A Morning Walk

The Peninsula News Fellowship of Australian Writers Literary competition winner in the non-fiction category is Cassandra White of Ettalong.

I stride along the beach on my morning walk. The view is enchanting, so peaceful. I inhale its magical beauty and with each breath it revives me - I feel good all over. I watch the waves as they roll onto the golden sand, playfully darting back and forth in many shades of bluey green.

Another walker approaches and without slowing our step we exchange a friendly smile followed by a chirpy "good morning".

Up ahead a Golden Retriever bounds towards me all wet and salty after a dip in the ocean.

He's almost upon me ready to jump up with a playful greeting.

His owner calls him just in time and he turns on his heel and returns to chase the ball once more with endless reserves of energy.

In the distance a lone fisherman stands by his rod with the line cast into the sea, forever hopeful that he will catch a bite.

The humming of the Ettalong-Palm Beach ferry draws my attention as it glides through the water, manoeuvring through the buoys towards its destination.

Now it's passed and all I can see is the tree-covered headlands framing the tranquil sea - What a wonderful place to be!

Cassandra White, September 1