Beach sunrise
14 December 09
With a bit of planning the night before, taking the girls to the beach for an early morning swim was not as difficult as it sounds. I knew that if we wanted to properly enjoy the beach this summer, we had to do it early in the morning, and it would be better without a newborn (as in, now!).
So I packed the car the night before, and David and I got up soon after 3 am. First we each logged onto our respective computers to check our online correspondence, then at about 4 (the sky is just starting to lighten up) we bundled the girls into the car and drove south to the sand and surf.
We arrived in time to catch the sunrise, which was delayed by thick clouds on the horizon. Even though it’s officially school holidays, there were empty car parks right at the edge of the sand. The only other people on the beach were early morning walkers and the occasional surfer.




After about an hour, we moved from the surf beach around to a sheltered beach park without waves. When we arrived, the only people in the park were spry senior citizens waving metal detectors across the sand or languidly stroking through the water.


On the floating pontoon, David entertained us with his somersaults into the water before taking Aisha to look at the shark nets that protected the swimming area. After our big swim, we were all hungry enough to eat something for a picnic breakfast.


When we left, the sun was just starting to get hot, and we joined the flow of traffic commuting to the city for work. We arrived home at about 8 am, feeling like we’d already enjoyed half a day with our special outing!
1 · Anya · 14 December 2009, 17:36
Hi Lauren
Just checked in on you via you blog. What a neat idea to hit the beach on sunrise. We might try it sometime these holidays! All the best for the end of your pregnancy. We’ll be praying for you and the baby especially when we pray for your family each Friday.
Is the NZ move progressing? love, Anya
2 · Robin · 14 December 2009, 18:28
what a fab idea!! looks like you had a lot of fun!
3 · Kathleen · 14 December 2009, 23:57
A perfect day!! And what beautiful pictures!
4 · LoriM · 15 December 2009, 03:54
That is a great idea! Anxiously awaiting Baby D news.
5 · Cheryl · 15 December 2009, 11:09
Calista is beautiful!
6 · Manou · 17 December 2009, 16:53
In the olden days last century when I was a student in Sydney we(a group of us from church)often swam during the night. As with you I can remember being so relieved to have NO sun! On the other hand Annie’s last letter from Switzerland is bemoning the fact that she has no sun at all!
7 · Twinkle · 18 December 2009, 17:05
That really is a sparkling adventure. Inspirational and I loved the gorgeous pics and am glad you included a pic of your beautiful self. thank you