What Awe Is...

On the weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Coffee Bay, a tiny hamlet about a 2 hour drive East of Mthatha, on what is known as “The Wild Coast” of South Africa. Rightfully named, these shorelines are virtually untouched by humans and it really does feel quite “wild” to see waves crash against jagged rocks and cows grazing in the neighboring grasslands. We decided to spend the day hiking from Coffee Bay to Hole in the Wall, another hamlet, named after a rock formation carved by the ocean. It was during this hike that I finally discovered what a sense of awe truly is. For basically the entirely of our 3 hour hike, my mind was constantly saying “Wow! This is absolutely incredible!” I didn’t cease to be completely taken aback by the beauty that was around me. We walked along the edges of cliffs, up and down grassy hills, along the jagged black rocks at sea level and on smooth sandy beaches. I loved that there was always something new to look at—water, rocks, colours, houses, animals and vegetation all varied along the way. And the experience became more than just seeing—the smell of the ocean, taste of the salt, feeling of the wind and mist, along with spectacular views made for near sensory overload! It surprised me how quickly a long hike could pass when there was just so much to take in. I think one of the things I appreciate the most about the Wild Coast is how secluded everything is, and how it is such a raw natural environment with no cars or roads or people. It almost made me feel like an intruder in the majesty of God’s creation. I think I’ve fallen in love with the incredible beauty of South Africa!