To the ponds I go

Feeling somewhat embarrassed after an email or two from cheeky blog friends asking if I was still
on-planet or if I was sick, I felt it was time (a-hem) well overdue in fact to make my presence known again. And not by just publishing a little post, but visiting you and seeing what you've all been up to. Where does time go I wonder!
The tropics of northern Australia continue to be . . . well the tropics - hot, humid, sapping the mind of all coherent thought and the body of all things too physical.  So for a change from the (almost) daily trip to the air-conditioned gym I decided to head off in the dark and visit the ponds yesterday.

It was unusually quiet, only the odd duck and magpie goose

The last time I visited the ponds the lilly pads were dormant, this time it was riot of colour & blooms

I had good intentions of heading back home before the sun rose too high in the sky but sitting and observing and waiting for that great shot (which just didn't happen today) is so time consuming hence the sun was indeed quite high as I set off for home.

HAPPY BLOGGING

And what is happening in Scotland? .....................it is very, very cold in Scotland.

Image credit - Jim DeanS      Newton Stewart , South West Scotland 

Island living

For the Aussies out there who have fond memories of their visits to Magnetic Island and for those who live in much cooler climes who'd like a stab of warmth and those who one day might visit, it brings me great pleasure to bombard you with images from the warm tropical north of Australia!  The sea is rather balmy, the sand warm with cooling breezes from the ocean to lift the spirits and it's a photographer's paradise.

After 25+ years a lot has changed but the important things have not.  

Departing the harbour on board the vehicle ferry, or one can cross to the island on the passenger only ferry.

Leaving the harbour and breakwater looking toward Magnetic Island

Looking back to the mainland - half way across (4 kms)

This is what one hires these days with which to explore the island

My favourite time of day - before sunrise

Stay tuned....... 4-5 days still to go!

HAPPY BLOGGING

A photo shoot

When spending time together on Sunday I was so impressed with my grandson's self-control that I couldn't resist posting our little photo shoot.

You see he is usually always like this:

Energetic     Lively     Active

Vivacious     Happy     Playful

And when I asked him to show another side he was able to show immediate and total restraint and self-control to indulge his 'Noni'.  He did a superb job, Noni was proud.

CONTEMPLATION

and  MEDITATION

A glimpse into the future perhaps.
                                                                     For Jack
                                                                      From Noni
                                                                         xxx

If you go down to the ponds today, you're sure of a big surprise.....

No teddy bears, just magpie geese and ducks. No pond lillies, but lots of lovely ripples and reflections - and the big surprise, the ever elusive Mr Turtle made his presence known (actually there was lots of turtles but only this one appeared for me -  in a shy kind of way.
Enjoy the images of my walk to the ponds!

Now you see me                                                                                      now you don't

                 

What? you won't give me bread?? Everyone else does.    

Magpie Geese

                 

Ripples and reflections aplenty at the ponds today

Pacific Black Ducks

What a pretty boy am I

After googling may I introduce.............the Plumed Whistling Duck

It's been a while since I've posted and I seemed to have taken a break from blogging albeit unintentionally. I will look forward to catching up with many of you and your recent posts over the next few days.

HAPPY BLOGGING

A fine hilly walk

Credit - Public Domain

Castle Hill is in essence a pink monolith situated in the heart of the city boasting views in every direction - over Cleveland Bay and out to Magnetic Island or inland to the mountain ranges. It's very popular with the locals who enjoy its offerings for fitness and training by way of its tarred road winding up 2.6kms or its goat track. During WWII the hill (rising 940ft) was used as a comms and observation post.  Anyhow back to the present.  Two days ago Spice-girl encouraged me to give it a go (I didn't believe I would even make it half way up) but put on a brave face. To quote her I 'smashed' it!

We arrived in the dark, it was decidedly chilly with a crisp wind blowing (lovely) and set off.

 We made it to the top and as we turned to make our descent, the sun was rising over Cleveland Bay and put on a lovely display.

And the day really dawned as we made our way down

Morning had truly broken as we made our final descent

HAPPY BLOGGING

NOTE: Solid proof - Official 'Hill Hikers' at the top!

A Gold Coast break Part 2

The Gold Coast hinterland is affectionately known as the green behind the gold. The entire hinterland covers a large area and we were fortunate to have the time to visit two.

Gathered from what the locals told me, Tamborine Mountain  has a population cap of 10,000 (currently at 5-7,000 and not all full-time residents, many weekenders) thus ensuring the integrity of the Mountain community and providing a sustainable environment for all creatures great and small.  It's very popular if a property comes on the market as it's only 550m (approx) up to the plateau making it an easy drive. I could easily live here.
The views are magnificent, the flora and fauna wonderful and the human infrastructure sensitive and complete. A trip down to the city at your feet only necessary if you so wished.
Enjoy the photos of my dream living environment.  Oh, did I mention it's also very cool up at Tamborine Mountain - there are chimneys and fireplaces! My kinda country!

Home to Queensland's first National Park

Charming businesses with beautiful wares for sale

Homes with breathtaking views to both the east (coastal) and west (inland)

I'll leave you with some flora on the Mountain

                      

                     

                     

Farewell from Tamborine Mountain

Rest assured that Part 3 or 4 will hold all things great, small, furry and/or wet.