You may remember reading a story by Anita Lazic from the U3A Writing Group about her island home, North Stradbroke, and the beautiful photo that accompanied it. Anita had to give up her beloved Stradbroke and move to Ipswich.
Many seniors who must relinquish their long-time homes find this difficult. Anita has used her photographer’s eye and her heart to find solace in her new surrounds.
Each day I aim for a refreshing walk to the local park which is located around the corner from my new home in Ipswich.
The path leads me down a steep grade of land to an enjoyable uphill walk into the park, long enough to get my daily work-out whether it be morning, midday or late afternoon.
Discovering this walk has been a curious diversion from the confines of four walls and, walking past the park, I hear the joyful sounds of children at play.
Further up the hill, choosing a different patch of land each time to rest, my mind is free to roam as I gaze at the scene before me.
Tall gum trees, dotted along the riverbank, cast their dark shadows across the ground contrasting with the huge, fluffy white clouds above. The waters of the river flow peacefully and at sunset, the trees’ shadows are reflected in the river, creating interesting light and shade, an artist’s delight
Looking ahead I see the bend in the river revealing a basin, an enlarged natural widening. Visions of a time gone by come to mind when river steamers of yester-year would turn before or after berthing at Ipswich.
Feeling the spirits of the Australian Jagera clan from the 1800s and the many before them, presents a sense of intrigue: how they lived their everyday lives in small communities along the banks of the river when the women gathered food from the surrounding bush and the men fished and hunted; their belief that the Bunyip, a creature from Aboriginal mythology resided in the river, a devourer of human prey, especially women and children.
I can happily lose a few hours as I immerse myself in the magical scene. The mystical vibe of this area suggests the past inhabitants were peaceful and cared for the land.
In the distance I see homes scattered around on the far side of the river, inclining me to wonder what the opposite view is like from where these houses are perched on the hill.
Returning from my pleasant imaginings I begin my walk home; my body and soul refreshed, to deal with whatever my day or night has planned for me.
