Nocturnal nightmare.....!

We're not so big on Halloween here in Perth and I suspect the rest of Australia is the same. I haven't  seen one spooky witch or skeleton hanging in any garden, not even a pumpkin upon a porch! Yet somehow I was compelled to present something scary, something much scarier than any old ghoul or axe wielding physco.. As I leaned in to rest my camera on the glass of the window to take this shot of my worst nightmare, a Tarantula, in the zoo's nocturnal house, I knew that if it moved one of those long, hairy legs just the teeeeeniest bit, I would let out a bloodcurdling (??) scream and drop my camera. OMG it's horrible! Even more horrible than a bat coming straight at you from out of the gloom.  Thankfully a quick click or two and I was out of there and back into the sunlight pronto! Hope you have a less scary Wednesday, take care and stay safe.....

Watching from the sidelines.....

There aren't many times times when I wish I was a kid again, this may be one of them!  I love real horses but they scare me with their big 'gnashy' teeth, riding on a carousel horse is a whole different love story, unrequited in this case as the carousel at Perth Zoo (excellent little tour of the zoo) is for children only..ah well! it's possible.. maybe, that I might look a wee bit silly sitting atop one of the 'heritage horses' of this 65 year old carousel! When it went up in 1947 there were 20 horses and two boats, in 1968 the boats were removed and four more horses added making it a 'true' carousel, it seems if there is a variety of rides it is no longer a carousel but instead a merry-go-round, you really do discover the most interesting things when you write a blog, did you know that there are fewer than 200 true carousels surviving worldwide, most of them in the USA, fascinating oui! I hope your week has started well, thoughts go out to anyone feeling the consequences of Hurricane Sandy, take care and stay safe....

Meerkat newbies....

I've been pretty keen to get out to the Zoo  and have a peek at the baby meerkats who made their public debut a couple of weeks ago. So yesterday after the camera market we zipped out there to have a peek. Oh soooo cute! I find the meerkats such characters anyway, the way they pose when it's their turn to 'keep watch', but the babies, oh my they are adorable!! I did notice though when I downloaded the pictures that they seem to have a bit of a raw patch around the ear area and wondered if there had been a bit of 'scrapping' going on, or if it was simply where Mum picks them up by the scruff! If I had noticed it at the time I would have asked one of the many Docents who are so very helpful with queries, with all the children that visit the Zoo, there are many, many questions! Hope that you had (are having) a good Sunday, take care..p.s I bought a sweet lens at the markets a DA 40mm F2.8 check it out, got it for a great price too, looking forward to trying it out.....

Mad dogs and englishmen go out in the midday sun..........

There's something about a hot day that makes me go a little loco, some may say even more than usual! While a lot of Perthites would have been chilling at the beach yesterday despite the 'issues' (understatement!) we've been having with sharks lately, I chose instead to head out to the nursery and buy up big on Bambino Bougs  (Bougainvillea), and by 'buy up big' I mean I bought five, go mad! Bougainvillea is ideal for the hot, dry climate in Perth and this mini version, minus thorns, will be fabulous in pots and hanging baskets, I'm aiming for the 'Mediterranean' look this year, lets see how that works out! I'm heading out early in the morning to go to the camera market, on the look out for some fun lenses for my Pentax, whatever you are doing today (Sunday), enjoy. Take care.....

Good Morning.....!!

Waaaaaak! who ruffled your feathers.....!!

We've had windy weather in Perth for the last few days, REALLY windy weather. My old mate Mr. Grumpy galah had to hold onto the fence to save himself while he squawked at me for breakfast early yesterday morning. At this time of the year the cool breezes coming in from the desert early morning working together with the sea breeze coming in around midday keep the temperatures very pleasant indeed, it's only when mother nature gets a wee bit tardy and comes in late that things start to heat up. I suspect she may be late today, we're expecting a 35C day..oh la! now we begin, give me some of your showers now please. Have a wonderful weekend, take care and stay safe....

When is the right time to fake it.....?

Should we start now before the water crisis worsens and if we do what will the environmental consequences be, because there will always be consequences! A few days ago when I was in Mount Lawley with my friend, I was so busy looking for something interesting for the blog that I nearly missed something interesting! It's not often you spot a van covered in fake turf waiting at the traffic lights and if it hadn't been for my eagle eyed friend I would have missed it! I'm guessing the last bit of the wordage on the side of the van would be 'bill' and on googling the website I was flabbergasted (?) to see that just like the real thing, there are many different types of artificial lawn. Funny thing is, only a short while ago I was listening to a debate on the pros and cons and this summary by Billy Goodnick sums it up nicely for me..I do have buffalo grass which is one of the best in tough conditions, but I would rather pave or find any other way than lay something that might entice me into 'putting' a few holes every time I step out onto it!! What say you on the subject of faking it?  TGIF, have a good one, take care.....I'm not going to say 'stay safe' because apparently there are some of you (no names mentioned, Steffe) that like to live a little more on the edge haha!

Iris Metropolitan.....

I can't be sure, but this piece of public art titled 'Iris Metropolitan' may or may not be named after the goddess Iris. According to Greek mythology Iris was 'one of the goddesses of the sea and the sky, traveling with the speed of the wind from one end of the world to the other'. She does look like she's about to set off on such a trip! We'll never know for sure unless there's a Perthite out there who can clarify, as with a lot of the public art in cities, it's hard to uncover the finer details, very unsatisfying don't you think? Whoever it is that she represents, she does it very gracefully.....

This shot is to give you some idea of where she sits on Walcott Street, a busy spot in Mount Lawley one of Perth's oldest, therefore trendiest and more expensive suburbs. It hadn't really registered before just how many of the buildings along Beaufort and Walcott street are in the art deco style, I didn't have time yesterday but will revisit and take some shots soon. Happy Thursday, take care and stay safe.....

BUFORI, made to measure.....!

I didn't have much of an opportunity to get out and about with my camera yesterday, thank heavens for les archives oui! This splendid BUFORI Mk II (excellent link) in immaculate condition was definitely one of the highlights at the vintage car show that I went to a few weeks ago. I didn't realize until I found the above link just how unique they really are. Did you know that BUFORI actually take the measurements of the owner's body to build the car exclusively for him/her, now that's one way of making sure you stay in shape, you wouldn't want to not fit in your car haha! Check out the La JOYA and the GENEVA..oh la! la! nice to look at, way too much pressure to own! Midway point of the week already, happy Wednesday, take care and stay safe.....

I'll make a birder yet.....!

This was the view from the Balgay bird hide at Herdsman Lake, it was late morning and the sea breeze had already come in whipping up the water! So here's the thing, I'm pretty sure that to successfully spy the many, more than I ever realized birds that live in this fabulous swampy environment, you would have to be here a heck of a lot earlier than we were...on saying this, and you will have to take my word for it, but I'm pretty sure this body belongs to the Purple Swamphen, there was definitely a flash of brilliant red before it disappeared into the reeds, truly!

 I was slightly more successful (?) at the Baumea hide..what a view across the lake....

I just missed this flotilla of Coots in a fantastic mass take off from the shore, they flew a little way out, landed, turned and I'm not sure if it was my imagination but they seemed to be mocking me with their pristine white beaks!

When P nudged me and pointed to the tree RIGHT outside the hide to this what I'm almost 100% certain is a Western Gerygone , well you can tell by the eye can't you! What do you mean you can't see the eye, it's right there ringed in white, which is a dead give away to it's identity. All jokes aside, one thing that became obvious on this trip, was that a lot of time and patience is required to become a good birder (maybe more than I have of either), but I think it must be incredibly rewarding to capture a good shot of these delightful creatures and it's something I might have to work on...although...haha!. Happy Tuesday, take care....

I spy.....!

Sitting high in a Eucalyptus tree this Yellow Billed Spoonbill turned its quizzical gaze on us as we  set off on a walk around Herdsman Lake Park yesterday. The swampy nature of the park is the perfect environment for this odd looking member of the heron family.....

 I knew that there were a few 'hides' around the lake perimeter so we set off in search, walking through the dappled light piercing through the natural arch of the 'spooky' looking Paperbark trees that would look quite at home in any Stephen King horror movie!

Catching a glimpse  of colour ahead I was delighted to come across this unexpected sight. Most of the spring wildflowers have died away now, but these hardy Nasturtiums that had spread from the path as far as the eye could see right down to the waters edge will flower all through the summer and well into autumn. How they got here I'm not sure, but it was a wee bit magical to discover this glen of colourful gems amongst the forest grim! We did find the hides, will show you tomorrow..hope that you've had a wonderful weekend and are all set for the week ahead, take care and stay safe.....

Sydney's nice, but.....

Perth is FABULOUS.....!

A walk along the coast on a perfect day with a pit stop for a Mr Whippy icecream, what can I say, simple pleasures.. Do you have any s.p's planned for this weekend..if so, enjoy.  Take care and stay safe.....

Framed by a 'Centrefold'.....

The very first Sculptures by the Sea in WA was held on Cottesloe Beach in 2005, this sculpture by Perth artist Mark-Grey Smith named 'Centrefold' was purchased by the Cottesloe Town Council in 2006. For the last six years it has sat here on Marine Parade overlooking the Indian Ocean, the perfect frame for many a changing scenario out to sea and on the beach. Way out on the horizon you can see the container ships lined up in Gage Roads sea channel waiting to get the all clear to enter Fremantle Harbour. Hard to believe that at this time last week I was out and about in Sydney, tres weird! Happy Friday, take care and stay safe.....

Pylons and peer pressure.....

These pylons stretching two to three hundred meters out to sea off the beach at North Coogee are all that remains of Robb Jetty, built in the late 1800's to accommodate the ships arriving from the Kimberleys with their cargo of live cattle for the abattoir. The Robb Jetty Abattoir was closed in 1994, the jetty dismantled in the 1960's, these days it's a popular dive site....

This is a close up of the sculpture by Tony Jones you can see offshore in the first shot. Quite a story to this one. C.Y. O'Connor a brilliant man responsible for many innovative ideas in the early development of WA, but a man who drew a lot of criticism from the press, politicians and his peers. On the 10th March 1902 he had had enough, he mounted his horse, rode out into the ocean here on North Coogee beach and shot himself. The peer pressure problem has been going on since forever it seems! Don't do anything you don't want to today, take care and stay safe.....p.s. methinks the birds and barnacles love this one!!

Back to the 60's, can you dig it.....!!

Hey dudes, check out the wheels, cool yeh! These are the shots I was holding back from the vintage car show,  these beauties brought back fab memories. Picture the scene.. mini skirt, boots, Mary Quant hairstyle, makeup etc. who remembers that world, I know I do, it was the grooviest time ever! I remember thinking I was the 'bees knees' driving around in my Morris Minor (above) only it was bright red (hand painted, kooky huh!) with yellow hubcaps, can you dig it! (NOT happy when it was referred to as the Noddy car!). I wonder how many of us drove around in one of these three types of cars..P had a mini (below) but definitely not in such good nick even back then, his sister a MGB (above)..but my wheels were definitely the coolest man! Happy Wednesday, hang loose and chill! btw. how exciting is it that the CDP is up and running again, a huge thanks to Julie, Eric, Peter, Gerald and all who had a hand in creating this fabulous new site, merci beaucoup! p.s. thanks heaps for all the birthday wishes.....

Weekend in Sydney.....

Home again! It feels a little surreal to head off on a four hour trip at 11.30am and arrive at your destination at 6.30pm. (Two hour time difference plus extra hour daylight saving), it's a shame the West voted against daylight saving, must make it awkward at times for businesses! Luckily I checked the weather forecast the night before we left, and threw in a few extra jumpers and jackets, it was wet and wintry when we arrived, not that it stopped us having a fab night out with D&C to celebrate my birthday. Sydney has got to be right up there as one of the most exciting cities in the world, so many wonderful old buildings and a very fast pace. Here are just a couple of shots that took my fancy, who doesn't love fresh flowers after a shower....

Even though the weather was a bit dodgy on the Friday, a stroll around Circular Quay is always a treat. This group of young school girls were enthralled by the stories and the sounds of the didgeridoo.....

Finally on the Sunday afternoon the weather had cleared up perfectly and after a walk through the Botanical Gardens, we found ourselves a spot to sit and enjoy my very favourite view of all, the Sidney Harbour Bridge.. Having only arrived home this afternoon and being totally deficient in sleep (hotel beds are the worst!) I'll catch up tomorrow. I have to say one of the highlights of my trip was catching up for a coffee (two actually) with Julie (Sydney Eye) we could have done with another hour or two haha! Catch you tomorrow, take care and stay safe.....

Bali Memorial.....

It's a sad, bad world when a group of excited holiday makers can't go off on a holiday adventure in the sure knowledge that they will return home safely. Ten years ago on Friday the 12th October one hundred and sixty four such travelers were holidaying in Bali, ironically nicknamed the 'island of peace', a hugely popular destination with travelers from around the world, and a frequent holiday spot for many West Australians because of it's close proximity. Three bombs, one carried by a suicide bomber, one in a car parked near popular nightclubs and another smaller bomb detonated outside the US Consulate, a retaliation for support of the US war against terror and Australia's role in the liberation of East Timor, the deadliest attack of terrorism in Indonesia's history, 38 Indonesians were included in the death toll. It's impossible to understand how this attack on innocent people could be justified in any way whatsoever.....

The Bali Memorial (a wonderful link with an image of the pivotal point of the design) in Kings Park is truly inspirational, looking out over the city and the Swan River towards the Darling Ranges. Sixteen West Australians were killed in the Bali bombings and many more dreadfully injured, I only hope that their spirit and the pain of their families and friends have found a measure of peace under the big blue skies of WA. It also happens to be my birthday on the 12th October, I'd like to change it but not possible, anyhow... I'm up, up and awaying to Sydney to celebrate with my son Dave and his wife, so I'll be out of action until next week, until then...don't do anything I wouldn't do?! Take care and stay safe.....

Timeless beauties.....

A few last shots from the Rotary Car Show held in the grounds of Wesley College in South Perth. I'm not sure if all the cars were members of the Veteran Car Club of WA, (if you're a vintage car enthusiast check it out, there are some truly classic beauties) this 1949 Humber definitely was.. in the Humber and Rootes section! This 1939 Vauxhall below really tickled my fancy, do you see the little shade blinds on the front windows, and as the charming gent who owned it explained 'if privacy was required in the back, the shutters could be pulled down' ahem!

Although the Jaguar below (can anyone help with type?), is apparently quite rare, it definitely didn't rock my boat...the pale blue Jag beneath it however made me sigh!

A vintage car show wouldn't be the same without a vintage jazz band..only joking these guys were super cool, and were more than happy for me to take a few shots, I do love the jazz!

Gorgeous little 1932 Austin Seves sitting pretty next to a 1956 Wolseley.....

There were so many amazing and wonderful vehicles gathered here that it would take me several posts to show them all, so instead I've picked my favourites and saved a special one for another time. Thought I'd end (!) off with a few shapely derrieres haha!I hope your week has started well, take care, and stay safe.....