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)

Unknown buds

Spotted these unidentifiable (to me, at least!) buds on a partly submerged branch

in the lake within Coal Creek Village at Korumburra, Gippsland, in Victoria.

 

Linking up with James' Weekend Reflection

and happy to be catching up with fellow bloggers after a month away.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful, safe and happy weekend.

Moon over Warragul

 

As I was preparing for another day's adventure exploring the Gippsland countryside,

I was staggered to see the moon still evident - it was 7.40 a.m. !

 

Joining in the fun at Skywatch Friday

Honeyeater

New Holland Honeyeaters were regular visitors to the property in Gippsland

 

Unfortunately this second shot is slightly out of focus, but at least it does show the

bird's wonderful markings.

 

Thanks to Stewart for hosting

Wild Bird Wednesday

Gippsland treasures

 

Once more settling into my nice cosy home after the adventurous month away,

cat + house-sitting in Gippsland, Victoria

 

Following are just a few images taken during my 5000+ km travels .....

 

A tree fern unfurling within Tarra Bulga National Park

 



Funghi growing out of a gloriously-coloured tree trunk

As my usual residence is located in the driest State on the driest Continent, it was wonderful to be constantly surrounded by the lush green countryside and rainforests in this part of Victoria.

 

More funghi (above and below) - this time in Morwell National Park

Having only arrived home 36 hours ago, the huge task of uploading and culling the thousands of images captured now begins!  (A handful of which I will share with you in the coming weeks.)

 

Meanwhile, am linking up again with Our World Tuesday



(a big thank you to our hosts)

and look forward to visiting your sites