeous as ever. We were camped inside the crater at Mt Franklin and missed the wind thankfully.
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Yes the Prom never changes, except for the exorbitant fees they charge for camping. But it really is beautiful.
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Seems like they’ve only reduced the fees at the least popular parks. And I thought they were the peoples parks to enjoy..silly me.
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Don’t get me started. Grrrr …
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Beautiful pics, Miriam! Always a lovely message to remind us to stay positive even when the lens is cracked.
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Thanks Tiffany!
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Trying to keep up! ❤️
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Wonderful! Your camping trips really remind me of when I used to go camping. Good memories, similar feelings. 🙂
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Nice. Glad I could bring back some happy memories for you.
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Excellent path to walk, love the ocean images.
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Thank you!
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What a great post Miriam! Nature really does soothe the soul and your words captured that feeling beautifully. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Aw thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed.
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Hi Miriam, I love the way you took us on a little journey of your personal mood in this post while the path of transition reflected in the lovely photos. From a moody start to the sun opening up! You always marry your thoughts for the day with your images – very clever!☀️
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Thanks for your lovely comment Jayne. Appreciate it. 🙂
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What a wonderful post! There’s something so calming about the sea. You are lucky to find such a secluded beach. Sorry about your lens, I hope you can have it fixed very soon. 🙂
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Yeah, I seem to have a knack of wrecking my cameras within the first year, and it’s usually, strangely enough, at the beach that it happens. Weird.
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That is so unfortunate and frustrating, but don’t let it keep you away from the beach. It looks like your kids had a great time too.
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Oh, I definitely wouldn’t. I love the beach, come summer or winter.
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I’m planning to take the huskies to a dog friendly beach soon. Your photos are great (as usual) and I love how you tie your images with a message.
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Thanks Lindsay. We had to leave Harry with friends last weekend (as dogs weren’t allowed) but usually he loves to run on the beach. Your huskies will love it!
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I’m sure Harry missed you. I have to get those extended leashes so they can have the illusion of freedom 🙂
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Hahah Yeah, can’t have them running off chasing those birds and not coming back 🙂
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I would be devastated, but I know they will love it. They have me wondering if they know they are huskies. They went outside to bask in the sun and it’s quite warm today. Silly dogs
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Thank you for sharing your journey, Miriam! I love your reflections and your photographs and your willingness to be vulnerable. Hope you have a lovely Easter, my friend.
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Thanks so much Lulu. Hope you have a lovely Easter as well.
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Thank you for taking us on your beach trip. It was indeed very lovely!!
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A pleasure, thanks for coming along!
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I find walking along the shore a great way to calm me. The water clashing against the rocks and birds crying out – are sounds I find hard to forget. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful experience, Miriam. 🙂
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It’s my pleasure. Thanks for your lovely comment.
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This would be early Autumn where you are and it is my favourite time of year. I have a few favourites in this post starting with a highly atmospheric first shot, then the fifth and last shot 🙂 See you soon, Miriam.
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Thanks Paula, yes Autumn is one of my favorite times too though the weather’s so unpredictable. Glad you enjoyed my post.
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Another stunning location for me to remember for when we next visit Victoria.
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Yes the Prom is a must do if you get to Victoria, it’s simply gorgeous.
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We’ve been before but it was a long time ago.
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I used to go there all the time when I was growing up. It’s still as beautiful today.
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This was lovely. I miss the beach – it was so nice to see it in your pictures! I know what you mean about the sense of chaos, and the sense of freedom. It can be a heady, overwhelming kind of feeling.
Silver linings back to you! 🙂
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Thanks so much Vanessa, I just love the beach and the sense of freedom. There’s nothing quite like it.
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Such beautiful photos Miriam! Must have been a great walk =) I agree, everything is temporary and it is just part of the path that we are taking to something else at the other end =) might as well enjoy it right?
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So very well said, thank you.
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Alone in the early morning is a lovely way to explore the seashore 🙂
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It absolutely is.
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Thank you so much for including my link amongst so many wonderful blogs.
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I feel like I keep repeating myself here…but again…Beautiful! That first picture is enchanting.
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Ah, you are too kind!
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You know I have never been to Wilson’s Prom and I’ve lived in Melbourne 18 Years! Your wonderful pics are ensuring this will change 🙂 Thanks for inspiring me!
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It is SUCH a great place, especially when the weather’s good (unlike today). But any time really, it’s such a beautiful spot, especially if you love walking. 🙂
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Do you live down that way. Maybe I could come down for some photography with a local tour guide? haha (subtle as a brick)
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I wish I did. 🙂
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