Monday 26 May 2008

Just being










I returned to the Gower Peninsula this weekend, the second time I had been there: the first was some 17 years ago. So much of the territory was familiar enough to trigger off recollections, but the immediacy of the circumstances was more than enough for me to enjoy the moment and not to indulge in nostalgia.

There was much activity: driving, talking, walking, laughing, eating, drinking. There was much to stimulate the senses: warm sunshine, incredibly strong winds, driving rain, sea air, sand everywhere. Though the weather was at times harsh, it added to the experience, was an integral part of it rather than spoiling it: there's nothing like being warm and dry inside a tent at night while the wind howls just on the other side of the canvas, upon which the rain beats a heavy, constant tattoo.

It was a pleasure to be out, and to watch the sand whipped up by the wind into mini-tornadoes; to climb hills and explore caves; to feel the exhilaration of being out in the elements, followed by the delights of good food and beer.

But most of all, as we walked for miles along the beach, it was good to head away from the others for a while and to walk along the shore just at the point at which the waves made their furthest inroads onto the beach. Here I could allow myself to be silent, to be filled with silence, to let the sea wash the disquiet far out into the distance.









Here, just for a short while, I was afforded the luxury of just being.

10 comments:

Beth said...

I had to look up where the Gower peninsula was, although having done so I think I did go there as a small child. Looks beautiful. Just being, sometimes the most important thing in the world. Glad you enjoyed it.

Fire Byrd said...

so from concerts to seaside in one weekend... sounds sort of perfect to me. Although I'd se a different band perhaps!!!
bbx

trousers said...

It's been a great weekend b-b, very memorable and all for the right reasons. It's had that odd sensation of having really flown by, yet when I look back to the Neubauten gig, that already seems like it was ages ago.

I'm just hoping I really don't crash down to earth in a big way when I'm back at work tomorrow..

Pants said...

Absolutely lovely trews
xxx

Pants

Merkin said...

Looks lovely there.

DJ Kirkby said...

What a lovely post...

Anonymous said...

Oops, sorry b, missed you there at the top - thanks, it was beautiful. Thanks too pants, merkin and dj, and no thanks to spammers!

zola a social thing said...

Would you consider running for President of the USA?
The Gower Flower is a sure thing!

Unknown said...

Glad you enjoyed Gower - it trully is my favourite place in the whole world and I am lucky enough to live there.

trousers said...

I'll think about it zola - but as long as you're one of my advisers.

Hi chris and welcome, and I must say I'm very jealous! Thanks for dropping by and commenting.