LIFE AS A BEACH

"You swam to the shark nets?!" the awed whisper; "Were there sharks? Did they try to bite you?"

"Yes. And no. And no. But there were dolphins. And they would've protected me from any hungry sharks".

The BuckarooBabies were shocked. Their goat loving, mountain hiking, herb growing, chocolate making mother who seldom swam - surfing the waves? Out there? In the unknown depths - with sharks?

We were wandering the scenic path down to one of the most magnificent beaches I have ever seen. And I have wandered many across the world, apart from those that I grew up on. The sound of the gentle waves filled the air. I breathed deeply of the salty air and my mind travelled back in time.

My children's initial enthusiasm camping in the beautiful coastal nature reserve came with the usual 40 thousand questions unique to each child. Having grown up on one of the South African coastlines it is strange for me to raise my children inland. Not only are we very very far from the sea but live in close to desert conditions. It is not often we are able to get to the sea. When we do the joy that accompanies the wonderful memories spills out as seaside stories which my children love hearing.

Camping at Hoop Nature Reserve is an incredible experience. The wild life wandering or flying around adds to the serenity of the African experience. We loved playing on the white shores, squealing at the water lapping around our feet. We had fun wading in the chilly rock pools looking for sea treasures. We loved climbing into the cave and listening to the amplified ocean sounds.

The Cape coastline is vastly different to the Natal shores. For one thing the water is icy cold. It takes your breath away. On top of which; our seaside visit was at the start of winter.

It was a wonderful day. Being out of season there were very few people. The dunes stretch for miles, covered with a carpet of exotic coastal vegetation on which ostriches and majestic buck flourish. The rock pools were refreshing, almost warm. It felt like we were in a bubble. Peaceful. Making memories as I reflected back on childhood memories.

Another glorious and beautiful day to be alive. Life is like a beach. There may be sharks. There may be unknown depths, tall waves and strong currents. But from the shoreline and among the warm rock pools it is beautiful. Perfect. Peaceful.