The beach - my calm during Covid-19

Told to stay at home, not see friends, work cancelled... being the people person I am, I'd understand if I struggled a little. Or a lot. But one thing kept me aligned during Covid-19. And that is my daily visit to the beach. The place I call my soul home. Where I get fixed.

I always feel refreshed and clear after being at the beach. Surfing, walking, sitting, swimming - it doesn't matter. Saltwater, sea air, sand between the toes, the sound of waves crashing. Preferably with a dose of sunshine.

During Covid-19 'stay at home' time, I went to the beach every day. Mainly walking, some surfing and no swimming. It's cold in April!

I walked a lot and started to look at things closer. The colours, the atmosphere, the patterns, the way things changed each day. The way the sand and rocks change as the tide comes in and out. The objects that are left stranded on the beach. And the evidence of other people reaching for their respite.

I'd return home with a clear mind - ready to tackle my day. Not sitting on the sofa getting bored but working on my business, myself and being the best I can be.

Road tripping Yorke Peninsula in Van Halen

How could I not fall in love with a name like Van Halen? Of course, I had to hire the van for a little dream trip I had been thinking about. 

I've had this idea in my head that I'd love a van so I can do the #vanlife. But never having made a trip in a campervan, is it right to buy one. Probably not. So I then found Camptoo. A site that people can hire out their vans, caravans and motorhomes - a bit like AirBnB but for homes on wheels. 

I'm not going to lie; I was nervous picking Van Halen up. I hadn't driven a manual for a few years, let alone a campervan. But I needn't have been - smooth driving (most of the time). 

I picked up my friend, and off we headed to Yorke Peninsula. But where? We decided to make that decision when we got there. The freedom of not knowing where you were sleeping was something that attracted me to the #vanlife in the first place. 

We got down to Marion Bay the first day - stopping at a few towns to explore the beach, dance and be silly. Basically. We also had a cider in Port Vincent pub, The Ventnor. 

Driving up to the coast, getting lost, not worrying, and knowing I can stay anywhere with my house on wheels is liberating. We spent the night at a lookout - waking up to the cliffs and deserted beach next morning. Pushing open the back doors so we can goggle while staying in bed is the best part.

We repeated this for the next two nights - staying at very different parts of the coast each time from open, swell beach to very tidal rock pool coast at Gleesons Landing. Our last night at Barkers Rocks is where we met people, danced some more and went for a sunset dip with beer. Exactly how I had imagined #vanlife to be. 

Pros:

You can stay anywhere, being self sufficient with solar and water.

The best views.

Freedom.

The great outdoors, with a bed. 

Cons:

You can't drive everywhere in a big van.

My friend had to get used to 'going bush'.

You cruise everywhere - don't even contemplate trying to overtake. (But really, we didn't even want to.)

Would I do it again? Heck, yes! I want my own! 

https://www.instagram.com/vanhalenproject/

What’s with the rubbish in Bali?

I’ve wandered down to Berawa beach for a late afternoon stroll. I love the beach, and I especially love it in the late afternoon when locals come down to cool off after work — watching people surf, kids splash, princesses tiptoe down to the water and burnt tourists sleeping on their sun lounger with Bintang beside them. But today I’m distracted. The beach is lined with driftwood and in between it all… tonnes of rubbish. Literally. For as far as my eye can see. 

I start to take photos of it, intrigued (and horrified) as to how much there is. I wonder where it had all come from. I’d heard that the current at this time of year brings it here from around the world, but I do wonder. So many lolly wrappers, straws and small toiletry containers. And lots of thongs. 

As I wander further, I notice people with gloves and big white bags. They are picking up rubbish and sorting it into recyclables and not recyclables. The rubbish then goes to Suwung landfill in their hired truck. The driver sends his location and photos as evidence.

I start chatting and learn that most of them are expats that are volunteering to keep the beach clean. They come down every Sunday. The beach clean is organised by Ocean Mimic - two scuba divers, Emma and Chelsea. I go up to talk to Emma, and find myself asking for a bag and glove. I wander the beach, picking up rubbish and chatting with the others for over half an hour. There is so much, I could stay all night, but have plans. 

I love what they are doing and hope it replicates along more beaches. For the environment, for the beauty and the health of our animals. It would also mean not surfing in plastic while in Bali - a bonus for me. 

If you are heading over to Bali, go check it out (more details below). Do your part. Meet at the steps by Finns Beach Club 5 pm every Sunday.

Also find them on Facebook here.

"Ocean Mimic is run by two scuba divers - Emma and Chelsea. We pursued this dream because we felt compelled to protect the ocean we both fell in love with. We met on an island in Malaysia in 2017 and saw first hand the trash wash up onto the usually spotless beaches. We created Ocean Mimic because we had no choice but to act.

We started out on this journey because we felt an urgent need to protect our oceans and our planet. We accepted that as individuals we have power. We took a leap of faith to take responsibility to do everything possible to inspire others and lead courageously by example. Mimic was our answer. A platform to inspire the public to act.

Our story is only just beginning … we need your support to make this a reality!

It all starts with you!

Thanks to everyone who joins us.

Emma & Chelsea"

Fleurieu Living Magazine Summer shoot with Elise, Domenic and Scout...

Sounded like a great idea. A fashion shoot on at Sellicks Beach, surrounded by the red-orange rocks, then a couple of pics up near the massive cactus on top of the cliffs.

Somebody forgot to tell the wind what we were doing. Trying to marry up the wind and sun to be in the right direction was a bit of fun...

But. We had fun. And we got some really great shots. I loved working with Elise and Domenic (and their van Scout). They know how to pose in front of the camera and they are also really awesome, chilled people. Check them out on Instagram here. https://www.instagram.com/elisecook/

Check out the pics used in Fleurieu Living Magazine by picking up a copy yourself! It's a great read and very pretty. :)

Recharging at South Beach, WA

The streets of Fremantle.

Where?

A little area between Coogee and Fremantle in Western Australia. Next door to Fremantle with better beaches and quieter pace, but still easy access to all the cafes, drinking holes and shops.

The crowd?

A mix of snobby upper class through to happy hippies. The upper crust walks past with their little pooches while hippies play congas in the parkland and backpackers munch on picnic style tea in the back of their station wagons. Of course, I love it.

Why?

A relaxed vibe of coastal living. Close to Fremantle but far enough away to escape the crowds. Cafes, cove beaches, fitness scene, cycling, and a great walking path along the coast. Not to forget the people watching either. 

What am I doing here?

I am spending the first week of 2018 here. Swimming, relaxing, reading, eating and drinking. It is the perfect excuse for me to step away from work and enjoy a guilt-free recharge. For anyone that knows me, you know how hard this is for me. I didn't even bring my laptop. Big deal, for me. 

How am I going with it?

Surprisingly well. I have loved my time not 'needing' to do something. I've relaxed into reading and finished two magazines and started on two books. I've wandered on the beach and splashed in the water just because. I've sat and done nothing. We've laughed hard playing Cards of Humanity. And I've eaten and drank way too much. 

And I've had time to think. I can get lost, and scared when I have time inside my head. But I know it's important. I don't allow myself this time too often, but its something I have realised and is improving. Working out what I need, what I want and what I need to do. Important personally and in business. 

So what else to do here, apart from being involved with your thoughts? 

Cycle the coastal path.
We ride from South Beach down to Woodman Point passing derelict old buildings, new Coogee development, family-friendly man-made beach, scrub, country style beaches and many parks. 20 km return. And of course, the path also heads north. We also ride this, heading towards Perth along the river. It's a very scenic and entertaining way of burning off some excess calories. 

Coastal path south of South Beach.

Bathers Beach House
As the sun sets, this is the place to be. Sun loungers line the small cove, with drink service. One of the very few places in Australia that offer service on the beach. Pretty sure I read it's the only place to legally be served an alcoholic drink in Perth. Tourists and locals alike line the waterfront for sunset photos but tonights isn't very spectacular. We enjoy our cider while laughing with our French waiter and again, people watching.

Sunsets and cocktails at Bathers Beach House, Fremantle.

Linger on the beach
I meet, and see, all sorts on the beach. Friendly locals are walking their pooches, random lounge chairs complete with a lamp sit on the beach, kitesurfers scream along the waves and families laugh and splash about in the water. Clear turquoise water, soft sand and warm sun complete the picture. 

The random things you find on the beach at South Beach. I was told it had been there for two weeks. The next day it was gone. 

Fremantle arts centre
A great place to see a variety of different art but also live music. The New Years Day concert attracts a well-rounded mix of people from chilled hipsters to the 60 plus-year-olds that love to kick off their heels and boogie. Soukouss Internacionale is my fave with their afro rhythms and got me up dancing while the other bands had me chilled and relaxed. Every Sunday afternoon the centre has live music. 

Soukouss Internacionale at Fremantle Arts Centre. 

Restaurants and drinking holes
There are many options in the Fremantle area. I eat in The Raw Kitchen, Bread in Common, Lapa, and Moore and Moore. We have drinks at Bathers Beach House and Creatures NextDoor too. All great. 

Start the day right with Mexican Florentine at Moore and Moore.

Of course, there is much more to discover in Fremantle, but that would require too much time off my sun lounger. I am, after all, meant to be relaxing. Discovering new things is exciting and quite possibly, lead me to work. Can't have that now...

Bali - my fave places

‘Bali?! I would never want to go there. Yuck.’

Sunset Bintangs - love them anywhere in Bali. 

I hear this so often, and must admit, that I once said it too. But you know what? Once you get out of the bogan filled concrete city gridlock of Tuban, Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, it can be a holiday of your dreams. 

Yes, you can get some bargain deals when you stay in these areas - but I’ve learned it’s not worth it for me. If I have to walk out of my hotel, be surrounded by concrete, drunk tourists before midday, touts pestering me every second - then I’m not going to enjoy myself that much. 

Love the rural side of Bali.

If I can walk out of my accommodation and be surrounded by chilled people, relaxing rice paddies or jungle and relaxed beaches, I am content - even if that does mean being awoken by the roosters at dawn. I’m happy to pay the extra. 

A pool for the kids. At least they are sorted.

I love Bali because it’s close, it’s easy, has good surf, the people are beautiful, and the countryside is dreamy. My kids love it because it has pools. Wish I was that easy to please.

My first visit to Bali was in 1992. We had to walk along a road lined with rice paddies to get to Kuta from Legian, where we were staying. Since then, I have returned four times and stayed in Tuban, Legian, Sanur, Seminyak, Canggu, Menjangan and Padang Padang. 

 

My top three are...

A deserted beach in Bali? Yes, it exists. 

Canggu
You can ride a bicycle around the streets here
Echo Beach sunset chill sessions
Surfing at Old Mans
Walking deserted beaches at Berawa
Expat chilled vibe scene with funky cafes/bars/restaurants like Old Mans

Clean sand on the Bukit.

Uluwatu area
As one taxi driver commented, ‘you are staying in the jungle!’
Uluwatu cliff top bars
Surf beaches everywhere - with squeaky on the feet white sand!
It feels safe enough to ride a scooter around here
Kuta bogans don’t normally hang out around here. It’s more surfer/chilled vibe

Exploring Menjangan mangroves.

Menjangan Park
Breakfast on a deck that hangs over the tree canopies while watching monkeys trying to steal food
You get transported through the resort in open-sided double decker vans
Kayak through the mangroves
The cocktails at sunset after crashing it on the free bicycles make all pain disappear
It’s quiet, there are no shops, and there is not much to do except relax in the forest

I know this list doesn’t suit everyone, but it’s mine. It’s chilled, surfy, good for families that like a bit of adventure (and not five-star luxury). You also get half a chance to get to know some locals, make friends, rather than just highbrow it to the touts in the tourist areas.

My first ever Instameet - at Seawall Apartments Glenelg

A couple of weeks ago I received a direct message in Instagram. 

'We're kicking off our big 40 celebrations with an Instameet for 40 Instagrammers.' 

I love Seawall Apartments, and love photographing their rooms. So inspiring - for home decor, for holidays, for relaxation, for fun, for photography. 

Hell yeah! I'm going. 

Then comes my question - what exactly is an Instameet? 

For Seawall; it's food, drinks, networking and photos. They opened up a room for us to photograph, gave tours through the property, and properly sustained us for three hours of fun. 

We chatted, we took photos, we drank, we laughed. Then we Instagrammed. We all had a camera - whether a DSLR or phone. No matter the device, some really beautiful images were taken.

I highly recommend Seawall Apartments, check them out at www.seawallapartments.com.au. Yes, I photograph for them, but hey, they are awesome. 

Go enjoy.

A wander through Glenelg

Before the weather turned sour, I wandered Glenelg for the day, getting piccies for a client. A little project I am helping them with, which I'll tell you more about soon.

I REALLY want to live close to the beach - but my dream is to live by a surf beach. That way, I can walk down with board under arm. BUT, Glenelg has the vibe. I love the cafe culture that is popping up. There is good coffee. There is alternative 'healthy' food. There are activities for young and old. It is no wonder it's a tourist hotspot. 

Taking that vibe and plonking it next to a surf beach would make my dream come true. I could then open up a gallery for locals AND tourists, go surf every day (when there is surf) and, at it's most basic, feed my soul. I'd be one happy chappy. 

Anyway, here are a few pics from my wander. Thanks so much to all the businesses I visited - you make awesome subjects. :)

The Moseley

Pure Coffee

Zest

Goodlife Pizza

Zucca

The Oyster Bar

Esca

Chick n Chip

The Beachouse

The Organik Cafe

Canggu Bali - and why I love it

Who has been to Bali? I'm not sure of the statistics, but a quick google tells me that in 2014 over 600,000 Aussies touched down on the Island of the Gods. 

I've been to Bali four times over 13 years. Once when I was 12 years old, and we walked the rice paddy-lined street between Legian and Kuta. Another for our honeymoon, staying in Tuban. The next with friends, staying in a Seminyak villa, Ubud and Sanur with our nearly one-year-old daughter. And the last time, with our two children, staying at a surf resort in Canggu, Menjangan National Park and Legian. We also took a look at Medewi on the way up to Menjangan and like the look of that area.

Of all those places, Canggu has been my favourite. I see Canggu as the expat area where you have activity but nothing like the crazy business of Seminyak and Legian, just a few minutes away. We stayed inland, but with free bicycle hire, we were easily able to get to all the nearby beaches (some which were deserted on our visit bar fisherman's boats and huts), Echo Beach cafes, and peddle our way around the winding roads through rice paddies. 

The vibe at Echo Beach is chilled and relaxed. A few restaurants and bars line the beachfront, with a few beanbags brought out for sunset drinks on the beach. I only ever saw the one hawker there, who came and asked, but then left as quickly as he appeared if we didn't want company. Sometimes we had a chat with him. I can imagine living here, and coming down here in the afternoons - surfing and having a sunset beer.

The road down to the beach is dotted with shops, warungs and restaurants. But there is still a lot of space between each, rice paddies reaching up towards to road. There are cars, taxis and motorbikes, but with a steady mind, I felt safe enough to cycle around on a loan bike. It is nowhere near as busy as the main tourist area.

Batu Bolong (Canggu) beach is even quieter still. In the mornings, after our morning surf, we would head to a warung for a coconut water. A few tables and the shack are behind the beach carpark, with a free cold outdoor shower for patrons. Great for washing the sand off after being crashed around in the waves. There is a surfboard rental place, temple and not much else. Away from the beachfront a few metres is the appropriately named Old Mans. We stopped here for a Bintang, watching expats working, checking out surf and arriving with friends on mopeds. Again, I thought aloud how great a lifestyle this looks - I could live here. 

After messing around in white wash and small waves, our surf group asked to go to better waves. A short walk around the front of the temple took us to Old Mans surf break. As a newbie surfer in 6-8 foot (Bali standard) waves, it was scary. I'm thankful I only lost one fin in the shore break and walked out just a bit shaky - not hurt. But next time I will be pushier with my surf guide and say I'm not confident going out in waves that big.

Canggu does it for me - surf, relaxed, beautiful beaches, close to everything but quieter. Kuta, in Lombok also gives me this feeling, but that's a different story. 

Where is your favourite Bali location?

let's go...