The day started out with a leisurely walk on the beach with Josie and her sheep herding dog. Large sheets of volcanic rock on the beach had solidified with the positive and negative shapes of un-popped lava bubbles. The inverted cups filled with ocean water as the tide went out and became mini aquariums. All forms of life from algae to crabs thrived in the tide pools. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by tide pools. I love any kind of self contained ecosystem.
Half way up the hill to Josie Browne‘s house, I stopped to sketch Ravenwood. First, I liked the name of this Bed and Breakfast thinking it might be occupied by Edgar Allan Poe, but also the building reminded me of paintings done by Edward Hopper. As I sketched, Terry and Josie continued walking up the hill. I remember as I walked up this steep hill alone once, I saw an old man coming down the hill. I thought to myself that I should control my breath a bit so I wasn’t huffing and puffing as we passed each other. He remarked, “Darn, I’m more winded than you just going downhill.” I laughed and began huffing and puffing again.
There is so much of this old Victorian architecture in Australia. I wondered if there was a way up to the widow’s nest. Metal roofs reflect the sun like mirrors. And the front yard of this home had a vibrant garden filled with pink roses.