Monday was the Winter Solstice marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. For this Summer lovin’ lady it’s just a little moment in Winter that gives me a glimmer of hope that the warm sunshine is on its way.
Our Summer Squad ladies decided to celebrate with a walk on Long Beach and a Winter Splash.
We met at dawn in a blustery Northerly wind for our walk along the beach to the big log. This is becoming a tradition that I’m learning from these awesome ladies who have been a part of the Summer Squad (Bootcamp) for 12 years running. I’m relatively new to the bunch but feel so at home after the last 6 months.
We walked the damp beach as the dawn was breaking and the sun cast an orange glow over the wet sand.
The last few hundred meters were glorious as the sun cast its rays over the foot holed sand. The sun didn’t even feel warm on this winter morning. Although the northerly was blowing it’s one of our warmer winds the precede a rainy storm.
At this moment I am thankful for the freedom to walk on a beach that for months last year had been locked down and banned. As we face more restrictions looming I’m praying our beaches and fresh air will remain open.
We walked back and stripped to our swim suits to take the chilly plunge into the stormy sea.
You can’t think about it. You’ve just gotta run in and get wet. The most shocking thing is that the water was actually warmer than usual. Our water tends to do that, although it’s rough and stormy, it’s warmer in Winter. And when it looks crystal blue and perfect in Summer it’s usually devastatingly cold!
What a way to ring out the shortest day.
I hope you get a chance to take a breath, refresh your soul and look for the glimmer of light on the horizon this week. You deserve beauty in your life.
Here’s to 3 more months of hot chocolate bundling up in our blankets by the fire while we wait for the warm weather to return.
It's good to find enjoyment in small things, simple things, and you seem to always find that and have a few of your squad or family around to help you.
Finding simplicity in life and a comfort through nature around me is also something I do a lot and actively seek. Great to see you making the most of what you have at hand Zoe, taking a breath and connecting with yourself in this way. The sun will come soon enough but like you say, for now hot chocolate is good enough.
Aaaw thanks. I’m just having my morning cuppa tea before I head out for a hike. I stopped working full time 4 months before COVID hit to homeschool my kids and spend more time at home, so I’ve had to use what’s in my hand. Well from this year my phone is in my hand for blogging and the great big outdoors are my playground. Today might just be a rainy one but either way I’ll blog about it soon. 😜
I noticed you home-school...Must be rewarding and daunting [at first] I suppose. I'm childless so will never know...More of a man-child myself really. Lol. I bet you do a good job though.
Have a great hike, don't worry about rain...You won't melt and it can be rather pleasing to feel it upon oneself, or so I find. Situational I guess though...Camping in the rain...Me no likey.
Have a great day...Leave the phone home.
Ha ha. I think I barely homeschool. My daughter did the online GED all by herself in a year and a half. So she’s done with school. And my son is part of an online distance learning school with actual teachers so I do very little - hence the reason I can hike all morning in the middle of the week 😂.
Ok can’t stand camping!
Barely homeschooling seems a better option than homeschooling indeed. Leaves more time for other things huh?
Lol, not a camper? Hmm, I thought you would be considering your love of the outdoors. All good, one can enjoy the outdoors without having to go camping.
Beautiful post! Indeed, it's filled with joy and gratitude, authenticity and freedom! The images are amazing and the message of celebrating friendship resonates deeply with me, especially because I've been experiencing quite a bit of isolation of late, which is thankfully ending. Blessings to you!
I’m so glad it encouraged you! Thanks for taking the time to read it. Much appreciated.