Today has been one of those reinvigorating, refreshing days. I feel like I've been to a spa for a week, and have caught my second wind. A long morning run on a desolate beach, brought back memories of trips years ago down to Mexico with my Iron Juanita girlfriends. No one else but me on the beach, dodging white foamy surf, and translucent circular jello-like blobs which I assumed were some type of Australian jelly fish. The wind was blowing onshore, and the clouds, interspersed with sun rays driving through - all made for a perfect start to the day.
We ventured to a secret spot that our friend Owen turned us on to... Ewen's Ponds, just across the border of South Australia, south of Mt. Gambier. He even lent us masks and snorkels to take in the sights underwater in the limestone caves. We were excited to take the plunge, and upon arrival, noticed that there were several divers already on their way in - with full suits of nearly 10mm, hoods, gloves and booties. Not a good sign for us with only our surf trunks planning to skin it. But how could we not go in? We've carried these masks and snorkels all this way, not to see? I tried first, but after seconds, my feet were completely numb. The water was in the low 50's that day, not to mention the wind... However, dunking in would have solved the problem with the flies. I have neglected to mention up to this point, the most difficult challenge we've faced... all the flies that literally cover you from head to toe. They seem to get into every orifice... In ears, nose, mouth, eyes... I think it must have something to do with the limestone, as we first encountered them at the 12 Apostles site, which began the introduction of much limestone along the coast. After attempting to cover ourselves and run from the flies, we realized we were pretty hopeless and looking rather stupid, so we shed a layer of clothes, hopped into Happy and sped down the white limestone roads through the countryside, onward to have a look at the volcanic Blue Lake in Mt. Gambier, and then settle into our caravan park in Penola- the entry way into the Coonawara Wine Region- famous for Cab's, Shiraz, and something they call Beez Neez here- a sparkling red wine which is touted as the way to kick off a party here.
To end my great spa day, I leave this picture. Camping outside a vineyard, looking up at the Cottonwood trees, listening to their thousand of leaves rustle in the wind, sun setting behind them over the vineyard. Today I feel alive, young, and present; able to observe and embrace, with eyes wide open, things I haven't allowed myself to see, experience or think about, because I've been too preoccupied. And I just sit here, feeling the wind blow through my hair, the sound of the leaves in the wind, and know that at this moment, I am content, happy and full of life and youth again. Life is good.
