It’s been ages since I last wrote a post. But it’s been such fabulous summer so far in the bay that I felt the urge to write and share . Lovely weather and perfect beach conditions were enhanced by the laughter of family and friends and that special magic that sparkles when five grandchildren: three beautiful girls from Sydney and two gorgeous boys from Byron really connect, as only those aged 5 and under can.
Earlier in the season, it looked as if fun times at the beach wouldn’t happen, given the terrible erosion of the dunes along Main Beach caused by a series of big spring storms. But despite the damage, the storms were wonderful to observe. Observe that is from a distance! Back in November, Kenn and I were walking along a sun drenched Wategoes Beach as dark and menacing clouds massed on the horizon appearing to hold their breath while assessing how quickly to strike.
Of course, later that afternoon, the storm did reach us and it was terrible to see the erosion it caused. Trees that had lined the beach were uprooted and the rocks exposed. The beach cafe nearly disappeared into the sea and beach access ramps were destroyed.
But as Summer settled in, Mother Nature began to restore the shoreline and in the process, created a beautiful lagoon at the southern end of the beach. Now this isn’t the first time, a lagoon has appeared here, but this has been the most extensive and beautiful one by far, in my opinion. By Christmas Day, the lagoon was the place to be. Carrying umbrellas, beach chairs, towels, sand toys and morning tea, we made our way from Captain Cook’s lookout down to the beach where we met up with Melissa, Ben and the boys. The beach was not deserted by any means but it was not overcrowded either. It felt great actually to be surrounded by so many families. Covid has made us more appreciative I think, of simple pleasures. Whether it be that first refreshing dive into the water, watching two year old Jude launch himself into the water with squeals of delight or accompanying four year old Huddy on a tour of his rock pools, complete with an informative commentary of life within said pools and the proper method for navigating around them, just being there, sharing, in such a beautiful place, was the best.
While the lagoon was beautiful, I have to admit that we did spend time at beaches like Flat Rock near Ballina as well. There are times when only a long beach wander will do.
But when Christian and Kelly and the girls arrived from Sydney, the lagoon was the must do daily activity. The girls from Sydney and the boys from Byron hadn’t had much opportunity to get together before this and definitely made the most of the opportunity.
And Jude was always keen to run in and play with Poppy. The older children, 5 year old GG, 4 year old Huddy and 3 year old Frankie loved his ‘Popodile’ game where he would swim around doing his best crocodile impersonation and the children would squeal and try to swim or run away. Naturally, the popodile never won!
Over January, we have watched as the lagoon has begun to shrink. Some of the sand which the spring storms dumped into the bay is being pushed north towards Main Beach. However, at the moment, it still beckons us to spend a lazy hour or so floating around. Change is all part of the ebb and flow of beach life. Looking forward to sharing more of the highlights of our Byron Summer.
Byron Dreamer 
What a lovely post, Margaret! I wonder if you remember me from our workshop 6 years ago! I must admit I post when travelling and as that hasn’t happened in 12 months I’ve been a bit slack. We do live in a beautiful part of the world and are so lucky!
LikeLike
Of course I remember you. I’m amazed that we’re still blogging. Like you we were supposed to be traveling last year. Somehow I couldn’t bring myself to write much but hopefully this year will be different for both of us.
LikeLike