I'm on the southernmost shoreline of Africa today, continuing my exploration of this thin, yet long and remote region called the Garden Route. And the setting is conducive to deep introspection and insight. Here's what dawned on me this morning:
The wealthiest person in the world is the one that has the most of two specific items. These items are paradoxically simultaneously abundant, yet scarce. Do you know what they are?
Yes, it's obvious. SPACE and TIME. Well, here today I feel like the richest man in Babylon because I have so much of both. On this beach I feel like I have it all. It's truly mind blowing. Or is that the strong wind blowing into my ears after the storm?
The red flag is up to indicate that conditions are unsuitable for swimming. There was a bit of a storm overnight and the winds are fresh, though it's still warm, since it's mid summer.
The ocean is rough and unsettled, with the wind disrupting the water's surface considerably by the look of it. Somehow the cooler conditions brought on by the thick cloud cover actually make me feel more energized today too.
Also, the wind makes it easy for me to break into a run all along the water's edge. What a great way to keep fit. The entire length of this particular beach called Robberg beach, is about 4.5km and jogging barefoot on the sand is a beautiful experience.
It's much better than jogging on the tar road with the passing cars and their pollution. Here the air is fresh, healthy and full of oxygen, as well as uplifting negative ions. It's one of the best things for the mood to simply take a run along this beach.
Another result of the overnight storm is a massive wash up of bluebottles which now lie strewn all along the shoreline as far as the eye can see. They can be dangerous due to their long thin tails which can cause a powerful sting sometimes when they brush against your skin.
Swimmers and surfers might be familiar with the experience. They seem harmless today, though I've been stung by them in the past and it can be very uncomfortable for a while. This may be another reason why the red flag is up today, warning people to avoid swimming.
Besides the bluebottles, the overnight storm surge has also washed up some more Asian plastic, in the form of water bottles, presumably from passing cargo tankers or fishing boats. This single use plastic is the bane of the seas and all who live in it. Perhaps one day we'll phase out plastic of this sort by finding a more eco-friendly alternative.
The storm surge also occasionally washes up the bodies of seals who die at sea, perhaps from the storm or old age or even shark bites. This beach is home to a large seal colony that live on the peninsula that jutts out to sea from the shore.
Even without the option to swim today in these turbulent waters, it's still possible to feel exhilarated by all the wide open space, and of course all the time in the world to appreciate it. Such is the life of a digital nomad and wondering beachwalker.
It's not Luke Skywalker here, it's Jules Beachwalker, bringing you views from the furthest edge of the planet, where few have ever had the chance to tread.
Photos my own, published onto the Hive blockchain from my mobile device for all intrepid beachwalkers.
[//]:# ([//]:# (!worldmappin -34.08468 lat 23.37098 long Robberg beach, Plettenberg Bay d3scr))