Seaside
Sand in the sandwiches,
Sand in the tea,
Flat, wet sand running
Down to the sea.
Pools full of seaweed,
Shells and stones,
Damp bathing suits
And ice-cream cones.
Waves pouring in
To a sand-castle moat.
Mend the defenses!
Now we're afloat!
Water's for splashing,
Sand is for play.
A day by the sea
Is the best kind of day.
Poem by Shirley Hughes
Photos by me
We had a lovely few days with the children's great grandparents and great Aunt at Currarong on the south coast of New South Wales. We traipsed down to the improbably-named Abraham's Bosom Beach, also referred to as Bosom Beach, where you can, quite providentially, on occasion, find broken chards of sea urchin shell with a distinct nipple-like feature (of which, more later). It is sheltered cove with a rocky headland. Shallow water, gorgeous views and just enough people to provide a cheerful atmosphere. A fisherman, some dogs, other children and a boat anchored off-shore. Perfect.
Despite the fact that it is mid-Winter, the children were determined to wear their swimming costumes and put their toes in the water. They ended up wading up to their thighs by the time the sun was setting and the temperature started to plummet. We figured they could decide for themselves whether or not it was too cold. Nothing like building a bit of stamina! The girls were running around working up a sweat drawing 'cake shops' in the sand and decorating sand muffins while Ro-Ro spent the entire time finding large sticks to use as swords or crooks, and collecting seaweed and kelp, and poking about in rockpools.
