A walk through Kingy

The sun still has a slight sting as I walk along the path. I  cast my eyes over the exertrail station- push up bars I think. I wasn't really paying attention. I'm not out to use them today. I need to clear my head; a late afternoon at Kingy offers the perfect opportunity- the day is winding down, people are relaxed, rested, the crowds of tourists and sun lovers have thinned.

I see a crowd ahead at the BBQ area and decide to cut through a pathway to the beach. As I hit the sand, a cool sea breeze swathes my body. Instantly, I feel calm. I remove my thongs and continue barefoot. As I enhale the uncorrupted salty air and feel the texture of soft sand under my feet, all stress lifts and I struggle to remember what was bothering me.I'm now far too absorbed with this amazing beach and the life it attracts.

A beautiful young couple, bronzed and toned, enjoy the water with their two small children. Just ahead, a terrier barks frantically and runs up and down a small patch as his senior owners splash around in the breaking waves just out of his reach. Up on the softer sand, a muscular male wrestles with his huge kite, making it weave and twist and soar. I'm impressed- it would probably drag me half way down the beach!

I look ahead and smile at little children creating wonderful beach sculptures while their  sun kissed parents watch nearby. I walk past a whale carefully inlaid with stones and decorated with seaweed. I can't help but smile at the detail and obvious joy this whale art brought it's young creator.

Deck chairs adorn the sandy banks of the caravan park. Scores of tourists sit, soaking up the uninterupted view of the ocean. Looking at them, I see my hometown with new eyes. They are drawn here year after year to enjoy all the benefits and beauty of this wonderful place. I am truly blessed because I actually live here and I conceed that it is a beautiful place, there is so much to enjoy, to be grateful for.

I aim to walk to the rock wall but see dozens of surfers and a large gathering so I make my exit beside the surf club. The soft sand that leads to my exit is a work of art as the sun casts long shadows accross the furrowed beach.

Walking along the shady path, I feel so at home. I pass parked cars and smile at a young mother and her chubby, laughing infant in arms. How beautiful! I am reminded of the joy of just being in the moment. Any questions I had about my future are answered by the overwhelming peace flooding my soul. I take the stairs that cut through to my favourite street. I remember the feeling the day I first realised there were houses hiding here- a kind of child like joy and wonder at dicovering something wonderful! I cast my eyes over the various homes and yards and breathe deeply. Yes, I could live here till I'm old and gray.

After being challenged by several hills and feeling very content that without a gym membership, I was able to increase my fitness just on a walk, I'm on my way down the steepest hill in town. Looking up and out offers a pituresque view of postcard quality- truly stunning. At the bottom, I  marvel at the calm, the lush greenery . Around the corner, I start a gentle climb and am confronted by the smell of freshly cut grass and the joyous sound of children taking advantage of the hill and quiet street. Two bikes fly past encouraging two more boys racing downhill on skateboards. Their innocence and thrill of adventure makes me chuckle to myself.

The air has cooled. I love this section of lush forest with a library nestled somewhere below. I feel like I'm in a tropical oasis yet I'm only 15 minutes walk from home.

I arrive home feeling as though I've lost several kilo's of emotional baggage! I'm refreshed, relaxed and looking forward to another day of therapy on a late afternoon walk around Kingy!