Sometimes all it takes is to see a familiar place with a fresh perspective. A favourite pastime of Passenger is to escape locally and appreciate what's on our doorstep. Friend of the team AJ Roulstone reflects on returning to home soil and reconnecting with places close to home.
“The sun melted into the sea behind me turning the sky a hazy orange. I stayed out just a little while longer knowing I was right where I was meant to be...”
The pursuit of escapism, adventure and travel has taken me all over the world. I’m a firm believer in travel as a way to broaden the mind and figure out what’s important. I’ve spent most of my late 20’s on the road and I wouldn’t change a thing, but this time the destination was a place I call home.
It feels like a lifetime ago I was back there with nothing much to do. Nowhere to be, no connecting flights, bags to pack or people to meet. At first I thought I’d go stir crazy, but as the van leaned around a routine bend and over the ridge, something had changed.
It was mid September and trees lining up along the far side of Lake Horne had started to turn russet and orange. It was always a beautiful time of year to be on the Island. Every weather every day gives the landscape a depth that endless sunshine can't.
I decided to go the long way around the water. I rolled along the road at a steady pace, taking my time to soak up the scenery as if for the first time. A classic Pacific NorthWest fog was clearing on the horizon just in time for a welcome golden sunset to fill the van.
As a warming light beamed through the pines an old beach sign caught my eye. A rush of nostalgia hit me for all the days I’d caught waves at this spot.
“I took a moment to appreciate the journey that brought me here, it felt good to be back.”
I rose early the next morning and packed up essentials for an overnighter. Well worn layers, a blanket or two and something to warm the toes. I’d return to the old spot just a few miles away that offered waves, trees and good memories. The smell of wet pine and salt water in the air took me right back, funny how a smell can do that.
My old board was right where I left it, hadn’t moved an inch. I loaded up the van, dialled in some tunes and set off. I detoured down to an old waterfall, rustled up some brunch and kicked back for a while. There was no-one around and these simple moments are what it’s all about.
I reached the spot where I’d spend the night and met a few locals, we shared a story or two about travels gone by. I’m not sure how long I was in the water, time seemed to slow as I basked in the waves I’d caught a lifetime ago.
The sun melted into the sea behind me turning the sky a hazy orange. I stayed out just a little while longer knowing I was right where I was meant to be. Whatever I had been searching for I found right there, in places close to home.
