Story by Saskia
Solstice Moon & Glasshouse Zen
Adventure in Merrijig, High Country, VIC, AU
For thousands of years, saunas have been an enriching part of many cultures around the world, Japan included. Arriving at our zen little cabin in the foothills of the Victorian High Country, my senses were taken back to our trips to the Japanese mountains. It wasn't just the beautiful steaming cedar barrel sauna, but also the crisp alpine air, the sound of a babbling little creek, and the Autumnal remnants of Japanese maple leaves scattered underfoot.
Looking up to the sky I watched in awe a full solstice moon play hide and seek behind the clouds and the towering pine trees, while my little family relaxed into 'the glass house'. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows of our shipping container cabin enabled us to feel one with the forest at our doorstep. Spotting wild deer in the night and tuning in to the faraway call of a Powerful owl, we certainly felt amongst the forest folk. We poured ourselves a hot drink and fired up the sauna for the night, before crashing in the comfort of the sun-lit bed by the windows.
Across our weekend in Merrijig I indulged in a 'spa-sauna-rest-repeat' pattern that had me sinking into the spirit of the solstice; in winter it's a time for rest and reflection as our seasons mark their shortest day and we lean into the longest night. It felt symbolic to find myself in a place such as this, at a time when nature lies peaceful and dormant, inviting us to go inward... I read my novel, snuggled up with my loves and our pup, and surrendered to the kind of slow that this season begs for.
As the days soon become longer again and the sun slowly begins to shine warmer, I can imagine returning here with the trees in full bloom and the summertime swimming pool inviting us to dive in. All year round however, if you're looking for a spot of serenity and Japanese-inspired simplicity, I think I've found it - luxurious spa and sauna sessions included!...
Looking up to the sky I watched in awe a full solstice moon play hide and seek behind the clouds and the towering pine trees, while my little family relaxed into 'the glass house'. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows of our shipping container cabin enabled us to feel one with the forest at our doorstep. Spotting wild deer in the night and tuning in to the faraway call of a Powerful owl, we certainly felt amongst the forest folk. We poured ourselves a hot drink and fired up the sauna for the night, before crashing in the comfort of the sun-lit bed by the windows.
Across our weekend in Merrijig I indulged in a 'spa-sauna-rest-repeat' pattern that had me sinking into the spirit of the solstice; in winter it's a time for rest and reflection as our seasons mark their shortest day and we lean into the longest night. It felt symbolic to find myself in a place such as this, at a time when nature lies peaceful and dormant, inviting us to go inward... I read my novel, snuggled up with my loves and our pup, and surrendered to the kind of slow that this season begs for.
As the days soon become longer again and the sun slowly begins to shine warmer, I can imagine returning here with the trees in full bloom and the summertime swimming pool inviting us to dive in. All year round however, if you're looking for a spot of serenity and Japanese-inspired simplicity, I think I've found it - luxurious spa and sauna sessions included!...
Things We Did
- Experience
- Swim
- Walk
- Local produce
- Forest
- Town
The beautiful and wild Delatite river rises from the western slopes of the Victorian Alps and descends to flow into the Goulburn River, eventually to Lake Eildon. Along its path it cascades over beautiful rock formations and forms perfect pools to sit beside and ponder life, or let your worries go with nature's best white noise....
Surrounded by grazing land and mountain forests, Mansfield is a classic country town like so many, that originated during the gold rush days. Steeped in history there's plenty to explore, with multiple country pubs, interesting shops and a huge tree-lined median strip through the centre, which makes for a nice place to wander and take it all in. We found ourselves here during the annual Winter solstice festival which takes place every June....
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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