Looking back - Monarto Safari Park

Looking back over 2021, one fascinating experience comes to mind that I'd like to share with you - in April, a dear friend said she'd always wanted to visit Monarto Safari Park (here in South Australia, about an hour's drive from Adelaide CBD), so following are some images from our day out there .....

Ahhh, the ever popular and entertaining Meerkats!

It seemed poor Mum was craving an afternoon nap, but Junior had other ideas!

Meanwhile, this relative was feeling the cooler temperatures that day and didn't seem too happy about it

Peek a boo - I see you!

Ahh, my favourite - the big cats 😍

 Sending warmest wishes to my fellow bloggers and, wherever you are, I pray you are safe and well as we lead up to Christmas and another year.  Thank you, once again, to the loyal team of people who oversee Our World Tuesday - Bravo!

Back in July-August, I undertook a house & cat "sit" in the Gippsland region of Victoria (my favourite Australian State!). Sadly, due to Covid-19, there were several lockdowns during those 6 weeks, meaning I could not get out and about with my camera, so I revived a hobby from my teen years - watercolour painting and discovered another relaxing way to express my creativity;  thinking I will continue along this path - here's a recent effort :

Fabulous Fleurieu

 This past week I've enjoyed two trips to my favourite part of South Australia - the Fleurieu Peninsula - and yesterday's weather was perfect for just such a journey. The ocean and beaches are a sight to behold. Following is a taste of this region's beauty.

Petrel Cove

... then further up the coast a little way is Waitpinga - but more on that next week!

With grateful thanks to the team of hosts for running with
Our World Tuesday

A Special Encounter

Ever had a time when life's challenges threaten to get on top of you .... then God sends an angel to lift your spirits?  Well I was blessed with such an experience yesterday when a good friend invited me to join her on a photo-shoot away from suburbia.

It was a glorious day weather-wise with an estimated top temperature of 24C, and a gentle breeze made for a comfortable outing. 

We drove along country lanes new to me en route to Mt Crawford Forest and were amazed at the number of families who had already established their tents and caravans and were sitting around protected campfires relaxing as school holidays had just begun.

Then we stopped in Warren Conservation Park - a lovely section of the Heysen Trail where we settled for about 3/4 hour. Was delighted to have a rabbit suddenly appear behind the log I was leaning against and we observed each other for some 5 minutes.  

Subsequently a Spotted Pardalote obliged me by sitting in clear view on a nearby branch while I focussed, and was thrilled with the result.

Linking up with the lovely team at Our World Tuesday and Wild Bird Wednesday

Warragul flowers

The house & cat I cared for in Warragul, Gippsland recently, was in a semi-rural location on a large block of land.  Upon the property were orange, lemon & mandarin trees, as well as an abundance of floral species, including the following:

Correa

Narcissus

(.. and some "ring ins" - King Parrots were daily visitors, to my delight)

Red hot pokers

One of many glorious sunrise experiences viewed across the adjacent property

Eastern Rosellas also were daily "drop ins"

Violets

(don't know this one)

It wasn't til I zoomed in on this Starling that I realised the many colours in its plumage!

.... and a stunning Eastern Spinebill regularly visited the Grevilleas around the garden.

Wattle

There were many more flowers on the property, but I'll have to save more images for another time.

Joining up with Floral Friday Foto