Muttonbird Island

Friday, June 15, 2012


Dear Olive,
Almost every morning, my Dad takes the walk up muttonbird island. It's a steep, tiny hill of an island connected to the mainland by a breakwall and it's become somewhat of a tradition for him (as it was for my Mum), and a few of his mates. They meet down there at 6.45 sharp and set off (if you're not on time, you'd better be prepared to run). And if you're visiting Dad, you’re hard pressed to get out of climbing muttonbird too. Pre-grandchildren, Dad used to run up and down the hall, clapping his hands to get everyone in the house up - thank goodness he had the good sense to put that to bed (ha!) since the appearance of all the babes. But he still does his best (with a far more sensible knock on the bedroom door) to get everyone to join him. Sleepless newborns, swollen glands, torrential rain, hangovers, only having packed thongs. None are considered passable excuses to get out of the morning walk, or so we've all discovered over the years. So, despite the rain, and the cold, and the wild seas; off we set. It’s always worth it when you get there, though, the views and the clifftops, the fresh sea air and the sense of utter peace, are really very special. Strangely enough (and even though I’m not sure I really believe in an afterlife), the top of muttonbird is the only place I’ve ever really thought I’ve felt the presence of my Mum. Just the once. The sun came through the clouds and I felt her arms around me. 
And although I would love to show you the views, on this time we didn't make it up. Halfway along the breakwall, the weather turned, and so did we; directly back to the cafe. Such a shame. Our consolation prize was one of the biggest, fullest, glowing-est rainbows I've ever seen.







19 comments:

Anonymous said...

So many lovley pictures as always. What a beautiful family tradition to have.

Lila

Anonymous said...

*lovely, I can spell but apparently can't type!

Miles,Papa and Me said...

Beautiful photos!

Anonymous said...

Is this an island where mutton bird live? I only ask cause it's a bit of a delicacy back home..dad would get a few buckets full every season and I wasn't sure they were found anywhere else in the world.

I think that rainbow is a lovely consolation for missing a traditional family walk :)

x

Nat said...

Beautiful photos, I'm with your Dad morning walks are the best. x

Shelley said...

Gorgeous snaps. I've done that walk too, puffing and panting and complaining all the way. Now, holds special memories for me. X

Anna @ green tea n toast said...

Ahh what a lovely tradition. Love your sister comment though. Hilarious! x

Maxabella said...

That's a darling tradition. So healthy for both mind and body, especially in the company of friends. I hope we can all be so lucky at your dear dad's age. x

mama bear said...

What a beautiful tradition Kellie, and even more so with the added presence of your mum. I'll admit to tearing up by the end of this post. xx

Tash said...

Beautiful rainbow and beautiful post Kellie. I'm not really sure that i believe in the afterlife either, but I've felt Liam's presence twice since he passed. I know how much you're cherishing that moment you felt with your mum, and that it's forever etched in your heart.

I love your dad's spirit, and your family's traditions.

Love to you xx

fast times in münchen. said...

I love this. And you're right Kevin. None of those are plausible excuses to miss out on such a family tradition.

I got goosebumps reading about your mum. My arm hair is standing on end. Kisses to you Kellie xx

Melanie Waugh said...

Kel this would make a great children's book! (with illustrations ;))

Madeleine said...

You have the best Dad and best family traditions. How wonderful to see/feel your Mum in that special place xx

Lottie Storey | Oyster & Pearl said...

That water is so beautiful! And I love the rainbow - a small consolation to so much rain.

kit and nancy. said...

a gorgeous post. loved the bit about your mama. such a beautiful spot, why wouldn't your mama not want to join you there? xx

Nell said...

You're such a beautiful storyteller Kellie. And your family has such cool traditions.

Really lovely words about your mum too xx

tea with lucy said...

oh kellie. this was such a moving post. . . all of it.

and we all need someone like your dad in our lives to rally the troops. i do for sure!

rachel ox

Sarah said...

Ahh, you've captured the spirit that is Muttonbird so beautifully. It is a special place. And those photos are ppprrreeeety Kel.

I'm on Kevins team on this one. Go Team Monty Muttonbird. Go!

Dressing Ivana said...

This pohots are so tender. I love her hat

 

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