Seagulls at Stingray Bay, Warrnambool for Saturday Critter

 

I am uncertain as to why a flock of seagulls has gathered, seemingly intent on feasting, despite the absence of fish in the shallow waters. I am simply awaiting the sunset, yet these creatures have chosen to accompany me in this moment.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Saturday Critter

Stingray Bay, Warrnambool for Skywatch Friday

 

This secluded part of Stingray Bay lies sheltered from the main expanse. The tide is steadily rising. I wandered through the shallows with bare feet, seeking a reflection, yet found none.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

Nyah West Murray River for Sunday Best and Scenic Sunday

 

In Nyah, Victoria, the Murray River often remains undisturbed by visitors. I relish the earthy aroma that permeates this serene part of inland Victoria.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best and Scenic Sunday

Flinders Blowhole Sunset, Mornington Peninsula for Sky watch Friday

 

One might find it peculiar that recent posts lack actual images of the blowhole jet. This absence stems from the jet’s current lack of impressiveness or photogenic qualities. Given the coastline's name, it is not feasible to use an alternative title for the post.

The attached image was captured after Joel ascended the stairs and headed back to the car, intending to procure chicken nuggets en route homeward.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

I recently viewed the Netflix documentary chronicling the fraudulent activities of Belle Gibson. The narrative was, indeed, profoundly disturbing. When faced with a diagnosis of cancer, one finds that a regimen of natural diet and exercise often proves insufficient in altering the course of the disease. Truly, the unpredictability of human behavior remains a constant source of astonishment.

Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

Here are additional photographs captured at Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula, where I experimented with varying exposure times to capture the sea's motion. The previous week, the weather was rather unsatisfactory, prompting us to venture into more urban settings. Regrettably, we discovered that most abandoned sites had already been transformed into uninviting concrete structures that nobody desires to inhabit.

Joel is planning to attend yet another concert this Friday. His affinity for death metal has been unwavering, despite his persistent attempts over the years to convert my musical preferences to align with his own. Alas, he has not succeeded, as I remain partial to pop and country music, which does not sit well with him. Consequently, our journeys to various photographic locations often descend into silent disputes, with discussions revolving around politics or science.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Flinders Blowhole for Sunday Best

 

Joel and I spent a considerable amount of time attempting to capture the waves on the rock. It was a time-consuming endeavor. Achieving a long exposure for the initial shot posed significant challenges. If there was an abundance of waves, the white section would become entirely overexposed. Additionally, the fast aperture click for the second shot was often hindered by latency, causing us to miss the golden moment. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable experience, as we were engaged in the art of photography.

On Flickr, I received an invitation to contribute to the Planet Earth project. Selecting images to submit to the group is quite challenging. The majority of images that I favor are cherished not because of their excellence, but due to the memories and experiences associated with each weekend adventure.

Recently, I received the land tax statement via email over the weekend. Quite an inconvenience!

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 

Linking Sunday Best and Scenic Sunday

Flinders Blowhole Sunset for Sky Watch Friday

 

The suggestion to capture the splash against the backdrop of the sunset was Joel's, given the paucity of intriguing foreground elements at our location

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

Nearly all the time, it falls upon me to devise new photographic destinations during the weekends. Joel, however, anticipates that I shall undertake the arduous tasks. Nonetheless, he consistently volunteers to drive, thus achieving a semblance of equilibrium in our efforts.

Joel tells me that he is a bit sick of seaside adventures in the heat. So, we will be changing our efforts to metropolitan locations. 

Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne for Water H2O Thursday

 

For over fifteen years, Joel and I have been endeavouring to pinpoint the exact location of Flinders Blowhole. My initial discovery of this location was through a local photography club, in an era preceding the advent of the digital age. Our reliance on traditional maps often led us astray in the region, resulting in many fruitless excursions devoid of any photographic success.

Last weekend, we embarked on an exploration of a seldom-visited segment of the Mornington Peninsula. Utilising the marvel that is Google Maps, we managed to navigate our way into this region.

However, it was only upon our arrival that we realised we had ventured to an incorrect section of Flinders Blowhole. There exist two other similar tracks leading to different parts of the same shoreline.

Owing to my demanding travel schedule and work commitments in remote Victoria, I have been unable to process all the photographs. Nevertheless, I shall endeavour to share a few with you in due course.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Joel suggested to me that there will be two new Sony lenses coming out. 500-800mm zoom and 16mm f1.8. I want them badly too. 

Pulpit Rock, Mornington Peninsula in low tide for Treasure Tuesday

 

Pulpit Rock is typically characterised by a foreground of turbulent waves in the initial photograph. However, I captured an image where no water was present at all.

Joel was trying to get out of my way for a hot. But too late. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Cape Woolamai long exposure in Phillip Island for Sunday Best

 

At the time leading up to the setting of the sun, the atmosphere remained tranquil. The hues of the sky were devoid of sophistication, displaying an unsophisticated dullness typical of the summer season. Joel, exasperated by the mundane appearance of the sky, threw a bit of tantrum. In his wanderings, he discovered the sizable carcass of a seal amidst the rocky shore. I refrained from hastening to his aid, perceiving the shore as perilous and not worth the risk.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Upon reflecting on those moments, I began to gather photographs featuring Joel, who masterfully juggled the cherished memories. These images vividly capture the essence of our experiences, highlighting the diverse shots we took together

Melbourne CBD signs for Sign2

 

Some more street signs in Melbourne

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

Springvale Lunar New Year Parade (small one) for Treasure Tuesday

 

Early one morning, I accompanied my mother to shop in Springvale. Although I did not intend to participate in any Lunar New Year celebrations, the convenience of the visit made it inevitable. Interestingly, it seems that most of the parades are now organised by Australians. It appears that many Chinese individuals have integrated so thoroughly into Australian society that they have abandoned the cultural heritage they once cherished in which it includes me lol. 

In my youth, I participated in traditional dragon dances, visiting various shops to collect red packets. If a shop owner was hesitant to offer one, I, along with the band, would persist, briefly disrupting their business until they obliged.

Too much energy in the morning. A long day to go!

I enjoyed Vietnamese Pho weekly. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Pirate Bay Sunset for Skywatch Friday

 

Having captured this photograph, Joel and I found ourselves nearly swallowed by the encroaching darkness, standing upon the shallow seabed revealed by the lowest tide. We had ventured nearly a kilometre into the sea on this exposed platform. While capturing sunsets has become a customary practice for me, Joel's thoughts were fixed upon the prospect of indulging in the fried prawns at a nearby fish and chips establishment following our photographic endeavor.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

Pulpit Rock, Cape Schanck for Water H2O Thursday

 

 

Pulpit Rock is a place well known to Joel and me. This past weekend, we endeavored to revisit the locale on the opposing side of the peninsula, accessible only during the lowest tide. This area boasts a markedly different rocky landscape. However, our photographic endeavors were frequently disrupted by older gentlemen accompanied by young ladies, prompting Joel to display a rather grumpy demeanor. I found his reaction quite amusing. Regrettably, I did not bring a telephoto lens; otherwise, we might have captured images of these young ladies, who seemed intent on flaunting themselves before our cameras.

With Chinese New Year approaching next week, I shall be assisting my mother in preparing all the traditional rituals and festivities.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Lismore Murals for Mural Monday

 

I have recently come to the realisation of the substantial number of mural artworks which I have photographed over the past few years. As it has become increasingly difficult to feature all of them on my blog in a timely manner, I believe it is most appropriate to share them more broadly in each weekly post.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Leonid was my closest friend during our university years. Recently, we exchanged a few messages on Facebook, and I discovered that he is a fervent supporter of Meghan Markle. I never knew he was someone who enjoyed gossip, as he always advised me to keep things to myself. This revelation caused me to feel sudden discomfort, as it seemed he had changed. He is a dedicated bone marrow transplant physician, a father of four children, and has a devoted wife.

Second Valley Beach, South Australia for Sunday Best

 

Second Valley Beach is frequently promoted as an ideal family-friendly destination. Upon our arrival, Joel's immediate observation was its diminutive size, referring to it as a "small, tiny, puny beach!" Nevertheless, the area was teeming with visitors, seemingly more people than sand. The beach featured an abandoned jetty and a distinctive belt of unusual rock formations extending away from the shoreline. Fortunately, the tide was low, allowing us to safely traverse the narrow, stony trail leading to the rocky outcroppings.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

In the past few days, I have completed viewing the second season of "House of Dragons," watched two horror films while exercising on the elliptical machine, and watched the movie "Sleeping Dogs." As a result, I feel thoroughly entertained.

Lismore Murals for Mural Monday

 

It’s been a while since I left town for agency work, and I’ve come to realize just how impressive the street art is. Interestingly, last week’s news revealed that there have been two consecutive Powerball winners from the same town. I wish I had bought some lottery tickets there before I left.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

St Kilda Pier Sunset for Sunday Best

 

As the sun descended towards the horizon, casting its final golden hues across the sky, Joel and I found ourselves in search of a place to empty our bladders. In the distance, the timeless silhouette of a classic kiosk café stood, a silent witness to our quest.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Balnarring Jetty for Skywatch Friday

 

This picturesque spot is perfect for anyone looking to connect with nature, breathe in fresh sea air, and soak up the tranquil vibes.

During sunrise and sunset, the jetty transforms into a canvas of breathtaking colors, reflected beautifully on the calm waters below. It's a haven for photographers, artists, and anyone who appreciates the simple beauty of nature. The jetty is also a fantastic spot for fishing enthusiasts, offering a peaceful setting to cast a line and potentially catch a variety of local fish.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

St Kilda Pier Melbourne for Water H2O Thursday

 

Returning to laborious pursuits after the festivities is indeed arduous. Behold this image, captured upon a blustery day, the sea roiling with tempestuous swells. The melancholic ambiance of the scene is rather striking to me.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

I like the lamb commercial this year. A good laugh.