Beautiful Gippsland

 As promised, following are more scenes captured during the 6-week cat/house-sit in Warragul, Gippsland.  In between 2.5 weeks of Covid related Statewide lockdown, it was possible to do some exploring in the region.

This is in a section of the Tarra Bulga State Park (in case you haven't guessed from my historical postings, I seem to be perpetually drawn to rainforests and waterfalls!). 

En route - along the Strzlecki trail

Joining in the worldwide fun to be had at Our World Tuesday

with thanks again to the team who faithfully manage this blog.

A thankful return

 I really have missed catching up with my fellow bloggers from around the world these past few months - it is my prayer that none of you have been personally impacted (health-wise) by Covid 19 or its variants.

After crossing the Victorian-South Australian border with 3 hours to spare before the border closed again, I am very thankful indeed to have recently returned safely from a 6-week house & cat-sit in the beautiful Victorian region of Gippsland.  It was a very different experience from that of 5 years ago when the same family invited me to care for their cat and home!  Although my exploratory travels were somewhat curtailed by almost 3 weeks of lockdown, when free to do so, my Nikon and I set off to further experience this stunning, green land.  

It must be said, however, that whilst in lockdown, at least the lovely green surrounding countryside was a soothing environment in which to be "incarcerated"!

The following selection was taken in Mt Worth State Park mid-July.

I did not encounter a soul on this hour long walk and the weather was invigorating!
However, the delightful and unexpected appearance of a wallaby just a few metres ahead of me on the edge of the path "made my heart sing" (to borrow the words of a good friend and fellow photographer)!

I am keen to reconnect with my village "family" and friends upon coming out of home quarantine next Sunday :-) . 

More next week . . . .  take care everyone.

Linking up with the dedicated team at Our World Tuesday

A week of contrasts

This past week has seen contrasts in climate and terrain:  together with my fellow photographer friend, I've experienced a damp walk on the fringes of the Kuitpo Forest, followed by a glorious sunny but cool day seeking the non-existent Mannum Waterfall (not enough rainfall yet!). 

Prolific funghi growth throughout

The striking Banksia always hold appeal for me, regardless of their state of growth (or decline) 

. . . . and then the contrasting barren scenery around Mannum "waterfall" (pity about the lack of rain - but then South Australia has a reputation of being the driest State in the driest Continent!)

(Too much English blood still running through my veins to enable a good appreciation of this type of surrounding!)  But then - yes, I know one shouldn't begin a sentence with "but" ! - just a few miles on, into the township of Mannum on the banks of the River Murray and there's another change in scenery ......

The Paddle Steamer "Marion" in dock

There was an abundance of Purple Swamp Hens

Was amazed at how such a large, heavy bird (the Pelican) could perch, 

balance and snooze on such a relatively narrow branch!

. . . and a couple of Maned Wood Ducks catching up on gossip!

Joining in the fun at Our World Tuesday

Magnificent Monarchs

Late last week I ambled around Morialta Conservation Park, about 20 minutes' drive from home.  The number of Monarch butterflies there was astonishing! 

At times it felt like I was being "escorted" by these attractive creatures as they danced ahead, alongside and above me - a delightful experience.

The area is much more attractive in Winter after rain - at this time of the year there was no water running through the creek :-(

I believe this is a species of Banksia - spotted en route

Joining in the fun at Our World Tuesday

with grateful thanks again to the faithful team who enable us all to share.

Keep safe and healthy all.