Extraordinary art

My recent stay in Victoria's Dandenong Ranges included a visit to the extraordinary William Ricketts Sanctuary.

William Ricketts was a naturalist, environmentalist and sculptor who dedicated much of his life to exploring the connection that Aboriginal people have with the natural world.  (For further information, courtesy of culture.com, check out this link - A brief history of William Ricketts Sanctuary

It was a great day to visit too, with temperatures in the mid teens (C)

and occasional brief showers which released the wonderful

fragrances of nature throughout the walk.

Joining in Our World Tuesday

Shadows & more

Back to the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria (Australia) -

came across this converted chapel during my travels.

and a few metres further along that road was this stunning Hydrangea bush

..... while on the power lines overhead this Laughing Kookaburra swung by

(it was clearly the place for me to be!)

. . . and further along the road, near Sherbrooke, multitudes of 

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos gathered 

Linking up with Shadow shot Sunday 2

(if you live in Australia, you'll no doubt be seeking out the shadows

as our temperatures soar into the high 30Cs and 40Cs - 

keep cool and hydrated!)

Belmont wetlands

The recent dog & house-sit in Geelong, Victoria led me to

the Belmont Wetlands where the following images were taken

 

Hope you've all had a great week: keeping cool (or warm).

Joining in once again with James' Weekend Reflection

Amazing art

En route to Victoria for Christmas and the New Year,

I stopped off in the South Australian country town of Coonalpyn

to admire the extraordinary and amazing artwork on the

town's silos.  The paintings are of local children.

Follow this link to ABC news for the full story

Artist Guido van Helten

What a phenomenally gifted artist!   I am sure you will agree his work is outstanding and brings on-going benefit to the small town businesses

as travellers driving between South Australia and Victoria

now stop and spend their dollars rather than continuing their journey.

Joining in the fun at Skywatch Friday

- thank you Yogi for hosting. Happy New Year!

Dandenong Ranges

I spent Christmas and the New Year in my favourite Australian State, Victoria, doing a couple of dog & house-sits

The first of these took me to Ferntree Gully at the foot of the glorious Dandenong Ranges.  Following is just a taste of that invigorating environment..

Although the towns of Olinda and Sassafrass hold their own unique attractions, it was the beauty and solitude of nature that drew me in.

Trusting my fellow bloggers enjoyed a special Christmas with loved ones and that 2018 brings you and yours good health, safety and joy.

Linking up to Our World Tuesday with grateful thanks to Lady Fi and the team who operate this wonderful blog.