Umhlangha Rocks Lighthouse

We woke up to another rainy day. A pity as it was our last morning in Umhlanga. We packed our things and had some breakfast before going done to the beach one last time.

It was dry but overcast on the beach. I wanted to get some last photos and the boys wanted to fish in the rocks. I had set myself a goal to get a good shot of the lighthouse but the weather didn't play in my favour as I was waiting for a really clear day. You should be able to see all the way to Durban from the lighthouse. The Durban beach front or Golden Mile contains the harbour, entertainment areas, casino and many hotels. At night you can see the lights along the strip as well as from all the boats waiting to dock.

I had to console myself by picking up shells. This activity takes me straight back to my childhood. As a little girl it was a highlight of my holiday to comb the water's edge and collect shells. These little discoveries were an absolute delight and I would be amazed at how unique each shell was. I would imagine the little creature that had made that shell a home. I still have the same feelings and thoughts now.

We always had bottles and bowls containing shells in our home decorating our bathrooms as my Mom also loves them. The curio shops near the beaches always had little people or animals made out of shells. These were the ultimate for me and I would always try to buy one. (I even made some myself to give as gifts.) What I also loved in those shops were the huge cowrie and conch shells for sale. I always hoped to find one of those on the beach as they were frightfully expensive. A couple of years ago when we were in Mauritius I bought a big beautiful peach coloured conch shell
for myself. Of course years ago we had many more shells on the beaches and there were also larger ones. I wonder what has really happened to our sea life?

We set off home around twelve o'clock, going back the direction we came through the green rolling hills and wide open spaces of an African landscape. It was cool and overcast and as usual we all felt a little sad that our holiday was over.

You can tell that Mr G is feeling better and I am a passenger in the car on our road trip home. I have been able to write away and now I have another detailed Blip to share with you!



"Lighthouses don't go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining."
~ Anne Lamott




My Joy Today:
~ Collecting shells on the beach.
~ Feeling sleepy and relaxed on the road trip home.
~ Being able to see forever into the horizon, 360 degrees around me as we travel through the Free State farm lands.
~ Getting home safe and sound.
~ Listening to my children describing their holiday highlights.


.