Textured water

This part of a creek in Coal Creek Village captivated me with the different "textures" it created as it flowed around a partly submerged branch, then over the edge of the earth and rocks as it continued its journey.  Then I spotted the reflection of overhanging shrubs . . .

Looking forward to exploring other reflections at

James' Weekend Reflection

 

(Thank you James, and happy weekend to all)

Camellia Sasanqua

(I hope I've identified this Camellia correctly!)

 

Linking up with Nick's Floral Friday Fotos

Eastern Yellow Robin

 

This gorgeous species clearly thrived in the environment offered by Coal Creek Village

(mentioned in an earlier post) and was a delightful companion on my walk around the acreage

 

 

I love the "coal" colour of its head and wings, providing a strong contrast to the

brilliant yellow of its throat and underparts

 

 

Joining in with Stewart's Wild Bird Wednesday

Steam train

The delightful and fascinating Coal Creek Village (on the outskirts of Korumburra in Gippsland, Victoria), offers its visitors a steam train ride around its many acres.

 

Coal Creek Community Park & Museum was initially created to preserve the unique history of coal, the development of the South Gippsland railway and the rural settlement which was accelerated by the dairy and timber industries.

Coal was accidentally discovered in South Gippsland in 1872, near the present site of Coal Creek when James Brown’s horse, watering near the creek, kicked a sizable piece of coal free from the surface. Some 16 years later coal began to be mined. It was the first successful commercial coalfield in Victoria.  (Information courtesy of Melbourne Playgrounds)

Visit Our World Tuesday for more scenes around our amazing globe
(and with grateful thanks to the team who make that meme thrive)

Rain-kissed Grevillea

 

 

Linking in with Gemma's Macro Monday 2

 

Port Albert

 

Port Albert, Gippsland

 

The adjacent tower

Pacific Gull

 

 

Here you can see how much larger the Pacific Gull is compared with its Silver Gull companions

 

For more reflections from around the world, visit James'

Weekend reflection

 

Empty threats !

As was often the case during the month away, the day began with somewhat

ominous clouds, only to give way an hour or two later to blue skies and sunshine 

 

 

 

Joining in the fun at Skywatch Friday

with continuing gratitude to our hosts

Diverse scenery

One excursion took me to Tara Bulga National Park in south-eastern Victoria.

Following are images of some of the scenery en route

 

I drove through forests of Radiata Pine and Hardwood 

In the park itself was this sturdy suspension bridge

 

 

and a canopy of tree ferns throughout the walk

 

 

Although I could hear the calls of various birds throughout this 1.5 hour walk,

they kept themselves hidden.  Had hoped to spot a Lyrebird but, after hearing a rustle in the vegetation as I approached, all I managed to capture was it's tail !

 

Linking up with fellow bloggers at Outdoor Wednesday

Mt Baw Baw - Pt 1

Not wanting to tackle driving with snow chains on the car, or coping with black ice on the roads,

I opted for an experienced 4WD tour driver for my day trip to Mt Baw Baw

in the Victorian Alpine region. 

 

This snow-covered car was one of our first sights on arrival at the resort !

 

 

. . . . some frozen gum leaves



The rich colours of the magnificent snow gums constantly took my breath away,

providing a delightful contrast to the white snow

 

.... and this was one of many chalets within the Village.

 

 

Here is the delicious meal I referred to in an earlier post

 

"It's beginning to look like Christmas" don't you think? 

(well, those experienced in the northern climes anyway!)

 

 

(I hope this post doesn't take too long to load for you patient viewers -

I am still trying to decide what is the best resolution setting to choose when shooting!)

 

To see more images from around the world,

do visit Our World Tuesday

Thawing out

Of course a trip to the snow was a must while in Victoria, so I enjoyed

a superb day at Mt Baw Baw in perfect conditions (well, for a photographer anyway!)

. . . . but more of that tomorrow.

 

Meanwhile, this growth thawing out on a branch caught my eye -

 

as did these icicles on the roof of the restaurant where I lunched on a delicious

lemon/lime chicken with chilli couscous topped with yoghurt

 as I took in the wonderful view!

Linking up with Macro Monday 2

(thank you Gemma for hosting)

Fascinating Funghi

Throughout my Gippsland excursions, my attention was regularly drawn to the

extraordinary variety of funghi shapes, colours and sizes growing - and in unusual places !

 

Stay tuned for the next episode of my adventure in Victoria !

(Meanwhile, I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend)