Relaxing on the weekend

A busy launching area at the Southern Cross Sailing Club

A glorious Sunday afternoon's sailing on Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin

 ... and this is a more recent photo of the Captain Cook fountain (another shot taken some 40+ years ago appears on my post of early this month)

 These sheep won't bother anyone - they are an artistic creation added to the

landscape of Kambah's shopping centre and much enjoyed by the locals!

This Currawong enjoyed digging out nesting material - much to the

annoyance of the basket owners!

Linking up with Outdoor Wednesday

A Winter's Walk

This was taken in the same area as that of my previous post

and the reflections show the clouds breaking up to reveal blue skies.

Linking up with James' Weekend Reflection and

Outdoor Wednesday

Hoping y'all have a marvellous weekend!

A Hen in the Hills

A Purple Swamp Hen enjoying the waters within Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens.

(Hoping you'll agree that Purple is near enough to Blue to qualify for inclusion with

 Blue Monday)!

Grebey baby!

(Sorry, couldn't help myself with the play on words! )

I think this cute critter may be a juvenile (baby even!) Australasian Grebe - spotted with the others from my previous post, in the nearby wetlands.

A heavy gathering

Captured in the wetlands adjacent to Mawson Lakes several hours ago, these were just a few of the 19 or 20 Pelicans gathered here preening themselves or just "hanging around".  In their midst were ducks, seagulls, stilts and terns, all happily mingling together - none intimidated by the size of their larger friends.

Joining James' http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/ 

Goolwa reeds

Goolwa is where the River Murray meets the ocean on the southern shores of South Australia and is just over an hour's drive from Adelaide's CBD.  It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy sailing, jet-skis, fishing, paddle-boat cruises, bird-watching or a journey on the "cockle train" from Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills.

Participating in James' http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/

A gentle disturbance

This bird gently disturbed the otherwise still water on Chain of Ponds at dusk recently.

Participating in Thursday Challenge at http://www.spunwithtears.com/thursday.html

Bottoms up!

Observed in nearby wetlands and just couldn't resist that first shot

(oh no - is there a trace of paparazzi in me?!)

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

On Golden Pond?

It was a beautiful evening at Mawson Lakes earlier this week.

Participating in James' Weekend Reflections and

Camera Critters (with thanks and congratulations to both on their anniversaries)

Visit http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/ and

http://camera-critters.blogspot.com.au/ for more topical images

First day of Spring

Last Saturday was our first day of Spring, which called for an outing to the Patawalonga Marina - one of two exclusive mooring sites for the very expensive pleasure boats of Adelaide's wealthier residents.

It was mid-to late afternoon by the time we arrived (having first "detoured" further down the coast) and conditions were just perfect for the gentleman paddling his kayak on the river.  People just relaxing on the lawns, beach, in cafes or bars weren't complaining either!  Since then, we've experienced some wild, wet and "woolly" days, but now, a week later, another glorious Spring day presents itself.

Trusting whatever season you're in right now that you are able to find some joy in it.

Spring is here!

Yesterday was our first day of Spring - and it was superb; gorgeous blue and cloudless skies accompanied by pleasantly warm temperatures. Although Brighton jetty here (looking back toward the Arch of Remembrance) seems deserted, on shore we were hard-pressed to find a car park and seating at outdoor cafes as couples, families and singles enjoyed the relief from cold, wet, blustery days. Dogs galore had also been brought out by their owners to appreciate the day!

August was apparently our wettest in 7 years and coldest in a decade, so you may understand our celebratory joy!

Participating (with thanks to the hosts) in http://shadowshotsunday2.blogspot.com.au/

Beauty all around

Despite the biting wind and the threat of rain, the sun did stay out for most of the day on yesterday's photographic foray. The brilliant and fragrant wattle (or Mimosa to those of you in the northern hemisphere), together with various tree blossoms, put on a marvellous display as we drove through the countryside.

Something's fishy here . . . !

These fish (Bream, I think) had just come in on the morning's high tide, into West Lakes where a group of keen fishermen were waiting.  West Lakes is man-made and is used for sailing and rowing (the revered King's Cup is battled out by oarsmen on this lake) - no motor boats are permitted except for a sizeable but relatively quiet tourist launch. On the incoming tide some underwater gates are opened to allow the seawater (and fish) in. On the outgoing tide, gates at the other end of the lake are opened to allow the water to flow into the Port River.  After a problem with algae bloom threatening to spoil this attractive and popular spot some years ago, it is encouraging to see things are "back on track" and the fish are thriving.

For other views from around the world, visit http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com/

A walk in the park . . . .

These shots were the result of a decision, with my friend, to go for a walk in a local park despite a forecast of inclement weather. We got damp, not drenched, and it turned into a sunny, blue-skied day after all.

Up close and personal....?

This was one of several swans on the River Torrens in Adelaide's CBD that was keen to see whether we had any food!

For other watery images, visit http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/