Friday, April 26, 2013

Where The Forest Meets The Sea


As Paul’s wonderful stretch of long service leave enters its final weeks and as the school holidays slip away, I’m finding myself desperate to make the most of every last minute of precious family time we have available to spend together.

Yesterday we returned home from four days spent down south in Denmark. Four days of slowing down and soaking in the magic and beauty of this town, a picturesque retreat where the forest meets the sea and where our hearts feel at home... a place that we all love and that I know will be a part of our future for many years to come…




Arriving on Sunday afternoon, the air was brisk and had a definite feel of autumn. Chillier temperatures than we’d left in Perth called for jackets and beanies and the lighting of a wood fire, a nightly ritual which created a cosy atmosphere in our little cottage as it continued to glow well into the night. Winter pyjamas and slippers made an appearance and morning snuggles in bed together were enjoyed.

Days were spent visiting favourite haunts, exploring the stunning forests and farmland and simply relaxing. Nights were spent soaking in the peace and quiet, sipping on tea and nibbling dark chocolate (wine and dark chocolate for Paul). After dinner and with the girls tucked in bed, we would read. The only interruption to the silence was the crackling of the fire. It was refreshing to experience such stillness as opposed to nights back home spent in front of the television or with my laptop nearby.

One of my highlights of this visit was the delicious lunch we enjoyed at The Lake House… a winery with not only a stunning view and gardens, but also with exquisite food and wines. Paul and I shared a tasting plate, filled with such amazing produce and paired with such flavoursome condiments, that I’ve been singing the praises of that dish ever since…





Grace’s highlight was without a doubt the Denmark Animal Farm where we spent most of Tuesday morning. We were all pleased to see that the missing koala who had escaped from her cage when we last visited had since been returned to her mate after a neighbouring farmer heard her cries in the bush one kilometre away.

It was so sweet watching the girls interact with the farm animals. Camera in hand, I snapped away as Grace gently embraced joeys and lambs. She exuded such confidence feeding even the larger animals such as horses and alpacas, and tenderly stroked guinea pigs and kids. In stark contrast, Sophie was petrified of pretty much every animal except for the chickens and the camel. As we encouraged her to feed the sheep and pat the rabbits, she would answer with a stern ‘NO’ and spent most of our two hour visit with a furrowed brow, clinging to Paul’s shoulder, a look of definite concern on her face.








Now, at home once again, as I unpack our bags and gradually catch up on washing, my mind wanders back to our beloved Denmark… and my heart yearns for our next visit which I’m already looking forward to…

10 comments:

  1. What a perfect time away with the family. Gorgeous photos and that last shot is absolutely amazing. Mel x

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    1. Thanks so much Mel! I loved that photo too as the way the little joey wrapped its paws around Grace's arm was just so sweet :) I've been thoroughly enjoying reading your posts about your family's holiday adventures too xx

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  2. Oh Amanda, this is possibly one of my favourite posts of yours!
    I can just feel the blissful calm oozing out of your words and photos. Such a beautiful break from the busy-ness of life and home.
    That lunch looks soooooo good. And I can imagine my kids at that farm too....feeding the animals and enjoying the lifestyle that is so different from our daily one.
    Love love love this! Keep enjoying Paul being home and the precious family time together.
    xx

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    1. You are so sweet Claire, and coming from a writer like you who words always captivate me, your comment means even more :)

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  3. Ahh, now I want to get back there too!! That tasting plate looks very very tasty indeed, I think tasting plates are the best lunch options. Mmm cheesey goodness.
    I love that Sophie was scared of the cute baby animals but not the big evil chooks and massive camel - classic! I'm sure Grace will have won her around to them by the time you are next there.

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    1. You should have seen her face when we gave her a guinea pig to hold - hilarious! :)

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  4. So many of our favourite places! Glad you enjoyed your visit. Would be lovely to bump into you one of these days. And tell Sophie I think she is very brave for not being scared of the camel. I drop my pellets and squeal every time I try to feed it.

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    1. I kept my eye out for you and your baby bump when we were down there... unbeknown to me, your darling baby girl had already arrived :)

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  5. Sounds like such a precious time away for you and the family...
    Ronnie xo

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  6. Amanda Denmark looks like such a beautiful place to visit, to take time out to relax and just be together as a family:) That lunch looks delicious. xx

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