Trip To Tabbagai

Walking out at Solander towards Tabbagai today there were many rock 'faces' to be seen. Michael Hankey saw faces the other day so I know I'm not the only one who sees faces everywhere I look. I call them the guardians and they can be found reaching out from most rocky outcrops. As the sun was rising I saw another one today who resembled a timeless creature but what intrigued me most of all was the shape alongside it which looked a lot like a hawk. Nothing special in itself, except for the fact I'd just been photographing a hawk. I love the way Mother Nature makes you think - synchronicity.

Although it's a hassle to carry two cameras on shoots I needed the wide angle to capture a specific rockpool I had in mind and I knew from experience that an opportunity which did not lend itself to wide angles would crop up some time during the shoot. Frequently these occasions allow no time for preparation or changing lenses so dealing with the double camera hassle is always worth it.
 The sky was less than perfect on the day so the reflection shot is a composite with a sky from another time.

Intent on the patterns created by the golden sun rays hitting the cliff face I almost missed seeing a young hawk nestled on the ledge. The hawk was to be Nature's gift for the day and although I didn't get the exact shot I desired I'm glad I have a digital memory of the experience. The white arrow not only indicates the hawk's camouflaged position on the rock ledge but serves to demonstrate how effectively the little Powershot SX50 can zoom over quite a distance to capture a subject.

These shots was taken with no tripod so I'm quite satisfied with the detail, particularly on the tiny eye.

 He appeared to sense that he was being observed and as soon as I pressed the shutter for this shot, he left his sandstone perch for a more private position.

Yena Sunrise

It's been a while since I posted but I have been out and about. We joined the Focus group for a shoot in the National Park. Carolyn and I elected to go to Yena while the others climbed down the cliff face at Solander to make use of access at  low tide. I'd hoped to try out my Firecrest ND Filter but feel I'd be best to do this when I'm not limited by time constraints.

I love the way Yena offers easy access to the rock shelves and it was interesting to see the comps which opened up at low tide. The sunrise was vibrant but not long lasting, but the way the colour from the rising sun lights up the rock pools is mesmerising. I only wish I could have moved to a better position but it is dangerous to not have respect for rogue waves at Yena and it was the best I could do on the day.

As we were shooting three dolphins swam past but I only managed to capture one in frame. The sky also changed remarkably in the time we were there. Grey clouds replaced the deep pink.

My Canon Powershot comes in handy as a second camera for zooming in on details like this tiny crab hiding in the crevasses between the rocks.

Bombo Yet Again

Conditions tide and swell wise appeared to be positive, so we were lured back to Bombo in order to try and experience the majesty of waves crashing against the basalt columns.

Unfortunately, the weather was uncooperative and raining so we elected to take a detour down Swamp Rd. at Jamberoo and hop out between showers to take some shots of the fig trees and old derelict farmhouses.

We then returned to Kiama for the obligatory breakfast before finally making our way back to the quarry during a lull in the rain. The flow was disappointing considering it was high tide, but the clouds and reflections were encouraging, so the trip wasn't completely wasted.

Bombo during the heat of the day isn't a relaxing place to be, so we only spent a few hours wandering around, but hopefully we will have more opportunities to experience the majesty of high seas on another occasion. Definitely on our list to do.

Cape Bailey Reflections

Potter Point is always a pleasure to visit and to think I'd never heard of this location until about 2 years ago. It is deliciously free of ankle biters, yummy mummies, joggers and cyclists.

Unfortunate that access requires one to negotiate 19 speed humps and pray that no traffic is coming from the other direction. However, rain hail or shine and at any time of day, there is always something to capture interest. The light can change dramatically in minutes and the rocks and water are transformed.

Carolyn and I spent a few hours photographing the rock formations and walked as far as the Cape Bailey Lighthouse. There was just enough water on the ground to create some interesting reflections and the cloud formations made for wonderful natural filters. 

 One aspect that is a tad spooky is the number of enormous rocks which have broken off the cliff face. The size of them is quite intimidating, particularly when there is an abundance of fissures embedded in the rocks.

Inhospitable Location

Kurnell is always a treasure trove of photographic opportunities, a good vantage point for observing the city skyline.

 My return to Kurnell on a personal quest was compromised by the unwanted attention of some persistent inhabitants. I think they were March flies and they carry quite a punch. Fortunately they are quite sluggish and easy to put out of action but not before they have inflicted a sharp sting.

The Council has done a commendable job of creating a memorial to not only the early days of colonisation, but to the acknowledgement of Aboriginal history. "The Meeting Place" , one of the memorials, has been erected on the site of an original Aboriginal meeting place and the signage does a commendable job of documenting the ongoing respect for Kurnell as an area of great historical significance for both indigenous and early European inhabitants.  Visitors can follow some walking trails and read  many interesting facts about the history of the region. A variety of beautiful trees dot the peninsula, amongst them my personal favourites, the majestic figs. 

 The memorials blend in tastefully with the environment.

Washed Out At Homebush

Ignoring warning weather signs, I made a return trip to the shipwrecks at Homebush with my cousin. They're situated in a difficult position so I'm never particularly enthusiastic about comps at this location. 

 As usual, Mother Nature always delivers a gift. Uncertain of the motivation, we were able to observe some Willy Wagtails zealously launching an attack on a much larger raven. Perhaps they had a nest nearby. Unfortunately I was unable to capture a decent image but nevertheless the experience was intriguing.

On a previous trip I'd discovered a bird sanctuary close by and we were excited by the prospect of having the opportunity to observe a wide variety of birdlife. Unfortunately the sabotage attempts by local mossies and a sudden downpour cut the experience short. However we were lucky enough to see some stilt chicks interacting with their protective parents before we were forced to surrender and head for the shelter of the car.

Where The Jacarandas Bloom

The cycles of Nature create endless photo opportunities. Jacarandas are a most popular subject for photographers and it can be challenging to locate a beautiful tree in a picturesque location. Most of the well publicized locations are a substantial distance from Sydney so my only option so far this Season had been the occasional tree which soars above its brothers and sisters in suburbia.

 As always my eye is drawn to the detail.

 

Alerted to the existence of a large jacarandah situated in the quadrangle at Sydney University I was motivated to make a special trip into the city with a friend and return via Callan Park where I had previously seen some other lovely specimens. 

Continuing our journey we explored the extensive grounds at Callan Park . There were quite a few trees but the difficulty was excluding unattractive rooftops or vehicles.

On The Boardwalk

Having enjoyed the walk along the beach to Wanda the other day I chose the opposite direction this morning. Once again I'd left it a little late and the light was harsh but the cooler temperatures didnt make it too arduous and its approximately 450 steps from the top of the hill to the cafe on the beach and back. A high tide or reflections always makes this walk worthwhile and the joggers can be avoided by walking along the beach. Unfortunately the sand seems to be a lot softer this end of the beach so it's less relaxing, but there are always great photo opps.

Portrait photography doesn't currently hold any attraction for me because it requires too much setting up and fiddling with equipment. Spontaneous shots seem so much more exciting and they lend themselves to an unlimited range of processing formats.  I never know what opportunities will present themselves when I'm out and about .

 

A beach 'sharer' enjoying some action.

One of the instructors at the Surf Club - it seems as though once surfing is in the blood, it becomes a lifetime addiction.

  Family fun in the surf

 Safe In Dads Care

Sandhill Explorations

Keen to source a new location for my 10000 steps daily routine, exploring the sandhills at Greenhills Estate was a task I'd been planning for some time. Unfortunately the strong wind made standing atop the hills unpleasant and created a challenge for scoring any decent shots. I doubt I'll return because the scenery is too repetitive and therefore doesn't create varied photo opportunities. Chatted with a variety of dog walkers. Intriguing that the dog walkers are generally a sociable engaging group while many other joggers, particularly young women and the yummy mummys seem to have an aversion to any sort of eye contact let alone a cheery 'good morning'.

The track through Greenhills provides occasional glimpses of Cronulla and secondary tracks leading down to the beach.

But apart from the myriad of tiny flowers, seagrasses and the occasional insect,  I don't think I would find a daily walk in this location enough to distract me from the boredom of walking 10000 steps.

Flannel Flower Haven

I was thrilled to hear flannel flowers were blooming at Potter Point, one of my very favourite locations. The mood at Potter varies with not only the Seasons but with the time of day and each mood holds its attraction for me. Rainfall creates reflective rockpools, the golden sunlight just after dawn and just prior to dusk showcases the glistening crystals in the rocks, and overcast skies  accentuate the undulations and textures of the cliffs. The laden bushes of flannel flowers made such a difference dotted over the flat landscape leading towards the hills. I have many images to play around with and love experimenting with the processing. 

 
This alien like landscape is currently also dotted with strange little spinifex seed heads which look magnificent bathed by the golden glow of the newly risen sun, particularly when the light is filtered by cloud cover. It will be worth a trip back just to capture some images of these little treasures. 

The Secret Life Of Trees

Initially I was going to post this image in the Paulownia post but decided I'd prefer to showcase it because trees are one of my favourite subjects. I frequently see faces in the trunks of trees and I regard them as guardians of the Earth. One of the aspects I love most about trees is their anthropomorphic natures. When I was a schoolgirl the school choir sang a song at the yearly concert, based on a poem titled "Trees" written by American author Joyce Kilmer.  Although quite simplistically stated, I think it is one of the most beautiful poems due to the sentiments it contains and although I disliked singing, the words of that song frequently pass across my mind when I observe trees as I'm out and about. This one really does seem to be raising its arm towards the Heavens.

I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed .... against the Earth's sweet flowing breast.

A tree which looks at God all day, and lifts her leafy arms to pray.

A tree that may in summer wear, a nest of robins in her hair.
Upon whose bosom snow has lain...... who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.

 Many of the single blossoms once freed from their groups were strewn on the forest floor and to me, they resemble a cross between a hibiscus and an iris. It is fascinating to see the trees at all stages of growth.
A fallen tree  resembled a fallen warrior amongst the ranks.  The markings on the bark of the Paulownia trees look like eyes, which provides a somewhat sinister atmosphere for some, however I think it emphasises the fact that trees are living organisms, possessing an almost spiritual demeanour, ever watchful guardians of the earth.

Only a few of the trees had been harvested on this occasion. Paulownia timber is used for a variety of purposes.

The leaves are large and resemble elephant ear palms.
 
 Wandering through the plantation wafts of perfume drifted in the early morning air accompanied by the buzzing of bees. Apparently Paulownia blossoms can also be used to produce honey.

Some of the fallen trees seem like they're reclining nonchalantly on the forest floor.
 
 Others provide shade which protects the burgeoning life reaching from  the undergrowth, dandelions, poppies and a myriad of other delicate plants

 The trunks of trees are scarred, gnarled and etched with a variety of indentations

 Others given witness to new life.