one sunny day

We have been having some awesomely sunny, winter days - the sort that come after very, very frosty cold mornings (which we have also been having but thats another story). These awesomely sunny days are just that - sunny. Not warm. No. With a light wind coming straight from the snowy peaks of Cradle Mountain, there is still a brisk nip in the air and layers of jumpers and wooly underwear are required to keep sensitive bodies from feeling the chill.

On one of these brilliant sunny days, our 15 year old Dj was sure that he we needed to go fishing. He insisted that the sun would be warm, the fish would be running and some fresh air was just what was required for my constitution! And why else do we homeschool but to take advantage of beautiful days and impromptu outings? Yes, yes, lets go.

So with the added bonus of taking along the Small Elf and Mama Lush, a large basket of lunch and nibbles, a nice hot thermos and tea making bits and a variety of Useful Creative Things To Do, we set off on our winter beach adventure. Fortunately its a rocky beach so there's no contending with sand in food, and all five of use set about doing what ever it was that we love best.

For the Wee Girl, that was rolling around on the rocky slopes, picking up all sorts of dried sea vegetation on her shiny dress up pants! My Fairy went leaping from rock to rock with the sheer joy of being outdoors and by the sea, before settling down to scour rock pools for anemones and starfish. The Dj set off right away on his fishing adventure - leaving from the inlet and paddling out to sea a little way, waiting for a bite from an unsuspecting fish. 

I wandered around taking photos, admiring rock pool inhabitants, making snacks and feeding small hungry girls. Its a very peaceful area here, with few visitors so we were able to really unwind and enjoy the solitude, although as the day progressed, we did have to add more layers of clothing to keep warm! Or maybe that was just me? I did spend some time doing a quick sketch of the bay, with results that were not quite satisfactory and I started a new knitting project. Maybe I sat too much???!!

The sweetest sight of all was the ripe, round mama to be. She has been an avid birdwatcher since she was very young but since becoming a mama 3 years ago, she has had less time to spend in quiet observation and her bird count list had slowed and finally stopped. Then just recently she rediscovered the urge and decided that now was a good time to get out and rejuvenate her passion. Now. At 9 months. Around she went, over rocks and pebbles, spotting and exclaiming and looking so darn cute!

And at the end of the day when the sun grew weak and the winter chill became too much to ignore, we packed up canoe, picnic basket, rugs and children and hurried home to warm fires and hot soup.

It had been a good day. A good, sunny day.

Yes. He caught two fish.