Pulpit Rock, Cape Schanck, Mornington Peninsula for Sunday Best

 

I just returned from a whole day's trip around Taipei. This shot was from one of the adventures I had with Joel. The photo did look better now than the time I clicked the shutter. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Some of the dumplings I had: Soup dumpling and Wen zhou Wontons. 

Linking Sunday Best

Bridgewater Bay Long Exposure for Water H2O Thursday

 

Bridgewater Bay, located in Blairgowrie on the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne, is a stunning coastal attraction known for its rugged beauty, striking rock formations, and picturesque ocean views. This secluded bay is a favorite among nature lovers, hikers, and photographers, offering a unique blend of natural splendor and adventure.

Natural Beauty and Geography

Bridgewater Bay is characterized by its dramatic limestone cliffs, rocky outcrops, and sandy coves. Unlike the more sheltered beaches on the bay side of the Mornington Peninsula, Bridgewater Bay faces the open ocean, resulting in powerful waves and a constantly changing landscape. The area is shaped by natural erosion, creating fascinating rock pools, sea caves, and arch formations that draw visitors seeking both exploration and relaxation.

Bridgewater Bay is part of the protected ecosystems within the Mornington Peninsula National Park. The region is home to unique flora and fauna, including coastal heathlands and bird species such as the Pacific gull. Conservation efforts ensure that the natural beauty of the bay is preserved while allowing visitors to appreciate its ecological importance.

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Water H2O Thursday

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, 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

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.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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? 

Linking Skywatch Friday

Sierra Nevada Rock for Sunday Best

 

Situated in the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, the Sierra Nevada Rocks in Portsea offer a stunning coastal experience. Located at the end of London Bridge Road, this natural wonder is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

As you make your way down the steep path to the beach, you'll be greeted by the iconic London Bridge rock formation, known for its arched shape. The Sierra Nevada Rocks, with their rugged beauty, create a dramatic seascape that's perfect for photography and exploration.

During low tide, the area reveals a vast expanse of glittery turquoise rockpools, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding trails, including the Wilsons Folly walking track, offer scenic views and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region

Last night, I spent four hours waiting for it to get dark enough to photograph the amusement rides at Birrarung Marr.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Gonna catch up with Joel tonight for another trip down the coast. 

Cape Schanck, Mornington Peninsula for Treasure Tuesday

 

Taken last week with Joel. This was a corner that gave me a suprising result.

Joel is now in Sapphire coast joining a wedding. I will have to find things to do on my own this weekend.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Pulpit Rock, Cape Schanck, Mornington Peninsula for Sunday Best

 

Last Saturday was my first hike since the quadriceps recovered. To the location again. This time, it is medium high tide. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4

Linking Sunday Best

Pirate Bay seascape Mornington Peninsula for H2O Thursday

 

This was captured at twilight. 

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Sierra Nevada Rock, Mornington Peninsula for Treasure Tuesday

 

There were mines in the region. So the place is now permanently closed for visit. Damn, one less place to visit for my water photography

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Pearses Bay Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

Sometimes it is easier to avoid major landmarks getting the seascape in an anonymous way 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Kilcunda rock arch Gippsland for Treasure Sunday

 

I have been here a few times over the years. It was a lowest tide ever while everywhere on the back beach of Mornington Peninsula was actually high tide. 

This is probably the moodiest shot I have taken this winter.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 14-24mm f2.8

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Mount Martha sunset Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

Joel and I did not manage to walk far into Balcombe walking trail. He was so preoccupied with this scene. He set up his equipment like he was setting up a nuclear lab. It only took less than 1 minute to get this frame handheld.

Mount Martha is a quaint beach town wedged between Safety Beach and Mornington on the Mornington Peninsula. This is a popular walk with locals and it's easy to see why - this track follows the Bay Trail and encompasses four leash free beaches as well as providing beautiful bay views.

Hawker Beach, Birdrock Beach and Dava Beach are three different leash free beaches available along this walk and all boast golden sand and clear water. Your dog will love jumping through the waves or digging in the sand and owners will love the shelter of the surrounding cliffs – creating your own sanctuary. Make sure you are aware of the steep beach access along this walk 

The leash free beaches are expansive, with Dava Beach being a continuation of Birdrock Beach (the only way to enter Dava Beach is to first enter Birdrock Beach). Fossil Beach gives you something different altogether, being predominately made up of rocks it gets its name from the abundance of fossils that geologist A.R.C Selwyn discovered amongst the limestone cliffs there in 1854. These fossils displayed evidence of sea life from 10-15 million years ago.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Pearses Bay, Mornington Peninsula for Treasure Tuesday

 

Joel and I knew the day gonna suck. We visited the place 2 weeks ago. I did not give enough time in the planning. By the time we were at the coast, sun was already gone. Then the cloud cover kind of dropped the temperature by a few more degrees. So we set up our gear very quickly and snapped the usual location here.

What surprised me was the fact that there were two wedding photographers torturing brides at this windy coast for portraits. It was not even pretty at that hour. The area we were standing on can collapse any time from my earlier reading into geological studies. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Bridgewater Bay, Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

It was an overcast day at Bridgewater Bay, Mornington Peninsula.

A different take on the flow effect.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Balnarring Beach in Mornington Peninsula for Treasure Tuesday

 

It is not monsoon, but it always rains heavily in April and May around here. This shot was rather interesting from 2 weeks ago. The water flow motion is fun.

Joel and I are just busy playing PlayStation instead. 

Sony A7RV

70-200mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Balnarring Beach Jetty in Mornington Peninsula for Treasure Tuesday

 

Joel and I came back here on Easter Saturday. Again, I did not get the look I want but it gave me another opportunity to try it again.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Pearse's Beach Mornington Peninsula for Sunday Best

 

A very relaxing evening. Not much walking and hiking involved. 

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best