Magnetic sunsets

Our stay on the island has ended but not without a dramatic twilight farewell. These sunsets mesmerized us as we gazed out to Horseshoe Bay. We marveled at the beauty, the russet colours and time, for us, stood still.

IMG_3155.JPG

IMG_4552.JPG
Mother Nature is reminding us to take time to be still, appreciate and embrace serenity.

IMG_4517.JPG

IMG_3185.JPG
Sunsets herald a new day and celebrate our existence. We are grateful to have escaped the cold for a short time and now return to our mountain home. I hope you can find some time to stare out into your sunset afternoon.

Magnetic Island

Captain James Cook named this island in 1770 believing it caused interference with the magnets on board the Endeavour.

By the late 19th century Europeans had settled the island.

IMG_3158.JPG

IMG_3162.JPG
This island has captivated us.

IMG_3194.JPG

IMG_3196.JPG
Simply enchanting in mid winter.

A sleepy seal

It was one of those serene and surprising weekends. We were fortunate enough to be able to visit a charming little cottage by the sea. Its owners had kindly allowed us to stay in this place where their own children had spent many happy summers – long ago.

20140528-202850-73730937.jpg

20140528-202923-73763437.jpg

20140528-202924-73764057.jpg
As we embarked on our little trip, a mere hundred kilometres from the Mount, I did not expect that I would receive two surprises that day.

Daughter Number 2 was to arrive unexpectedly to share this weekend with us. Colin had kept that secret well! It was wonderful to see her especially as she was to spend a precious weekend with us by the sea.

20140528-203437-74077079.jpg

Seaside walks are a must, even in winter and we had a much needed chat-shop-coffee time. Our walk saw us reach the iconic bathing boxes of the Mornington Peninsula. These colourful sentinels look out over Port Phillip Bay. Blue, yellow and green boxes create a novelty appeal by the sea. Surprise number two. Something caught our eye. Was that an injured animal? A large animal. It was lying lifeless on one of the landings.

20140528-204327-74607750.jpg

As we gingerly drew closer, a row of plastic tape revealed an important notice.

20140528-204537-74737235.jpg

A resting seal. Wow! This poor fellow was all tuckered out and had found its way to a most amenable residence. Clever seal! He was gorgeous and oh so sleepy.

20140528-204904-74944544.jpg

We returned the next day and he was still there, stirring slightly. A wildlife ranger watched patiently over his sleeping state. The ocean, the sand and the bathing box buffering his dreamtime state. Isn’t nature truly beautiful!

20140528-205328-75208620.jpg

Thanks to everyone who made this weekend a very special one indeed.