The A.N.Z.A.C Tradition

I'm somewhat ashamed to admit this was my first attendance at the A.N.Z.A.C Day dawn service and march. Previously I had always been a participant from the warmth of my loungeroom. I was both surprised and chuffed that the turnout was of mammoth proportions. It takes quite a bit of commitment to rouse oneself at 3 a.m in order to make the long trip to the city, particularly those of advanced years and those with young children.

The mood was respectful and nothing occurred to mar the solemnity of the occasion. After the Dawn Service I made my way down to Circular Quay, then returned to the Cenotaph for the commencement of the march at 9 a.m. Quite by accident I positioned myself in a decent spot ( photographically speaking) on the Cenotaph side of George Street which meant that I escaped having to look into the sun as the march progressed.

Diggers who are no longer with us were represented by descendants of all ages marching in their stead.

 

What really impressed me was the spirit which emanated from the old Diggers, some veterans of a number of wars or peace keeping missions. The tenacity which enabled them to partake in such a long and demanding march was sustained I am sure, not only by their sons and daughters who physically supported them but by the spirit of lost comrades. Their courage and selflessness is as evident today as it was when they placed their lives on the line many many years ago.

 "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them." 

 For our today, they gave their tomorrows

Surfs Up - In A Big Way !

During a stay with my cousin who lives down the South Coast we visited Huskisson Beach where the swell was enormous.

View South Coast Holiday in a larger map

Luckily the sun was behind clouds which reduced the glare of facing towards the light and we were able to find a great vantage point where we could position ourselves to the side of the surfers and obtain a better shot. Even so we were quite a distance away from the action and it was quite a challenge to maintain focus. The surfers were having a great deal of difficulty even getting into the water and I spent ages waiting for that moment to capture the moment. Luckily I was able to grab one shot just before we decided to leave in order to escape the escalating winds.

Autumn Days in the Blue Mountains

I decided to risk the predicted inclement weather and visit a number of Blue Mountain locations. My main aim was to avoid the tourists and large crowds, so I planned on arriving at Katoomba for the rising of the sun. Although the sunrise was less than spectacular, there were only a handful of people until about 8.30 a.m and better still, the parking meters are not functional until 9.00 a.m.

Mt. Wilson

By the time I reached Mt. Wilson it was raining intermittently, so while the light was better, it is always somewhat challenging to shoot while holding a camera in one hand and an umbrella in the other. One stroke of luck - there are a number of private gardens at Mt. Wilson, renowned for its Autumn colours. One of them, Breenhold Gardens, is extensive and as luck would have it,  due to the poor weather, there was no admission charge. On a return trip I will ensure that I take a map in order to spend more time here and plan my route.

I'm still working on images taken on this trip. Im afraid they've been pushed way to the end of the priority pile.

At Rest In La Perouse

Another serendipitous discovery from a visit to La Perouse was Pioneer Memorial Park  created in 1776 by Botany Cemetery Trust from gravestones transferred from Sand Hills cemetery Devonshire St. Sydney to old Bunnerong cemetery in 1901.

My First Sunset

I've decided I prefer sunsets to sunrises - the light is still magnificent as it changes from gold to deep blue, and with the absence of the sun there's no need to worry about blow outs. I was driving on my way home from visiting my cousin and noticed the most amazing cloud formations so I raced down to Shelly Beach and spent a few hours just drinking it in. The image below is SOOC except for the crop and signature.