Weekending in Byron

Exploring at Broken Head

Byron Bay holds a special place in my heart. The first time I ever visited I had only just left my teenage years behind and was newly dating a photographer who worked at a camera shop. He invited me to pack a bag and head to Byron with him for a week, living out of his van. We had no other accommodation and no other plans. And so we went. My friends warned me that a week away 'roughing it' so early in a relationship could mean make or break. But it was that week in Byron; waking up next to the ocean, 'street camping', public showering and living on the beach, talking and laughing all the while; that I fell in love with my future husband. 

When he asked me not too long afterwards to marry him, there was no other place for it but Byron. Walking down Belongil beach to say 'I do', cemented that place in my heart, and with the birth of our first son, we honored what had become a symbol of our love by giving Cohen the second name Byron.

I'm reminded of all these things each time we visit Byron. Not matter how much it changes. No matter the time in between. Next month will mark the eleventh year since I walked down that beach as a twenty one year old bride. And my, how many things have changed. 

This past weekend we spent a couple of days in Byron as a family, staying at a beautiful rented house with friends. Just out of town and a ten minute walk from the beach, I never once ventured in to town, spending my time at the beach and with the children instead. Sitting on the beach Saturday morning, Dave and the children in the water, I took in the beach at Byron once more. The headland and lighthouse. The trees and tourists. The distinct lack of high rises. The natural beauty. And Byron charmed me all over again.

Lets go away for awhile

On Sunday I stepped through my front door for the first time in nine days. As eager as I was to get away, I was just as happy to return home again. As I unpacked our suitcases I reacquainted myself with our dwelling. I walked from room to room, folding clothes, putting away books, replacing toiletries. As I went, I noticed all the little details. The domestic comforts. The meaningful mementos. My favourite colours. Everything was familiar, but seemed to shine in a new light after our short absence. The home body in myself was content. Not long ago I had been feeling fed up with the constraints of home after my eye surgery. It's so good to really feel again that there is no place like home. Absence, it seems, does indeed make the heart grow fonder. 

Getting away was absolutely what I needed though. I enjoyed it immensely. I've returned reinvigorated and inspired. I filled my suitcase with new books, leaves, shells, sketches and notes. I felt the sand between my toes each day and the sun on my back. I walked over rocks and over dunes. I swam in the sea and I fished in the river. I celebrated my tenth wedding anniversary and my fifth Mothers Day. I explored the coastal towns of Yamba, Broomes Head, Maclean, Byron Bay and Kingscliff. So much natural beauty. I met up with the lovely Megan of The Byron Life - and the time flew by much too quickly. I packed handmade and locally produced goods in to my suitcase. I explored with my family. I watched my son catch his first fish, his first wave. I watched my daughter walk on the beach, and point at everything with delight. And I carried my camera all the while to try and capture some of the beauty and share it with you.

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All but the first and last three photos were taken in Yamba. The last few were taken in Byron Bay.