Great Ocean Walk Snapshots 2

Sketch from Fiji Cottage... Courtesy Bob & Jenny Payne, from Norwich, England

We're Glad We Did... … a poem by Annemarie T

We lay snug in our bed listening to the storm through the night
As dawn was breaking the rain pounded the wind howled, giving us fright

We debated staying in this place of refuge, warm and secure
We almost made the decision to stay, it was a very strong lure

But then the sky started to lighten, we could see across the hills
We got ourselves ready and strengthened our will

It was dry as we drove to our starting point of departure 
Though a tree blocked the road, a sign strong winds for sure

Our path to the beach was muddy and slightly treacherous
We began to wonder what was ahead of us

As we stood to admire the waves with their rooster tails
A rainbow appeared, although it was quite pale

Still it was picturesque, as was the who scene in front of us
The sun streamed over our heads, we questioned our earlier fuss

We climbed for the views, each surpassing the one before
We were so pleased to be here, just to explore

The weather turned again, just past the halfway mark
Slipping our way through the mud became a bit of a lark

Still the vistas shone through for us to admire
Though there were many ascents and descents we didn't tire

The rain found its way back to us when we were near the end
The winds, too, returned, hitting us with force as we rounded the bend

Nearly back now, we knew steak and wine would be there to reward 
As we fought our way up the last climb, we drew on all the reserves we had stored

To be greeted by a warm fire upon our return
Grateful for all that the day brought, and all the lessons we learned
​

Thanks to Annemarie for permission to use her poetry-         
it is not to be reused or circulated without the author's consent. 

Great Ocean Walk
Great Ocean Queen commands 
Fealty to her natural lore
Her mighty cannons crash
Upon this magnificent shore

Mists reach  out and surround us
A distant metaphor
For those who perished long ago
Upon this tragic shore
 
We walk the track with purpose 
Yet see it with different eyes 
For some it reflects our history 
For others, exercise

For others the scenic palette a wonder to behold
For some the knolls, hills, valleys and beaches 
​A challenge for the bold.
 
Our time together bonds us
We delight in all we see
And share experiences amongst each other 
In true camaraderie

The Great Queen commands her apostles
Stand sentinel at the shore
She then commands we witness
As she tests them more and more

And we reach our destination
And obey her grand command
We feel so privileged and so honoured 
​To be part of this great Southern Land
WFC  9 March 2016
​
Thanks to Bill C. for permission to use his poetry-         
it is not to be reused or circulated without the author's consent.

Snaking Rivers... Courtesy Geoff T, from Vancouver Island, Canada

A Bridge to... Courtesy Geoff T, from Vancouver Island, Canada

Crashing Waves & Distant Rainbursts... Courtesy Geoff T, from Vancouver Island, Canada

Milanese's Ups & Downs... Courtesy Geoff T, from Vancouver Island, Canada

A sculpted Coastline... Courtesy Geoff T, from Vancouver Island, Canada

Koala spotting...Moonlight Head Photo Courtesy of Jerry Robazza