Stepping from the past into the future..

 Tredways Shoe Store, a family owned WA business established in 1949 on the corner of Scarborough Beach Road and Flinders in Mt. Hawthorn couldn't have chosen a finer mural to adorn their wall than the one above by graphitecrew.. a 'historical depiction of the local community'. The mainly monochrome with splashes of vivid yellow panorama catches the eye and is the perfect reference point when giving directions. Scarborough Beach Road is super busy so I was lucky to get this clear shot. Happy Tuesday, take care and stay safe... P.s. Can't believe we're only one day short of March, who's got their shot ready for the CDP theme 'black & white in colour', not I.. but I will :) 

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Thar be gold on the horizon!

I know this looks very much like the second shot from yesterday's post but it's not. I wanted to show that although we were still a wee bit in the dark after sun up on shore, do you see that speck of gold on the horizon, you might have to pull the shot in :) out at sea the Leeuwin and her flotilla were bathed in glorious early morning sunlight, the shot below is straight out of camera and unaltered. Using my 300mm lens didn't really pull me in close enough for a super clear shot but I'm chuffed that you can see Rottnest Island (check the link to see what the island offers) in the background. So many photos to edit, so little time :) Hope you had or are still having a good weekend, take care and stay safe.. P.s. did I mention that it was 40C on that golden morning!

 

  

Rottnest Channel Swim..

Yesterday we were up before the sun and heading to Cottesloe Beach to take some (600) shots of the annual Rottnest Channel Swim. From Cottesloe beach to Rottnest Island, approx 20km, it is one of the largest open water events in the world. As with everything in the history of Australia there are convicts in the mix somewhere :) if you are interested in the origins of this extraordinary test of endurance you can read about it here. In these two shots taken at 6.18am the sun had only been up a matter of minutes... 

As mentioned I took 600 pics, I have a wee bit of editing to do, you may be seeing many more in the next few days :) Below, who said real men can't wear pink..

... and if you shout loud enough they'll even give you a wave :) before they plunge into the water and swim off into the deep blue ocean! Btw, in the first shot, that is Rottnest Island in the background past the fabulous tall ship the Leeuwin 11. Hope you don't mind looking at gorgeous Aussie bodies for the next few days :) happy Sunday, take care and stay safe...

Teacup - One Boy's Story..

In the city on Wednesday I was looking forward to visiting the State Library of WA to see Teacup - An Exhibition. The book written by Rebecca Young, illustrated by Matt Ottley it is a tale 'exploring the themes of migration and displacement'. Matt Ottley's hauntingly beautiful illustrations are a joy to see, you can read more about Teacup - One Boy's Story here. Of course I had to buy the book for my granddaughter, for both the illustrations and the story which is so very relevant for the times we live in. Bon weekend, take care and stay safe...  

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Sassellas views...

 Sassellas is a pretty prime spot to enjoy a drink overlooking Murray Street (super photo c1949 on link) and the town square Forrest Place. Above, the old Commonwealth Bank building on the corner and the General Post Office, when we arrived in Perth all those years ago it was still used as a post office and was faaabulous! If you pull the shot in a bit closer you can see the once controversial 'Grow Your Own' sculpture peeking above the trees. Below the view to the right from Sassellas balcony, you can just see the spires of St. Mary's Cathedral centre of shot. I rather like this view :)

We all seem to wait for the right moment to take 'the' shot without people distracting from whatever the subject is, I'm tres guilty of this.. below two street scenes to show that I'm not alone in Perth :) there are others out there working, eating, shopping and living.. although the little fellow fast asleep in the pram below has had enough, he's over it! Happy Friday, take care and stay safe...

Art Deco on Hay Street...

Walking down Hay Street into the city yesterday, as always admiring two of my favourite Perth Art Deco buildings on the corner of Hay and William St. it occurred to me that I might not have actually shown them before.. my bad! Above on the right the Gledden Building built in 1938, the vertical emphasis inspired by skyscrapers in New York and Chicago, funnily enough every time I see this building it does make me think of Chicago :) Below on the opposite corner, built in 1923 the Walsh's Building formerly the 'Economic Store Building'. What is it about Art Deco that conjures up images of luxury, glamour and elegant times, do you feel it too or is it just me :) Happy Thursday, take care and stay safe...

A walk in the park...

After an appointment yesterday in Nedlands, a stones throw from Kings Park, we stopped in to have a quick cuppa and soak in the view on a pretty perfect weather-wise morning. A different view of the War Memorial above and below the shiny new sign announcing the entrance to the Botanical Gardens. One of these days when I have time I'm going to find a position close to the city view lookout and just take shots of people with their selfie sticks.. so many!

 Walking along we come to the entrance to the Kokoda Track, the man you can just see heading down was one of many we saw make the hike down..

The Federation Walkway below is a popular spot for photos, with the Swan River and the city as a backdrop...

A view of the freeway disappearing south...

... and back up the hill to the car. It's been a hectic few days, hope all is well with you, happy Wednesday, take care and stay safe...

Octogirl..

Found this incroyable piece behind the Paddington Alehouse in Mount Hawthorn. 'Octogirl' painted in August last year by super talented Perth artist and illustrator Paul Deej who's work you've seen here many times. Through collaborations like this with Laneway Collective 'bringing together local artists, residents and land owners to create inspiring laneway art in Perth WA' and the amazing documenting by Streets of Perth, I only show you the tip of the ice-berg, these guys are the real deal, Perth has been named as one of the street art capitals of the world.. way to go Perth! Hope you had/are having a great weekend, happy Monday, take care and stay safe... P.s. how about the freaky reflection in the last shot :)
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High Street Fremantle..

The city of Fremantle is renowned for it's well preserved architectural heritage. For anyone with a love of heritage buildings a walk along High Street (tres informative link) is a visual delight. No 1 High St. the Fremantle Municipal Tramways building above, now home to Chalkys where we had breakfast, there's something quite special about breakfasting in a heritage building :) Below looking back up to the Roundhouse built in 1830, the first permanent building built in the Swan River Colony. The High St. Link above gives a good description of the buildings along the way..

Did I mention that these buildings are all on the left hand side as you walk down High St., the next time we're there I'll snap the gorgeousness that is on the right side :) Below looking back up to the Round House. What do you think, pretty fab oui! Happy Sunday, take care and stay safe...

Smiling dog in High Street window...

 Walking down High Street, the main street running through the City of Fremantle, it was impossible to pass smiling dog patiently waiting (not for too long you'll be pleased to know) for his human to appear, without taking his photo. The next shot was inevitable, where there's a window and a sweet reflection, he really did look as if he was smiling.. snap! Walking along High Street is a joy for those who admire heritage buildings, and who doesn't :) I'll show you more tomorrow. Happy weekend, take care and stay safe...

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Freo beach people.. vive les différences!

Yesterday we had breakfast in Fremantle.. it's going to be a Freo kind of few days. Perth is back to the low 30C's, parfait! The lady above, finding a quiet spot on Bathers Beach to read her book, was joined by two sweet little dogs frolicking in the surf, the dogs not their humans:) The contrast in beach wear is quite striking, one in an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow bikini, I dare you to listen :) and the other covered from head to heel.. vive les différences! Happy Friday, take care and stay safe.. P.s. can you see the green and red light houses on the north and south moles waaay out there in the right hand corner of the last shot. 

Seaburbia..

I had heard that the Scarborough Beach Redevelopment plan was in full speed ahead, most of the car parks ripped up causing much inconvenience when trying to find a parking spot :) I know right, be patient.. look ahead blah, blah blah! We did eventually find a spot and it was well worth the hunt, resulting in the beach people shots here and also discovering Seaburbia Gallery Cafe a new coffee spot with a spectacular view, rave reviews re the coffee and breakfast, unfortunately closed 'due to weather' (?) but we will definitely return to confirm .. 

Come on now, wouldn't you like to join me for a cuppa overlooking the view below, you might want to wait awhile though until the parking gets easier.. completion in early 2018 gives you time to organize your plans :) Happy Thursday, take care and stay safe...

It's all about the little things II

I've been making an effort lately to be more observant when looking for street art around the city and suburbs.. specifically looking for quirky miniature paste-ups and murals. In North Perth unsuccessfully  looking for a certain piece of small art that relates so well to current events around the world I happened to look up at the right moment to see the whimsical 'flight of fantasy' above. Below the big picture, how lucky was I to spot it up there, can you :) Hope your week is progressing well, happy Wednesday, take care and stay safe...P.s. do you remember It's all about the little things l..

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Valentine Schmalentine.. hearts and kisses..

All you need is love..

but a little chocolate doesn't hurt :)

The heart-shaped bike rack above alongside the Mary Street Piazza on Beaufort Street in Highgate is one of 20 installed by the City of Vincent.. thoroughly approved of by the National Heart Foundation.. #movemoresitless :) I suspect that the couple below spotted in the Pleasure Garden may have been a ring-in for one of the Fringe World shows, that kiss.. that kiss was a marathon event :) Happy Valentine's Day, take care and stay safe...

After the rain.. Scarborough Beach.

After three days of rain it was good to catch some sunshine yesterday. I took these shots on Scarborough Beach to warm the cockles of your Northern Hemisphere hearts :) Check out the colour of the water, aquamarine perfection! Happy to see reader guy above had Cancer Council strength sunscreen in his kit. Young lady below on phone missing the fabulousness all around her.. prospector guy hoping to uncover a treasure beneath the sand so white.. and no beach-series would be complete without a surfer dude :) Hope you had/are still having a super weekend, happy Monday, take care and stay safe...