Tuesday, May 21, 2013

WILD COAST SOJOURN


The Loeries woke us this morning. We couldn't have asked for a more gentle way to slip back into city life after our week away.


We've just returned from our annual Wild Coast holiday where we woke every morning to  spectacular sunrises and the cries of  Fish Eagles and Oyster Catchers.


This is the view from our bungalow. I would need to be a poet to describe the beauty of this place ..... and since I'm not,  I'll share a few photos and a story or two about chance encounters and new friends.




Otter tracks up the dunes


While M fished I had time to try my hand at land art. Nothing serious but quite absorbing all the same.













These flowers look like they come from another world.


We met many caring people who shared our enthusiasm for the Wild Coast. Two young vets on honeymoon presented me with a bar of Belgian chocolate on my birthday as well as a huge driftwood log (because they knew I loved wood). They  hauled it along the beach, floated it across the estuary in a canoe and dragged it up the hill to our veranda where we found it when we returned from our walk.  I was so touched by their thoughtfulness!  So if you are reading this, Robbie and Taneale ...... the log is in our courtyard reminding us of you. 

 One evening I heard my husband talking to the couple who had moved into the neighbouring bungalow. They spoke with American accents and had visited all my favourite places so I joined them on the patio. Slowly it dawned on me that I actually might know who these people were. Several months ago a  a reader of Art Propelled had asked me to email a few travelling tips to her friends who were thinking about visiting South Africa.  What an amazing coincidence that we should meet them by chance and spend a lovely evening together before they left on the next leg of their trip. Synchronicities often seem to happen when we're on holiday. I suppose that's the magic about taking time out, away from home.


More Wild Coast pebbles to add to my cache.....  a reminder of the happy days spent gathering them.

Posted by ArtPropelled at 1:41 PM
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75 comments:

  1. WimMay 21, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    I also like very much this way of celebrating vacation, and chance encounters with blog visitors I know only too well, it often happens to me on this vacation island. The land art I find great and the pictures are super!

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 21, 2013 at 8:59 PM

      No surprise that people gravitate to your island Wim. I found myself comparing our beach to La Palma. Different in some ways (black sand/white sand) but both so beautiful.

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  2. Velma BolyardMay 21, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    i love the name, wild coast, and hope you are refreshed. what loveliness, to have the gift of wood.

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 21, 2013 at 9:03 PM

      Indeed, I was amazed that 2 very new friends would know exactly what would warm my heart. I couldn't have been happier.

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  3. Ro BruhnMay 21, 2013 at 2:44 PM

    Such wild, exciting scenery and those flowers are amazing.

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 21, 2013 at 9:04 PM

      Ro, India has since commented that you have the red ones in Australia [Haemanthus coccineus].

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  4. Rebeca TrevinoMay 21, 2013 at 2:47 PM

    what a terrific place to take a holiday! your photographs are beautiful. I often do the same thing when I am away from the studio for a few days, find a way to busy my hands and make some art, no matter how temporary it may last.

    I love your story about meeting an internet-connection. that had to be a thrill. I am sure the stories will be re-told many times.

    welcome home.

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 21, 2013 at 9:08 PM

      Rebeca, if only you could have seen our faces as it dawned on us that we had already "met" on the internet. My blog has opened so many doors for me, and to actually meet someone all the way from the USA was thrilling.

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  5. PennyMay 21, 2013 at 3:03 PM

    Wonderful photos, rather wild and windy here yesterday, would love to see it all and walk with you. Love that piece of driftwood and it sounds like a great place for a birthday.

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 21, 2013 at 9:10 PM

      Penny, funny you should say that. I thought of you and J while on holiday and know you would have loved it there..... though the actual journey there is quite horrendous.

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  6. Annie CoeMay 21, 2013 at 4:01 PM

    Robyn, What a wonderful adventure you had! So much magic :-). I love your photos, they made my day. Missed you. xoxo

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 21, 2013 at 9:52 PM

      Hi Annie, I missed you too. It's amazing how I take my blog readers on holiday with me. Does that happen to you too? I had plenty of time to think about all the dear people who stop to read my blog.

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  7. india flintMay 21, 2013 at 5:16 PM

    poetry in pictures....and the red version of those flowers [Haemanthus coccineus] is blooming in [what is left of] my garden...

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 21, 2013 at 9:53 PM

      India, that is so interesting. I'm so glad I can put a name to it. Do you use them in your echo dying by any chance?

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  8. Caterina GiglioMay 21, 2013 at 6:26 PM

    I always look forward to your vacations... because I know I will get to journey there vicariously... and don't you just adore synchronicity?

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 21, 2013 at 9:54 PM

      Synchronicities pop up whenever we are at the Wild Coast. It is the most magical place!

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  9. Lisa at GreenbowMay 21, 2013 at 6:59 PM

    I am so happy to hear you had a great holiday. The pictures are lovely. I can see why you are drawn to this area. It has a sense of other worldly wonder. And to meet up with someone you know in a round about way. Wow. Welcome home and a belated Happy Birthday. That driftwood is a special gift for a special lady.

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 21, 2013 at 9:56 PM

      I always wondered what it would be like to bump into an internet friend. It really was thrilling.

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  10. Leslie Avon MillerMay 21, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    I adore your land art Robyn! Especially the way the tides worked with you...delightful! Thanks for the photos and the heart warming stories. And Happy Birthday!

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 21, 2013 at 9:59 PM

      Leslie, it was such fun. We went on other walks along beautiful rock shelves where a built a few rock cairns .... but didn't have my camera to photograph them. Kicking myself!

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  11. Gwen BuchananMay 21, 2013 at 7:44 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. Gwen BuchananMay 21, 2013 at 7:51 PM

      Hi Robyn, oops, I think i accidentally deleted my comment!!
      I wanted to say how refreshing your trip felt.

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    2. ArtPropelledMay 21, 2013 at 10:03 PM

      Gwen, I'm feeling so refreshed after our holiday. Blogging about it helps to hold onto the tranquility and sense of the place.

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  12. Maya Sara MatthewMay 21, 2013 at 11:48 PM

    The land art is fantastic and your holiday sounds so relaxing.
    Have you any tips for Tanzania and Zanzibar Robyn? South Africa will have to remain on my wishlist for the moment, its my dad's 80th birthday and his wishlist has the grasslands of Africa and the animals which inhabit it so my husband and I are accompanying him in early August.

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 23, 2013 at 6:04 AM

      Ohhhh, how wonderful Maya!! I havn't been to Tanzania or Zanzibar but they're on my list. I'll have to ask you for tips. A friend of mine went to Zanzibar and she said if you can afford it, stay at a Club Med Hotel.

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  13. SaarelMay 22, 2013 at 12:09 AM

    Wonderful Pictures . . .
    Saarel

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  14. The Weaver of GrassMay 22, 2013 at 1:44 AM

    So peaceful and so atmospheric Robyn. Love the log of wood story. Yes, so often when we have been abroad, we have chatted to people and then found a common link somewhere - that is what makes holidays so interesting. I hope you have come home full of new ideas.

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 23, 2013 at 6:06 AM

      Hi Pat, yes I have quite a few ideas but need to shake the holiday lethargy away before attempting anything.

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  15. DiMay 22, 2013 at 4:12 AM

    Wonderful! Land art is a wonderful way to add to your environment, even if just for a moment in tme and your was lovely:)

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  16. Judy ShreveMay 22, 2013 at 5:17 AM

    What a beautiful spot - and your land 'installation' piece just adds to the beauty! Love the synchronicity of you and your fellow travelers! Welcome back home! And happy belated birthday.

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 23, 2013 at 6:07 AM

      Thanks Judy, I hope you had a good holiday too.

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  17. mansuetudeMay 22, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    How peaceful there.

    I think this land art honors (& extends) the authentic nature of your artistic voice, Robyn. The earthiness of your sculpture, the weathered sensibility, natural/found elements, even the pattern. A Giving "presence" to the presence found-- in any form, dimension.

    Happy Birthday month to you.
    (Hope M caught some good fish!)

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 23, 2013 at 6:11 AM

      Thank you, thank you M! I have a feeling you would be quite the land artist yourself. My M certainly didn't catch as many fish as he was expecting to (One!!) but he thoroughly enjoyed the quiet time contemplating the sea while attempting to catch fish.

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  18. patty a.May 22, 2013 at 8:14 AM

    What a beautiful place! I loved your land art! I should have made some when I went to California. The beach at Del Mar had the greatest smooth rocks that would have been perfect for an installation!

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 23, 2013 at 6:13 AM

      Thank you Patty. Del Mar beach sounds beautiful. There's something so peaceful about picking up smooth oval or round rocks.

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  19. Ruth ArmitageMay 22, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    Robyn,
    Your land art and photos of the trip are magnificent! You've inspired me to play with my environment more. I love that the universe blessed you with two wonderful people encounters while you were away, too! I'm not surprised... you make so much beauty, the world wanted to give back!

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 23, 2013 at 6:16 AM

      Thanks so much Ruth. The whole week was a blessing .... slow mellow days to just be.

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  20. Jo MurrayMay 22, 2013 at 11:23 AM

    Your photos are magnificent! Thanks for giving me a tiny view of this beautiful place. Your 'land art' is inspiring. Next time I'm in a wild place I'll be looking to make a little myself.

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  21. ebMay 22, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    swoon
    isn't full enough
    but I am
    well, swooning
    and the rocks put me right
    over the top
    sharing
    your marvelous holiday...

    xox

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 23, 2013 at 6:27 AM

      So glad you enjoyed the post, eb. Each day I thought of so many of my blogging friends knowing you would all love being there. I thought of your stripeys of course!

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  22. ebMay 22, 2013 at 11:40 AM

    and
    yes - happy birthday!

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  23. Mary JoMay 22, 2013 at 5:55 PM

    Glad you had such a nice time. (I vacation vicariously, too!)Loved your "playing", thinking of you light-heartedly gathering and arranging. Thanks for pictures...thank you so much for sharing with us like you do. Happy to see you're back!

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 23, 2013 at 6:30 AM

      Thanks so much Mary Jo. My photography skills are lacking but oh I really did enjoy playing with my camera.

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  24. JackyMay 22, 2013 at 10:03 PM

    What a stunningly beautiful area...thanks so much for the wonderful photographs.
    I LOVE your land art Robyn. What a great way to spend your time while your husband fished.
    Belated Happy Birthday too!

    Jacky xox

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 23, 2013 at 6:31 AM

      Thanks Jacky! Even though we were so laid back there never seemed to be enough hours in the day. I got through a pile of books too.

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  25. Kim SchoenbergerMay 23, 2013 at 3:46 AM

    Firstly, Happy Belated Birthday Robyn. What a stunning place and photographs, thanks for sharing your special moments - just gotta love synchronicity!

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 23, 2013 at 6:35 AM

      Thanks Kim. I am so wishing we were still on holiday! BTW, I'm extremely proud of you and your sculpture award! Your Domestic Goddess is stunning!

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  26. Kim SchoenbergerMay 23, 2013 at 3:47 AM

    ps... love your art play

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  27. material witnessMay 23, 2013 at 8:32 AM

    So glad you are back. I missed you and the inspiration you provide with this beautiful and thoughtful blog.

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  28. Mo CrowMay 23, 2013 at 2:43 PM

    Love the land art Robyn in such a wondefully wild spot!
    I just discovered the Paintbrush Lily Haemanthus albiflos) & bought it for one of our gardens early this month, apparently they are tough as nails and evergreen the Haemanthus coccineus which I have grown for years is deciduous, fabulously phallic when they first emerge from the ground both are native to South Africa.

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 24, 2013 at 7:15 AM

      I've just googled Paintbrush Lily Haemanthus albiflos and found so many more images. Thanks for the feedback Mo.

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  29. Priya SebastianMay 23, 2013 at 11:00 PM

    The landscape, the flowers, the shells, your art...all breathtaking. It seems you partook an excellent and very inspiring banquet Robyn. I wish this post had a 100 pictures.

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 24, 2013 at 7:17 AM

      Thanks so much, Priya. I always wonder if I'm going to bore people to sobs with my holiday photos.

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  30. Jan WardMay 24, 2013 at 7:17 AM

    Robin,
    It is amazing and thought provoking when the universe speaks so clearly in such simple ways to remind us we are all connected.

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  31. Blue Sky DreamingMay 24, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    My morning is better to have found your photo journal...spectacular!! Magical place made more magical by your touch and yes, Happy Birthday to you!

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 30, 2013 at 6:57 AM

      Thanks so much Mary Ann. Today I emptied out my cloth sling bag which I took down to the beach every day. The shells and pebbles brought back such vivid memories. I wish we were still there!

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  32. LauraMay 24, 2013 at 1:37 PM

    so beautiful Robyn... wishing you a very happy birthday too! Your photos are amazing... I'm so glad you've had a wonderful journey.

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  33. SethMay 25, 2013 at 7:26 AM

    These pictures tell the stories all on their own. The happiest of birthdays to you. Lovely to see the artwork you created from, by and for nature.

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 30, 2013 at 6:58 AM

      Thanks Seth. I've come back with so many ideas for my next totem.

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  34. DJMay 27, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    RobynDarling, Hope your Birthday was Wonderful! Always enjoy your sharing of photos, Beautiful. Love & Laughter, Deej

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 30, 2013 at 7:07 AM

      Thanks so much Darling DJ. My birthday was the best!! xxx

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  35. BarryMay 28, 2013 at 3:14 AM

    R-miniature art in the landscape - I love them - well done - so ephemeral; and the view from the bungalow - it must have been hard to return home - good that the birds were there to welcome you. B

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    1. ArtPropelledMay 30, 2013 at 7:13 AM

      Barry, it's always good to be home (as you know :-) but I have to admit I was ready to go back a few days later.

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  36. AnonymousMay 29, 2013 at 6:52 AM

    Wonderful!!

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  37. Lucky Dip LisaJune 4, 2013 at 7:10 PM

    You speak my language Robyn! Lovin the land art.

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  38. ArtPropelledJune 7, 2013 at 12:56 AM

    Land art is very therapeutic isn't it?! I really zoned out for an hour or two.

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