Small things

This is thank you to my own family. To my parents and, especially my Dad who adores bushwalking and took me with him as a child.  To him, it was all about the challenge, the grit and determination to carry that pack and overcome the icy wind, the sharp tipped sleet on cheeks or blazing summer heat, to push through for just one more hill for the "scroggin" at the the next stop. 

It was for the beauty of creation and for the destination which always meant a stunning panoramic view from a mountaintop or perhaps, a breathtaking waterfall. The peace and stillness; far from road or industry was always balm to me. The aesthetic pleasure a kind of pull. The achievement of it too has kept me there ever since.

This is thank you too to my newer family; my husband and his family. He has inherited their passion for the natural world also.  Though they experience it differently.  And I'm grateful for the learning.  I've learned to slow and notice.  The tiny native orchids that inhabit the undergrowth; that flourish only with the perfect soil fungus and pollinator. The different species of cowrie shells at various stages of aging, so beautifully formed.  The movement of fish beneath the surface of the water and the flocking of birds signalling the presence of salmon or bait fish far out to sea. The hundreds of reef shark fins cutting the surface. I would have passed these without noticing if not for his trained eye. 

At Cape Keraudren, the wind is prohibitive, but he shows the kids how to find octopus in small rock pools along the flats at low tide. We explore together, finding an abundance of colourful sea plants and creatures.  A black necked stork allows me close enough to view his captivating wing spread as he takes flight. Slowing is natural when we see through our children's eyes.  They stop often to touch and and smell.  Examining shells and rocks and flowers as treasure. It takes time but each new place is precious when we open our eyes to see.

View from my travelling window.  Cape Keraudren.