Thursday, January 11, 2007

An Afternoon in the Country

Only about two hours from Melbourne is a lovely small town that has been constructed along a clean babbling brook. The water is icy cold and incredibly refreshing when dunking one’s feet.

We decided that another picnic was in order to clear the cob webs and city imposed angst due to the demands on the urban dweller.

Finally arriving around noon, exploring the river’s edge, we found the perfect spot under a towering Gum tree with enough shade to lay the blanket and have lunch.

The babbling sound of the river can be mesmerising and naturally takes the mind to a restful place. But the forest canopy surrounding the brook is nothing less than magnificent, hailing images of paradise.

We shared are little spot of heaven with a large contingent of ducks. Most were sunning themselves on a rock while the younger members played by setting themselves into a rapid and riding down a section of the brook. It reminded me of a natural rollercoaster, and one could almost hear the young ducks scream for joy as they rode down the stream. This part of the game was easy, because after their ride ended somewhere down stream, the youngsters would begin their trek back up stream to do it all again. In a few instance it was hilarious to see a single duck just about make it back, only to give up and let the rapid take them down stream.

After a hearty lunch of delicious ham sandwiches, homemade brownies and fresh peaches, all the body wants to do is sleep. My friend read her novel to me for a little while before falling into a comfortable slumber.

To wake up to this natural and beautiful environment does wonders for the soul. My mind felt clear and sharp. As the day turned to late afternoon the time came to pack up and return to civilization.

These small excursions out of the city has a re-energising affect, making one prepared for the rush and superficiality of modern life.

Highly recommended.

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