Exhilarating Port Elliot . . and more !

Definitely my favourite part of South Australia is the Fleurieu Peninsula, south of Adelaide.  Above is the breathtaking bay at Port Elliot, which is popular with both surfers and fishermen. 

  

If you're looking for a totally refreshing break from the hassles and busyness of life, you need look no further - about 1+1/4 hrs' drive from the city, on your way to the seashore you'll travel through such calming surroundings as those above and below; lush green vegetation, deep ravines, magnificent gum trees and, if you listen carefully, you're likely to hear the enchanting "conversation" of Kookaburras!

Contributing to http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/

While walking my dog . .

These pretty flowering gums were spotted on a local street last November, amid the majority of red and orange varieties, so I couldn't resist snapping them up!

Contributing to http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com.au/

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead.

City lights +

Looking across the River Torrens at Adelaide's city lights, and

A calmer section of the River Torrens, upstream from the shot posted earlier this week, along the Gorge Road.

Linking with James' http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/

Fascinating "fingers" in the sky

Linking with http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/

(happy weekend to all)

Identification required !

Sorry folks - I don't know the name of this flower; is it a Dahlia?

(it was in a public park area adjacent to the River Murray, so couldn't ask the owners!)

Joining http://www.floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com.au/

I saw red !

  . . and white . .

. . green and gold (there's those Aussie colours again!) . .

The rivers run . . .

This was the start of a great day's shooting (photographically speaking, of course!) in the Adelaide Hills. These shots were along the Gorge Road not far from Cudlee Creek Wildlife Park.   

The conditions were very helpful - no dazzling sun, yet still enough light - the air crisp & fresh without being cold, and around every corner another wonderful photographic opportunity presented itself!

Autumn + the Macarena ?!

This Autumn shot was taken last year at Stirling, in the Adelaide Hills

and yes, I know my sense of humour is weird, but on looking through the images in my collection, it struck me that this tree appears to be dancing to "The Macarena" !!

Greetings to all at http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/

Green & Gold

Linking to http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com.au/

(Trusting you all had a great weekend)

This wide brown land

On the road to/from Tarlee, about 1.5 hrs north of Adelaide - 

following are some of the images from that photo shoot outing . . .

Again, my fascination with trees and bark comes to the fore !

If only this sadly rejected former home could tell it's tales of life 100 years ago.

This is looking back toward Adelaide and the wonderful Mt Lofty Ranges on the horizon.

I salute our farmers around Australia - it's a harsh and demanding life,

but generation after generation persevere against the elements, and we are the benefactors of their industrious efforts . . bravo!

Contributing to http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com.au/

"Just walkin' in the Rain..."

Late last year, when we should have been experiencing hot weather, we were treated to some glorious rain. Being determined to get out on a photo shoot on this particular day,  our surroundings "came to life" and the natural fragrances of moist earth, damp leaves and eucalypt trees was invigorating.

Wishing all a wonderful weekend.

Liquid gold ?

This was taken back in January looking across the saltpans towards the sea.

Visit http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/ to see other skyscenes from around the world.

An afternoon on the river

Last month a group of us sailed up the Port River on a huge Catamaran. As we left the docks and I looked back, a huge wave of nostalgia came over me - in my youth, that marvellous building in the centre housed the Port Adelaide Institute Library, of which I became a member; one can easily recall the dark, quiet, almost-musty smell of the old books on shelves!  Then, not many years later it became home to Her Majesty's Customs & Excise Department, where I worked for 5 years straight out of school and it was an excellent grounding for my subsequent, long corporate career.

I am very grateful for the opportunities it provided for me to expand my skills and to travel.

. . . a lot of water has "gone under the bridge" since those days !

After our cruise, we adjourned to a nearby harbourside pub for pancakes (as you do) , and this quirky image of cutlery rolled up in napkins and piled on a tray appealed to my "whacky" photographer's eye!

Contributing to http://nfmemes.blogspot.com/ (thanks for the invite).

Bourton-on-the-Water

What a gorgeous spot is Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds, England.

It was quite a hot day when we visited in May 2009 and toddlers were paddling in the shallow River Windrush. Happy memories!

Visit http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com.au/ for other water scenes from around the world.

. . . and then there was Camelot

The following images were taken in the grounds of Camelot Castle situated in the Adelaide Hills.  It is a popular venue for weddings and receptions and has a delightful ambience - although it seemed preparations were underway for an outdoor garden wedding, and lunch-time guests were dining alfresco, I still strongly felt the desire to "tip-toe" through the grounds!

Contributing to, and inviting you to see other images from around the globe at:  http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/

The pinks have it !

This beauty was in a friend's garden last year

- don't you just love the way rosebuds open up to display their hidden treasure?

That early morning perspective

These shadows on the sand were cast by sign boards

on the foreshore adjacent to Henley Jetty at 7 a.m.

Contributing to http://shadowshotsunday2.blogspot.com.au/ and

http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com.au/

Many thanks to the hosts of these sites, and happy weekend to all!

That golden touch

On the recent trip to Caloundra, Queensland, these adjacent apartment blocks were washed in gold late afternoon as the sun was setting.

For other reflections from around the world, visit James' http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/

"Flag" or Iris ?

Last year several bulbs were given to me by a good friend and, not being a dedicated gardener, I was delighted when this gorgeous bloom appeared some time later.

(I have to confess to posting it previously last year, but not on the Floral Friday site).

To see other blooms from around the world, do visit http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com.au/

Benefits of walking the dog !

In addition to the benefits of us both getting exercise, when taking my Jessie (Shih-Tzu/Lhasa Apso dog) for a walk, there is always the bonus of seeing some beautiful sunsets that I might otherwise have missed!

Contributing to http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/

More of Kings Beach, Caloundra, Qld

I liked the semi-circular pattern created on the water's surface here by the tide movement.

 (This little critter thought he'd escaped my camera's beady eye !)

Contributing to http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com.au/

A splash of yellow

This beautiful flowering plant was climbing through a fence as we walked around the Kings Beach area of Caloundra, Qld, recently. 

Contributing to http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com.au/

Duplication ?

From our recent dolphin cruise - these shots were taken on board the catamaran; one on the way up river, the other on the return voyage.

Contributing to James' http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/ 

and wishing all a blessed Easter

Thundery skies

 . . . . more of Kings Beach, Caloundra, Queensland and

contributing to http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Happy Easter to all fellow bloggers.

Spray that again . . ?

Caught this one at Kings Beach during last week's brief holiday at Caloundra.

Contributing to http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com.au/

Memories of Tasmania

 Although a sparkling white, pristine bench may appeal to some, I really liked the weathered look of this garden seat. How many secrets could it tell ??!

..... and this delightful little cherub, "minding" the pretty hydrangeas, won my heart !

  

 .... how about these scrumptious-looking apples growing in the front garden -Tasmania is not called "The Apple Isle" for nothing !
 

..... a sudden downpour of rain had me sheltering under this large tree and I really took a shine to the large urn on the pedestal (weird how some things "grab" you !)

  
 These yachts were braving the unpredictable elements as we watched from the warmth and safety of the house on the hill (yes - I know, getting a bit soft with the advancing years !)

With the rainbow peeking through the branches of this elegant gum, I was captivated by the watery sheen on the trunk and limbs.

Contributing to http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/

and inviting you to visit that blogsite for other scenes from around the world.

Blast from the Past !

This 1953 FJ Holden brought back a strong sense of nostalgia and, for the benefit of those who may be interested, details about this Australian "icon" are shown below.

The vehicle was on display in Queensland's Aussie World visited last week.

Hoping it brings back happy memories for some of you !