It might have been deep winter, but there were still a flower or two blooming in the garden – a sign of the Spring time to come.
While we’re talking about the Abbey, I’ll post another reflection from the community. How I’d like to be walking those fields now. Hopefully I’ll get to return sometime this year.
In 2019, my yearly visit to the Abbey was in July. As always around this time, it was a bit crisp at dawn, but it was still lovely to be up with the birds.
Now, I’ve come to realise that if I were to ask anyone for guidance during these trying times, it would guidance from this little community, who have chosen to live the secluded life. So I’ve left a little video here for you to ponder on if you will.
One last post on this theme. It’s pretty much winter now so I’d better get a move on! Walking back along the avenue in the opposite direction, you’re faced with the Illawarra Escarpment looming over the bare trees – and the setting moon.
The fig tree and the big paddock was empty this time, but ever splendid on a clear winter’s day.
It’s always lovely to walk through the long grass and contemplate.
Last year, I spent my yearly Jamberoo Abbey retreat in mid-winter. I must say that the early morning starts were very chilly, but there were some glorious, clear mornings with beautiful golden light.
Early the following morning (always early starts at the Abbey), I strolled around the rainforest walk.
The path dipped from the cottages to follow the creek.
It was still dark at the lowest level.
The path undulated across the banks of the creek, so I reached the light eventually.
And much further along (away from the rainforest and the creek), there was even sunshine.
It was a lovely way to start the day.
Last year’s visit to Jamberoo Abbey took place in mid-winter. I was up bright and early the first morning to watch the sun rise.
The cattle were in the paddock closest to the cottages, which was a bonus to the photographer.
They looked to be mainly black Anguses, and were busy breakfasting…
When an interloper appeared out of the bush.
The bovines weren’t quite sure of the wombat.
And neither was the wombat completely comfortable to be so exposed. After a few nibbles of grass it wandered back to safety.
I forget sometimes that autumn is also a great season for flowers as much as spring. At Jamberoo Abbey, the silhouette of this rose caught my eye one morning. It’s like one last hurrah before winter kicks in.
My visit to Jamberoo Abbey this year occurred two weeks after Easter. As usual, I wanted to capture the avenue of trees in all their autumn glory, but due to our very long summer this year, the leaves had only just begun to turn. Nevertheless, they were always a delight to walk through, especially in the early morning.
I have kept up with my watercolour painting in recent months through my arts and craft group, and I’ll share a few with you.
Inspired by the beautiful autumn leaves at Jamberoo Abbey, I painted this wistful scene in watercolours of a walk through the woods.
Static and Silence 