This past couple of days it's been a delight to spend time away with members of my men's group. We meet monthly online for a couple of hours and occasionally share time on retreat. This time we gathered at the home of our host Paul on Dangar Island in the mouth of the Hawkesbury River.
I slept in this wonderful old boat shed on the water's edge.
There's something about quietness near water that is good for the soul.
Dangar Island has a population of 303. There are no cars. It is a lush sandstone and bushland setting with narrow paths, tangled leafy gardens and creative quirky houses. There's a relaxed and artistic vibe.
This fence took me back to surfing days and some of my old boards.
This is how people transport their groceries and gear home from the ferry/
And this is how they transport building materials and equipment to and from the island.
The shapely angophora trees are stunningly beautiful.
The distant railway bridge in the setting sun
A moonlit night.
And finally, the boys waiting for the ferry back to the mainland and highways home.
It was a celebration of community, creativity and contemplation -
a rich sharing of story, sculpture, wisdom, poetry and practice,
of laugher, prayer, silence and song.
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