The rain poured down profusely on our surfari tent, built to weather any storm really, and the muddled sounds of the gate shuddering to the bathroom door seemed etched in the distance thanks to our infamous Rain Rain app! My newfound sleeping arrangements had been a success and the kids and I woke refreshed and victorious. It was the dawn of a new day, the livestock sang at our doorstep, bush turkeys snapped the branches beneath their feet, it was a glorious day! The kettle simmered in the background, the toaster churning out toast in military procession as if to feed an army ready to embark in battle and I was simply basking in the grandeur’s of a great night sleep!

Hubby was the last to wake, yet simply the first to leave after his spot of coffee, a bite of toast and some watermelon and he was off to kickstart his day at work. The kids and I dressed to hit the pool and than a kilometre drive to find solace in the calmness of the waves hitting the shoreline on the beach. As we imprinted our footprints in the sand along the shoreline, tracing the tyre marks, viewing the magnificent blue jellyfish that had been washed ashore, collected various shells along the path and were captivated by the parasailers who soar high above us, I felt humbled. Today was a good day and I felt the steady inflow and outflow of breath from my chest, maybe it was the ocean’s breeze, maybe it was reminiscent of being home in Bermuda, maybe it was knowing we had the beach seemingly to ourselves, maybe the magic of silence that is rarely exchanged, but it was a harmonious moment.

The boys enjoyed being thrown amongst the waves, running up against their sheer strength, jumping heights they had never soared to surpass them and watching their toes and feet sink amongst the depths of the sand. They sat by the shore digging, and making, threw frisbees, enjoyed snacks and simply bonding with each other and myself. All was well….until departure. The eldest had his usual outburst because if he could choose he would reside at the beach (wouldn’t we all?), the youngest couldn’t bear the battle, the struggle, the task of walking the long tainted path back, even though it was his footprints still etched in the sand amongst the tyre tracks. I did, however, manage to have all boys walk back on their own after much encouragement on my behalf.

A quick drive to the local shops found us watermelon, coconut water, ginger beer and much needed sustenance….food!! Food never tasted so divine at that instinct moment. The hot chips coated in chicken salt, the BLT, the ham and cheese croissant all to share, seemed to be truly appreciated by all. After lunch we venture back to the pool and than back to the tent where the boys took their scooters again for a venture and Knox passed out on the couch. Today had been a sheer success.

Hubby tried to regain faith in his dinner abilities and bought home pizza that night, yes it was a success and enjoyed by all. Since I had mastered the sleep arrangements the night before I sought to recreate that moment, not getting my hopes up for fear of disappointment, but I was optimistic another night of unbroken sleep was achievable. It certainly was!

The next day it was a repeat of the morning prior yet I chose to commence packing everything away. As hubby prepared himself quickly for a fast escape to work, I had the boys riding their scooters and spending time with their holiday friends prior to departure while I packed away our contents and said goodbye to #3 Surfari tent. Upon departure the boys had another dip in the pool and than we made the journey home…quickly back to reality and pining for our next escape away!!