Do you believe there are healing powers to be had from the sea I don’t mean in terms of seaweed bi products or fish oil and the like. I think by feeling the sand between the toes, letting the air penetrate the lungs and just looking out to where there is nothing to see but the water, helps one to think more clearly. It somehow clears the head of jumbled thoughts and even solves some of the problems that can be jumbled in our heads. Perhaps some might find the same healing powers as they walk in the mountains, but as I live by the bay I use it to its full advantage as one might use medication. The scenery and the seasons can be mood altering depending on how we are at the time, exhausted feelings in the summer months are swept away by the breezes and in winter the bracing winds bring us home to the warmth of our place of residence, and this appreciation lingers with us.

To stand on the pier and farewell the ships as they set sail leaves one feeling joyous for those on their journey, often wishing we were with them but nevertheless feeling happy for them ,this can only be experienced by the sea, one can never have the same excitement at an airport or even a train station ,for they depart so quickly and are gone in an instant, a ship can be farewelled for as long as it takes to cross the horizon and its shape or its lights become dim. There is left the smell of the sea, no diesel fumes or smokey trails of exhausts.Then there is the noise of the ships horn as it blasts with the signs of smoke billowing from the funnels., the churning of the sea as the engines blast to full ahead ,the scurrying of crew as the tie all ropes one never tires at watching the gangway hoisted away which is the signal ( no more passengers) this is it we are off.

Standing on the pier as the ship moves away one is in awe of its size its majestic beauty as it glides so smoothly out to sea.People moving from each end to where they can get one last glimpse of the land .The more one takes notice of those travelling by sea the more one is aware of how much more relaxed they are ,there is a smile of anticipation of what lies ahead be it a meal ,a gentle sleep a sweet breeze. Do we see this on the faces of plane travellers or those boarding a train. Think about this for a moment and I will get back to you for an answer.

This week I welcome all those who love a rough sea, wild winds, white capped waves,sea spray in ones face. The past week has seen all these experiences happening in one minute one hour or one day.You only need to walk between the two piers starting at Station Pier( the active one) along the promenade (which was once a beach) to Princes Pier (the desolute one) to have these wonderful sensations.

As you take this walk be well rugged up wear strong shoes as the wind now is more fierce than before due to high rise buildings which create a wind tunnel. Notice not only the sea but the sculpture about half way along the promenade ,it will tell you much about the shipping lanes and how the two beacons played such a vital part in all shipping .Did you know that in the eighteen hundreds as many as 1000 ships a year tied up at the two piers with cargo and passengers bound for new adventures either in the gold fields or heading for the outskirts of Melbourne ( such as Mernda or Bundoora) to farm .Some found work in the Borough with local traders and put down roots which spawned many generations of Portites.