MAGIC in my own backyard.... #28daysofwrting in March

So here I am on the first of March.... The next chapter... writing for 28minutes for 28days... and maybe even more - right though til the 31st of March!

So today's post started with a tweet some days ago from @Boz23

I explored the site 12 stunning photos of New Zealand  and decided it was time to explore the beauty right here in my own back yard. My family have often talked about this spot but I have never been.

Tunnel Beach Walkway

A Man's Daughter Tragically Drowned In 1870. What He Did For Her Still Stands Today... And It's AWESOME

So today was the day!  WOW I can not believe the MAGIC that is here, right over the hill from where I live.  It is a steep walk down and of course a steep walk back out but it is worth ever step...

I can hardly believe the beauty of this place and how exposed to the elements it is.  While we were at the very top it was almost too windy to stay upright, yet down on the beach it was quite sheltered!

We sat on a rock and were enjoying the view when a group of youngsters set up a cricket pitch along the narrow stretch of beach. We moved out of the way of the ball and to my surprise, as one of them hit the ball for at least a four, I popped my right hand up and took a clean catch.  Imagine my surprise when they offered me the bat.  What fun....

Well the place is truly MAGIC.  It is like a little piece of paradise tucked away out of sight...

I can't wait to go back...

Tonight I shared photos with @boz23 who asked if it was near the Great Ocean Road, which was exactly what I felt when I was there today!  

Check out my post from the Great Ocean Road tour earlier last year to see the similarities!

Thanks so much Margaret for allowing me to experience the MAGIC of my own area....

A win to the waves...

Sun glistening off the water,

Bronzed bodies gathered in groups…

Waves crashing, churning, encroaching…

Calling, calling, calling to me

Excitedly striding into the ocean,

Negotiating ruts, channels carved out by the waves,

Warm, swirling water, inviting.

Calling, calling, calling to me

Crash upon crash as the waves descend on me

As interminably as the pull of the moon on the tide,

Sand loaded, powerful and undulating

Calling, calling, calling to me

Brutal, ruthless and oscillating,

Churning, unyielding and fierce,

Like a rag doll, tossed and tumbled

Calling, calling, calling to me

Upended, twisted and battered

Pummeling head first again and again

Ferocious, unceasing, endlessly pounding

Calling, calling, calling to me

Gasping and gagging, sneezing and snuffling,

Incessantly challenged and spurned,

Beaten, exhausted, shattered
Releasing, releasing, releasing me….

Today's #28daysofwriting is my first attempt at a poetic piece in a very long time.  I would love some feedback and feedforward to ensure that as I persevere with this genre, I am acting on sound advice... Thanks in antcipation.

Can you feel the hammering I took?

What words add to the scene?

What detract from the scene?

A day at the beach...

Following on from yesterday's post thought I'd reflect on a day at the beach!
I flew up early this morning as I had to be in Christchurch for the early morning connection to Auckland on Monday.  To make the most of it I flew up early to spend the day with my girl!

Arriving to a beautiful sunny day we decided to have a picnic at the beach! What a fabulous picnic we had. 

We followed this up with a stunning walk from Waimairi down to and out the pier!  All the way down we walked through the waves... Sun on our backs, warm water, children playing, people swimming, kites flying, does it get any better than this?
We walked out the pier and enjoyed the views, the surf school, the fishermen, the tourists, the buzz of Christchurch on a beautiful sunny day!
We rounded the day off with a very relaxed session at the pavilion listening to the sweet sounds of a couple of local young musicians.
So, then, what can be learnt from a day at the beach!

• Wear sunblock!
• Make the most of sunny days.
• Walk outdoors when possible.
• Always take opportunities to connect with family and friends.
• Picnic often.
• Enjoy the beauty of the ocean.
• Leave footprints.
• Take plenty of photos.
• Giggle and laugh often.
• Splash in the waves.
• Respect and remember the power and beauty of nature!