A FORTUNATE SUMMER DAY

What a day, just got back from Stanwell Park Beach and it is presently 28 degrees and the humidity 38% with a light north easterly breeze. Living on the coastline has its' advantages, it is a lot cooler than areas further inland and you can cool down with a dip down the beach. I previously lived out west for while; my girlfriend was from out that way. In summer it would be stinking hot and dry, this was the main motive to move towards the eastern coastline. At the moment it is 35 degrees out west and both my girlfriend and I are very appreciative to experience sea breezes that cool our location.

Today while surfing there was a high tide; the waves were full and not breaking where I normally surf. I had decided to surf closer to the rocks than usual, on the far north side of Stanwell. I caught a few nice left hander’s, however I hadn't been in this particular spot. I paddled hard for a wave that started to form a nice right hander, I decided to take a right, carving down the wave I started to pump so that I would hit the lip faster, then when I hit the lip to my surprise there was a large rock that unexpectedly appeared. The rock became evident as the wave began to suck the water up, I couldn't really do much except hope for the best. I launched mostly above the rock and so did my board. I sort of rolled over the rock with my feet and the wave pushing me. After I felt my ankle was sore with a slight scratch and immediately checked my board for damage. Surprisingly not a single ding and only a little scratch on my ankle, I was in luck and could not believe it. I would say it was a very fortunate moment; If I smacked into the rock, it would have shattered my day, either having to repair my favourite surfboard or finish up injured again, perhaps not being able to surf for a while, like what happened with the previous hamstring injury.

It was encouraging that I discovered an important lesson and some valuable knowledge about this particular surfing spot today. I should have done my due diligence prior to entering the water to make sure there were no lurking dangers before catching waves, since once you are on the wave it may be too late to avoid the danger. Hopefully this fortunate moment will teach me to be more observant and assess the water prior to surfing or swimming a new spot.

Soon afterwards, I noticed another surfer get caught on the exact same rock; he laughed it off. I believe he laughed it off as he was shocked and knew how lucky he was to avoid it. This would have to be a common spot for surfers to crash, as the rock is a lot closer towards the beach than all the other visible rocks; it was isolated on its own, lurking under the high tide.

I returned home, let my dogs out for a little trot in the yard, where they love to chill in the summer sun. While resting in my hammock, I contemplated just how fortunate we are at times and to take note of the good moments in life. Looking towards the garden I noticed how much it is flourishing with our summer weather. I have been lucky enough to have fresh rocket and beetroot for the last month. My tomatoes are beginning to fruit and cannot wait to harvest them.

Ava and Cadbury just love the summer sun

Hope you all have a great day or a fortunate one and make the most of the weekend.