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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

Such a magical getaway and you've described it so well, Prue. I particularly love the notion of "library of smells" so apt lol! I am reading this in the middle of the night here as I am wide awake thanks to the Full Moon's influence (always disturbs my sleep!) Now that I have read your calming and peaceful tale I may try once more to settle. That pup continues to be a winner and he is absolutely gorgeously marked. (Your trip sounds restorative in every way, even for me as it goes, haha!) P.S. I would love that mystical mail box.

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prue batten's avatar

Me too, Sue. I’ve asked my husband to try and make one to place in the coast garden Our mail address is in the city and there’s no postman on our patch of coast.

The full-moon! Beautiful to walk under at night, but like you, I’m never able to sleep with light of any sort so have invested in black satin (cool and gentle against the face) eyemasks. Best thing ever. Sometimes I wake up with a mark, but I don’t care as the sleep is the thing.

We needed this break to refresh. We haven’t been away for two years thanks to last year’s hospital adventures so this was a blessing. No traffic, no noise, no people! Except for our friends which was just the way it should be.

I am filled with energy from the ocean - not in a frenetic way but in a hopeful way. That life continues in these beautiful cycles. Tidal, seasonal, meteorological… reassuring.

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Libby's avatar

It sounds just perfect Prue, ans pump sounds like he's coming along nicely. Xx

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prue batten's avatar

Letter to follow, Libby! XXXX

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Libby's avatar

I look forward to that xx thi k I need to clean my glasses and remember to spell check ...

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prue batten's avatar

I did laugh. Sometimes he IS exactly that - a pump of energy!

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Denyse Whelan B.Ed M.Ed's avatar

Wow. I even smelled the sea thanks Prue.

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prue batten's avatar

It’s enervating, Denyse.

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Susan Baker's avatar

What a fabulous, magical stepping away for the sights, smells, and sounds of the sea to fill the soul's tanks back up! I sighed a big sigh in reading this imagining how restored one might feel! And that mailbox!!!

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prue batten's avatar

Thanks so much for your kind words, Susan.

Isn’t the mailbox something else? I adore it! And have seriously put the pressure on Husband to build me one for the garden. We shall see...

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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

Happy sigh. Wild, wintry but oh so beautiful. Salt and wind and shells and sand and comfort and joy. Pup looks so happy too. So glad. (Love that letterbox!)

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prue batten's avatar

So awesome, Beth. So glad we took some time out before husband heads to PNG tomorrow.

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Judith Nappa's avatar

What a beautiful post, Prue. Living inland not far from a river and lake but miles from the sea, I could easily imagine the sights, smells and sounds you describe. It brings back memories of our trip to the East coast of Nova Scotia to visit daughter and family. I'm not sure why, but I have always felt an affinity with water, either lake or sea. I would have no problem living by either. Sounds like Pup is enjoying life with his humans and that your trip to visit friends was enjoyed. Saw our lovely full moon last evening before bed but, like you, I can only sleep in blackness and have a lovely satin mask with an orchid on it. Reading this has just taken me on a wee getaway and has been a lovely start to a busy day for us. Thanks for starting my Friday off with such a lovely adventure. My oats and tea are ready so I must sign off. Cheers!

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prue batten's avatar

Judy, hi! Thanks so much for commenting.

I think water is water, whether its salt or fresh and so soothing in any environment, don’t you think?

I’m so glad I’m not the only one to wear a mask - we can kid ourselves that we are in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Love that you also toddled off to have oats for brekkie - so did we!

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Sabrina Simpson's avatar

What a lovely capture of time away in a new place. I love how the sea is familiar, yet specific to its place wherever one goes. You describe this so well. Having just spent a month away, I am having a hard time readjusting to 'regular' life. It helps to have lots of sunshine, Wimbledon to watch, and a garden to wander around. I hope you are refreshed and still feeling glad for the break but very happy to be in the home where you are settled.

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Oh, Prue! This is exquisite! Your descriptions of the whole journey--Womble wanderings and seaside treasures--paired with your stunning photos, were as though I walked alongside you. I loved this passage: "The horizons have been vast. Terrifyingly empty in their extent. Looking out on nothing but more sea. No vessels of any sort. No islands, not like our own place. Just coast and rocks and reefs offshore as far as forever. With waves remorselessly breaking and sucking and swirling great swathes of kelp onto the beaches."

And that final short film...!!! Isn't that remarkable?!

Thank you, dear friend, for all that you see, smell, and share.

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prue batten's avatar

Ah Sabrina, I’m always happy to be in my own little space with my limited routine.

I needed the trip away to remind me of that. Sometimes I think our eyes are bigger than our stomachs and one should just take a breath and enjoy where one is.

Pups and I anchored ourselves today with a bush walk and life goes on.

Once you’ve settled, take time to visit some of the amazing RHS gardens - they’re to die for!

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Sabrina Simpson's avatar

Oh, many thanks for that reminder of the RHS gardens! We have a couple of off-island trips in the next few weeks so I'll make sure we add a few extra hours for garden time! Wisley is near where we usually stay and that is a fabulous place, always.

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prue batten's avatar

Thank you for coming with me.

I always feel I have you all with me as I do things on this island - that we are a harmonious and empathic group with whom I just love sharing.

That little film is so perfect - I couldn’t find music that sang of the sea and then I discovered this little vid which told such a poignant story and had a message about life, time and beauty as well.

I’m glad you liked it.

XXXX

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Joanne Tracey's avatar

That sounds (and looks) like bliss.

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prue batten's avatar

It was, Jo. But back to my favourite things now...

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Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Before life on a boat I would always ensure that I knew when my next trip was prior to even returning from whatever current adventure I found myself on. It's something that reinvigorates my spirits and is sorely lacking as we trudge toward the completion of the repairs to my floating home. Your photography is wonderful, Prue! J

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prue batten's avatar

However… I can see you know what the end result of this hard work will be. So worth it, Janice!

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Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Well said my wonderful friend.

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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Prue, I live 35 minutes from the Pacific Ocean and have been there many times - it's my go-to place. The beaches are typically crowded with people, busyness, and trash, so the pictures you share are all the more heartwarming. Thank you.

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prue batten's avatar

No wonder you like being on the water. It enables you to create your own bubble, if you want, doesn’t it?

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Alice Goldbloom's avatar

Getaways at the edge of the world. Perfect.

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prue batten's avatar

It’s rather comforting living at the very edge of the world! ;)

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Susan Colleen Browne's avatar

Your glorious oceanside getaway sounds idyllic! No crowds, no shops or restaurants. In fact, in all my fantasy holidays, I’m always right on a remote stretch of the ocean 🥰

I’m glad your little Womble is such a good traveler. Lucky for him, perhaps a 3 hour journey is all his Mum and Dad will do!

Your ocean photos were just splendid, Prue. Truly awe-inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

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prue batten's avatar

Thank you, Susan. I was worried the holiday would be a bit ‘coals to Newcastle’ but it was spectacular in so many ways.

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Susan Colleen Browne's avatar

I’m glad. I think every getaway holds the potential for a fresh perspective!

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prue batten's avatar

So true.

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