Exploring

On Monday we headed out to explore some of Forster's other beaches and headlands again.

We love Pebbly Beach, and spent some time searching for special pebbles. I collected some stripey pebbles and snail shells, and we found a smiley rock, also. 

Then we walked around the headland, stopping at lookouts along the way and looking down at the rocks below. Over the years people have attached engraved padlocks at the lookouts, it was interesting to read the engravings. Laura did some more gymnastics, making the most of the spectacular background for some instragram pics. I loved the arched pathways between the lookouts, so green with a glimpse of sunshine at the end of the tunnel.

The weather wasn't great, so after some shopping we headed home for the afternoon.

That night the sun set peacefully, with just a touch of gold.
Just your average, everyday totally beautiful lakeside serenity.

Mosquito count: annoyingly high.

Beach afternoon

One of the reasons we went back to Forster again this April was the beaches.

So many beautiful beaches, and a few extra degrees of warmth than in Sydney.

Once again, we were oh so fortunate with the weather.

Elizabeth Beach at Pacific Palms is one of our favourites. After a slow Sunday morning (but one which included a morning walk for me), we headed there after lunch. Later than we intended, but in time to get in some swimming before the early evening set in.

I usually have a bit of a paddle, and then get out and read.

This day I was reading One.Life by Scot McKnight, a great read.

This holiday I discovered that I love running on beaches, at the water's edge.

Over the week I increased my distance. Loved it.

Laura thinks beaches were created solely for her to practice her gymnastics, it seems.

After the beach it was home in time for the sunset (a bit disappointing that day, clouds had come up while we were at the beach) and more reading, videos and lazing around. This year we girls watched Wives & Daughters. (Last year was North & South, I guess we just like a bit of Gaskell with our sand and surf)

So endeth the second day.

Lakeside

As the rain buckets down here in Sydney, I am enjoying looking at the photos I took three weeks ago this evening, at Green Point by Lake Wallis. We had a wonderfully relaxing week, with lots of reading, walking, thinking, beaches, shopping and watching videos. 

It was a week of summery weather after a chilly week at home. We arrived home in time for plenty of rain and some big storms, and it's still raining on and off, two weeks later. Life has been busy, I'm so glad we were able to take a week to relax.  Just looking at the photos helps me to slow down a little, and remember what I was reading and learning, and how much I was enjoying exercising and eating healthy foods, and how we didn't need so much stuff to have a great time. 

Why can't life always be like that??