Kilcunda panorama for Sky Watch Friday

 

Kilcunda Beach offers a serene and breathtaking escape for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Known for its stunning vistas, rugged coastline, and diverse marine life, this idyllic destination is a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Kilcunda Beach, located approximately 115 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, boasts expansive sandy shores that invite visitors to relax and unwind. The gentle waves lapping against the shore create a soothing soundtrack, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The beach's unique combination of rocky outcrops and sandy stretches provides a picturesque backdrop for photographers and artists.

One of the highlights of Kilcunda Beach is the Kilcunda Rail Trail, a scenic walking and cycling path that offers panoramic views of the coastline. The trail, which follows the route of an old railway line, provides an opportunity to explore the area's rich history while enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds it. The iconic Kilcunda Trestle Bridge, a historic landmark along the trail, is a popular spot for taking in the stunning vistas and capturing memorable photographs.

Kilcunda Beach is also renowned for its rich marine life, making it a popular destination for fishing and snorkeling. The rock pools along the shoreline are teeming with diverse marine species, offering a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world. For those who enjoy fishing, the beach's clear waters provide an excellent opportunity to catch a variety of fish, including salmon, snapper, and trevally.

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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.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

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Lake Tyrrell for Skywatch Friday

 

Lake Tyrrell is a breathtaking, shallow Salt Lake that's more than just a geological wonder. This ancient Salt Lake spans an impressive 20,860 hectares, making it Victoria's largest Salt Lake. But what truly makes Lake Tyrrell an Instagram-worthy marvel is its stunning reflective surface that mirrors the sky, creating otherworldly visuals that seem straight out of a dream

Over the years, I have amassed a collection of photographs of this lake, capturing its various lights and weathers. Although I haven't visited the lake monthly this year, each visit has offered a unique experience.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

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Last evening, Joel and I planned to explore an inner-city beach along the Mornington Peninsula. We aimed to discover a few hidden corners of the rocky coast, perfect for long exposure photography. However, the weather turned completely overcast, contrary to the sunny forecast. We decided to detour to St Kilda Pier, which had recently reopened after three years of construction (Australia is notoriously slow with major construction projects).

Joel introduced me to the peculiar "no-no" dance from Sweden. He showed me an official video clip on TikTok, where the government requested Finnish women to perform this dance just before their rape in the country. It was bizarre to hear about this news. We ended up discussing world events in a rather dismal 24/7 China bar, consuming terrible carbs and eating deep-fried food

That is so bizarre right? 

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Rapid Bay South Australia for Skywatch Friday

 

Rapid Bay is a hidden gem just 105 kilometers south of Adelaide. This tranquil seaside town is known for its stunning coastal scenery, including long sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

One of the highlights of Rapid Bay is its historic jetty, which offers breathtaking views of the bay and is a popular spot for fishing and relaxation. The bay is also a haven for divers and snorkelers, with dramatic shipwrecks and vibrant marine life, including the elusive Leafy Sea Dragon.

For those who love exploring, Rapid Bay's coastal caves and scenic hiking trails provide endless opportunities for adventure. The area is perfect for a peaceful getaway, whether you're camping under the stars or enjoying a picnic by the shore.

DJ Mini Pro4

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Pink Lake, Ashville for Skywatch Friday

 

Joel and I took a long drive to reach this destination. Not much else is there apart from droning.

The Geology of Pink Lake

Pink Lake’s iconic pink color and its unusual salt crust have sparked scientific interest, and its geology is just as captivating as its history.

The Formation of the Lake

Pink Lake is a saline lake, which means it is highly concentrated with dissolved salts. The lake itself is part of the Eyre Basin, a large endorheic basin in South Australia. Endorheic basins are unique because they don’t drain into the sea, which results in the accumulation of water, salts, and minerals over time. The lake was formed through a combination of ancient geological processes, including the movement of tectonic plates, as well as climatic factors such as evaporation and rainfall patterns.

Over millions of years, the region's climate has fluctuated, with periods of both wetter and drier conditions. During drier times, the lake has dried up, leaving behind a thick layer of salt. When filled with water, the lake remains highly saline due to the evaporation that occurs in the hot, dry conditions of South Australia. This process of evaporation leads to a concentration of salts, and the lake’s high salinity is what supports the formation of salt crusts on its surface.

The Pink Color Phenomenon

The stunning pink hue of Pink Lake is one of its most distinctive features. The color of the lake can vary in intensity, from pale pink to deep fuchsia, and is influenced by several factors, most notably the presence of specific microorganisms in the water. A key contributor to this coloration is a type of algae known as Dunaliella salina, which thrives in highly saline environments. This algae produces a red pigment called beta-carotene, which is responsible for the lake's signature pink appearance.

In addition to the algae, the lake’s unique chemistry also plays a role in the color change. High levels of salt in the water create an environment where certain types of bacteria and microorganisms flourish, leading to the vivid color shifts. The lake's color can also be affected by the time of year, temperature, and the water’s salt content, which explains why the lake’s appearance can change from one season to another.

Salt Production and Mining

Over the years, salt mining has been a significant part of the lake's economic history. The salt extracted from Pink Lake is high in quality, and it was used in a variety of applications, from table salt to industrial and agricultural uses. In the past, large-scale mining operations have extracted salt using evaporation techniques, where water from the lake was allowed to evaporate, leaving behind a thick, white salt crust.

Today, salt production at the lake has mostly ceased, but remnants of the industry remain. The area is still an important site for scientific study, particularly concerning its saline ecosystem and the unique microorganisms that call the lake home.

Linking Skywatch Friday

The latest Aldi commercial is quite amusing

Xmas Turkey

Mount Lofty summit in Adelaide Hills for Sunday Best

 

I was dining at the manor in the middle of the frame.

3 hat restaurant. Fine food. Joel and I have enjoyed the 4-hour 9 courses degustation 

DJ Mini Pro4 

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Cape Schanck Sunset for Sky Watch Friday

 

This view was via a staircase on the walk down to Pulpit Rock

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FE 70-200mm f4 G

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Monfort Beach for Skywatch Friday

 

For a change, no long exposure shot.

Some purists prefer shots like this

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FE 20-70mm f4

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Bay of Islands, Peterborough

 

The aerial shot from late last year

I love blue sky

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I am getting a lot of spams. Yesterday there were 50 of them. It took me forever to delete them. So I have to moderate all comments now

Diamond Bay Staircase for Sky watch Friday

 

This was taken when I started out learning taking Milkyway photo 

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FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM

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Mount Alexander Sunset for Sky Watch Friday

 

A nice drive at the nearby mountain 

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FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM

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Mount Cook Autumn View for Skywatch Friday

 

Happy sky watch

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FE 70-200mm f4 G

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Cape Schanck Beach long exposure for Treasure Tuesday

 

The nice whirl in the water

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FE 20-70mm f4 

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Sea lake Mallee for Sunday Best

 

Just arrived home from Albany WA

So tired. Constant rescheduling of flights and cancellations. 

Sony A7RV

FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM

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Mungo National Park Desert sky for Skywatch Friday

 

The shot was taken using a Voigtlander 12mm f2.8. It was a tiring trip to access the location. I regret taking this lens only to a night shoot. The colour is not the same as Sony FE 14mm f1.8 

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Voigtlander 12mm f2.8 

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Pulpit Rock Cape Schanck for Skywatch Friday

 

Another long exposure shot from a while back

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

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Stingray Bay Warrnambool for Skywatch Friday

 

Stingray Bay is a good place to walk

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

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Tenby Point Sunset for Skywatch Friday

 

A lovely glow in the sky

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Mount Alexander Maldon for Sky Watch Friday

 

Time of the week for some clouds and sky

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Warrnambool for Skywatch Friday

 

Cloudy and gloomy

My feet were soaked wet

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sky Watch Friday

I finished watching rooftoppers documentary on Netflix. It is exploring the mind of these risktakers. Interesting to find out about their inner journeys