In many ways a severe COVID-19 lockdown is about finding oneself
In ones own environ
Reconnecting and finding peace within
I grew up 5 or 6 km from where I live now
We were A Bunch of Ratbags
Back in the rough industrial suburb of Footscray
And as a kid I ride my bicycle to the City of Williamstown
To look across at the City of Melbourne and dream.
Walk along the old piers looking at the boats and dreaming of adventures in distant lands
Now this area is my home and Im back from adventures in distant lands
And am again cycling by the waterside, sometimes dreaming and often appreciating the beauty of the place
The mighty ships coming up the Yarra River to port the ever present reminder of modern industry
So different to the time when the ball on the Time Ball Tower was raised and lowered so the waiting ships could set their chronometers.
Riding along the trail over the weeks of the restrictions I see and experience the moods of the slowly changing hours, weeks and months
Lost in the winter fogs
Feeling stranded like the boat at low tide
Rejoicing in the joy of a clear winters day the bear cloudless sky reflected in the still waters of the creek estuaries
Clear but cold with the beach all but empty apart from some hardy souls walking on the sand or buying a hot coffee.
Sometimes having to ride home hard in the cold chill of a waning day
The trail I ride is about 15km its like a meditation as my legs move to the rhythm of the trail.
The same trail but everyday different.
Lost in the place and its beauty.
Lovely stuff! Your winter (and neighbourhood!) looks much nicer than ours. We are sweltering in the heat these days, quite hot for north-central Europe. Much preferable to the grey winters, though. Your text reminds me a bit of the book The Idle Traveller by Dan Kieren. Give it a look if you haven’t read it. And stay healthy!
Thanks, it is a nice neighbourhood. I do though tend to take photos on the days that are not pouring rain and with a howling gale. I suspect our winters are a lot milder than yours. Yes I see its hot all through Europe. Thanks for the book recommendation I will check it out.
Lovely photos and thoughts Mic and not too many on the bike trail by the looks! Wish I could say the same about ours. I ride around the streets (which is interesting) and avoid our bike trails as they are quite busy, whereas the car traffic is much less so. Cheers Pauline xx
You have to choose the time and place Pauline. Later in the afternoon I find is best. Also parts of the trail is fairly isolated. I should include riding through deserted Nelson Place.
Another great post with exceptional photos
Thanks very much Tim
Nice pics!
Thank you