To me being near the ocean is food for the soul and nourishment for the senses. A day of coastal walking, going to sleep after a big dose of sea air and ocean views and waking up to the sound of crashing waves is like heaven on earth. But let’s back track.
We started our walk late in the afternoon, deciding to get a bit of exercise after our leisurely and somewhat decadent late lunch. Well, one has to build up endurance!
The Great Ocean Walk is one of Victoria’s most spectacular and iconic walks and it starts not far from where we camped last weekend, at the caravan park in Marengo. The trail goes for 104kms and finishes at the Twelve Apostles near Princeton.
Not that we were going that far. It was just a small taste for us.
There are lots of side tracks along the way that lead to tiny rocky beaches.
Like this one. Here’s my man getting creative with his camera.
Meandering board walks that hug the coast, pounding waves, secluded coves and rosellas following us along the trail were highlights of the walk.
By 5pm it was starting to get dark (it’s winter here and the days are short) so we headed back to the warmth of our camper.
The next day, refreshed and ready for another walk, we drove to the Shelley Beach Carpark. From there it was an easy downhill kilometre to Shelley Beach.
It was a diverse landscape and we passed fern gullies and coastal shrubs (not to mention a koala above us in the trees) before reaching Shelley Beach.
At this time of the year Shelly Beach is far too cold to swim but loads of fun to explore.
Time to pose for a silly self timer shot.
Back at the Carpark, we discovered a possum, that we’d previously thought dead, but was in fact still alive. He didn’t look too good so hubbs moved him off the road and covered him with bark to protect him.
The Great Ocean Walk lives up to its name. We covered only a short distance but it gave me an appetising taste. It would take days to complete but with designated camp sites and breath taking vistas every step of the way it would be a brilliant experience.
Maybe in another life time. For now we’ll keep enjoying our shortish walks and camping trips away. The occasional night by the coast is good enough for me.
Wishing everyone beauty and peace in their days. And where ever you are and whatever you’re doing I hope the magic of life inspires you to get out and enjoy the moment. To savor the skies and walk a short mile.
Stay safe and keep enjoying the journey.
Sharing for Jo’s Monday Walk
The boardwalk picture is my favorite! Seriously… I want to be there!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ah yeah, that boardwalk was pretty nice … 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
That looks gorgeous! The Great Ocean Walk is such a wonder…I’ve always thought of backpacking through forests but never along a coast…great idea. The sea is always soothing
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh it is, I love it.
LikeLike
I’d imagine the weather must get wild alongside the coast though, if you attempt the full hike!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah maybe, I guess you’d check the forecast before setting off. There are plenty of places too where you can get off the track and go inland to a town … find a motel, room, coffee etc 🙂 Otherwise I guess you’d bunker down. It’d be pretty exciting … 🙂
LikeLike
Agreed, sounds good…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looks like paradise 😍😍😍
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very close. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your photos are always so nice and warm. I would love to live by the ocean too, I share the love of seas and oceans and beaches with you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you share the love. And thank you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
such beautiful photos and thank you for sharing them with us 🙂
it’s really lovely that you and your hubby took care of the possum too
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed. 🙂
LikeLike
I like boardwalks. They are easy for walking and usually have wonderful views. Your photo of the darkening sky is lovely, Miriam.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Carol, it was such a nice time of night and the colors were gorgeous.
LikeLike
Miriam – the first pic took my breath away. I miss living near the ocean. I have always felt a great affinity with water. Beautiful pics and place. Thanks for sharing 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, and I can definitely relate. There’s something so soothing about being close to water. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a great respect for the ocean. xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, me too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely to read your post and see your photos of the GOR, having been there so recently. It’s great how we all have a slightly different view, angle about the same place. And of course, koalas in the trees 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh yeah, plenty of those although this trip we only saw the one. Glad it brought back some nice memories Ruth. I never get tired of the GOR.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This post just made me relax. It’s such a beautiful area there. It’s been too long. Definitely on my list now especially as my daughter was way too little to really get anything of it when we were there the last time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like you’re due for anothetrip …I never get tired of it down there, no matter how many times I go. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh definitely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
so beautiful and so many varied views along the way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely. I would have loved to have walked for much longer if we’d had the time.
LikeLike
Would love to go on ocean walk too right now! 😀 Beautiful pictures! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love these type of walks..the beach and the pure bliss of solitude.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, most definitely, they’re the best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really beautiful, even in the cold! The ocean is great therapy, no doubt! 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is nothing better than a walk along the coast, and that one looks especially beautiful! Thanks for sharing those photos, Miriam! Although I live smack in the middle of the United States, I do visit the coast whenever I get the chance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to hear. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photographs and the weather looks perfect for a coastal walk, that sea breeze, I can see and smell it right now, looks like a fantastic time, !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, we had a great time and were very lucky with the weather.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m jealous! This is so beautiful. You now have a landlocked Oklahoman dreaming of the beach 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I’m sorry! But at least you can dream. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just found your blog. So jealous!! I also want to visit this beautiful place 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome! Hope you enjoy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree completely. Which is why we go to Florida each year! I will retire there one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d like to retire by the sea too. One day! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
One day indeed! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent thoughts and photos. The ocean has long been a topic for writers and poets. It has a rejuventaing power.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does indeed Andrew. Thank you.
LikeLike
Yeah… being near the ocean always makes me happy. This post brought me a bit closer. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve made us all long for the ocean. Really does look like a great walk.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh it definitely is!
LikeLike
I love rocky shores. They always seem so peaceful to me, maybe because they’re not filled with people? Love the pictures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much and I agree, rocky shores in winter are so rugged and yet peaceful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marengo is perfectly situated isn’t it? The Vic West coast is magnificent in winter. I love wandering those windswept beaches.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, it’s a great place. I sometimes enjoy it more in winter when it’s windswept, rugged and isolated.
LikeLike
Winter by far for my vote.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job of setting the scene, I can almost smell the ocean. That shot of the rock with the orange algae is awesome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Steve, I love that one too. That was Doug’s effort, you and him obviously have the same eye for detail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will take that compliment, thank you very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Koala!! Oh my gosh Miriam. Amazing. ❤ I feel the same as you about being near the Ocean. Gorgeous shots.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Nikki, glad you enjoyed 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
One day I’ll summon up the energy to get the full walk done, but like you for now small chunks still give pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They absolutely do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
nice post!I love the pics and what you wrote was so cheerful! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome 🙂
LikeLike
Looks spectacular! Definitely one to revisit…
Having fun catching up on your blog, now we’ve got reliable wifi after some time away on various travels. Always enjoy reading it, so thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice to have you back. Hope you’ve enjoyed some lovely travels. Look forward to catching up with your blog too when I get a chance.
LikeLike
Mermaid dreams to you. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
How sweet. I’m smiling here. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Georgous pics ❤❤❤ love the ocean and everything that represents…. i m lucky to live by the sea ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I envy you Maja. Lucky indeed! ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤❤❤❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Journal Edge and commented:
Beautiful images by: outanabout.com
LikeLike