Sunset at Lake Tyrrell for Sunday Best

 

The lake was not completely filled. So I got this Yin and Yang kind of look to it. 

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Seagulls at Lake Tyrrell for Saturday Critter

 

They are rather noisy. But makes a good view

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Saturday Critter

Lake Tyrrell Sunset for Skywatch Friday

 

It has been raining for the last 3 consecutive weekends. Lucky I visited Lake Tyrrell when I needed to perform home visits on some nursing homes. 

Linking Skywatch Friday

I am enjoying netflix and disney plus channel now. Watching these shows is so addictive. 

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

Lake Tyrrell Sign for Sign2

 

This sign was one of the reasons Aboriginal groups went to court with state government. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign 2

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

Christchurch mural for Mural Monday

 

These were kind of cute on the abandoned buildings after the earthquake in Christchurch NZ

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Sunday Best - Lake Tyrrell Topdown Panorama

 

I should have visited here more often. It has been over 8 months since I last visited. My boots are all filthy from the red dirt.

DJ Mini Pro4

Linking Sunday Best

Gonna take mum to another house inspection. Then head to Mount Martha for a photography site investigation with Joel. 

More critter for Saturday Critter

 

Not sure it is a moth or a butterfly. 

Olympus 150mm f2 

Linking Saturday Critter

I got a new OLED monitor for my desktop in my room. It turned out there was no speaker function. So I had to get Joel to sort it out today. 

Lake Tyrrell Sunset for Skywatch Friday

 

This was taken a while back when the usual arid season arrives in Lake Tyrrell

Panasonic G9

Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4 

Linking Skywatch Friday

New Zealand Waters for Water H2O Thursday

 

I was not too impressed when I clicked the shot. Later, I actually love it more.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Now is the end of financial year sale. I have bought so many things this month more than any years prior. Now I am tempted to get Sony 12-24mm f2.8 but I must stop the impulsive buying!

Little Lonsdale St Signs for Sign2

 

Last Friday, I decided to take a photowalk in CBD again. I can take away some Japanese Cheese Cake from Uncle Tetsu for mum. She likes it. 

The first shot was nice for a Chinese acupuncture store. 

The 2nd shot does make me think a bit more. A little too much wokism 

Sony A7RV + FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Sign 2

Fungus Mount Macedon for Treasure Tuesday

 

This was taken at the beginning of the month which was rather late for mushroom hunting. 

Overnight was zero-degree celcius. No fun. The lack of sunlight and the cold feeling in isolation does make me a little melancholic. 

On YouTube, I saw this phenomenon called "Blue Dot Effect" published in psychiatric journal, which was rather interesting. Basically, we all choose to have our own problems when there is nothing really major. Food for thought. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Christchurch mural in New Zealand for Mural Monday

 

That looks like our future

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Long Teng Broken Bridge Taiwan for Sunday Best

 

The remnant of the bridge from Japanese occupation period is now wrapped around by nature.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Last night, Joel and I went to Pearses Bay again. A last-minute decision as it was a high tide. Weather was crap. So we ended up in a Greek Fish n Chips shop getting souvlaki in the end. This is the kind of life I like. No need to impress anyone just by being myself. 

White Whiskered Laughingthrush in Taiwan for Saturday Critter

 

I only learnt the name of this bird until a former mate in Perth Australia told me about it.

Extraordinarily plumaged songbird with white facial markings that lend it an almost comical whiskered appearance. Brown overall, with accents of yellow, buff, purple, plum, blue, and orange throughout the plumage. Inhabits montane forest edge with dense shrubbery or grassy cover, but often emerges out onto roadsides and paths to forage, often crossing the road close to vehicles. Moves in noisy flocks or in pairs, giving soft contact calls and harsh rattling and whistling calls when alarmed. Song, a melodic tinkling, is simple but pleasant.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm macro 

Linking Saturday Critter

Sunrise at Sandridge Point Melbourne for Skywatch Friday

 

I just cant continue waking up at 3 am driving to Melbourne for a sunrise anymore

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM

Linking Skywatch Friday

Pearses Bay Melbourne for Water H2O Thursday

 

The way the water motion goes is kind of fascinating to me.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

De Graves St Sign for Sign2

 

Their pricing have not changed despite the inflation over the past 4 years. I am very surprised.

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Lake Light in the stormy weather for Treasure Tuesday

 

The hue caught my eye while passing through an unnamed lake.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Cute duckling on Hosier Lane for Mural Monday

 

This one stands out as I do my regular walk in CBD for contents on the other blog of mine. 

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Listening to Joel talking about his kids' troubles is a reminder that we all have a story to tell. 

Castle Hill New Zealand for Sunday Best

 

I like the composition somehow. I enjoy the walk there

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

I spent the whole day hiking out around Ballarat area with Joel. Damn, the waterfall was completely dried out including the river nearby. That was a huge disappointment. In the end, we had some nice chicken Parma in a dusty general pub at a nearby country town. I swear the owner looks like a character from a horror haunting movie killing off tourists.  

Then Joel's electric car ran out of juice. We had to go to a town with limited fast charge. I believe Joel turned up the heating too strong for the cold weather here. 

Lady bug in bokeh for Saturday Critter

 

Too shallow DOF. Should have done the stacking. 

Linking Saturday Critter

Lake Tekapo New Zealand for Skywatch Friday

 

It was still cloudy and windy. Lucky the cloud break allows some colours to enter into the frame. 

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

Mount Sunday Edoras for Water H2O Thursday

 

I really missed New Zealand 

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Mum's mobile company just got sold to another one called Yana Amaysim. The name sounds like a scammer to me. She asked me to help her to verify the direct debit was still in place. I could not find the company on line until I break it up. The person on the phone sounds like a scammer too. 

Nanmen old street Mazu Shrine carvings for Sign2

 

The signs are written in old language. 

On the left 

Glory in many universes and dimensions; power and blessings fill every home

On the right

Prosper in ranks and files; fortune shines on the living world

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

Mount Macedon Fungi for Treasure Tuesday

 

A bit late to the mushroom hunt with Joel this year. Though we did not find parasol, these brown ones will do.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Buddhism Guardians in Christchurch for Mural Monday

 

I found this next to a French Restaurant ironically. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Castle Hill, New Zealand for Sunday Best

 

On the hill where Kingdom of Nania is filmed. A nice series of layers

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Alpine Parrot Kea in New Zealand for Saturday Critter

 

Kea was once treated as pests in NZ. In 1970, they went into extinction as the country wanted to protect their sheep grazing industry. Now, Kea is a protected species. They behave like seagulls trying to get my food all the time.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Saturday Critter

Mount Sunday, New Zealand for Skywatch Friday

 The film location for Edora in Lord of Ring

Weather is very fickle here. Zero phone reception there too. 

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

Success hacks

* Find the pain you enjoy

* Focus on what you can control, ignore the ones you can't 

* Turn off the autopilot 

* Adopt 10 x Max 

* Focus on fewer things for a longer period of time 

Devil's Bowl Waterfall at Arthur Pass in New Zealand for Water H2O Thursday

 

This was taken using a telephoto lens from a distance. Very strong UV there so the colour adjustment is rather tricky. 

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

It has been rather difficult to get back to work immediately after the trip. My body is sore everywhere as well. Thanks for the work out in NZ. 

Five Lanes Eatery Complex, Christchurch for Sign2

 

I was wandering into the complex realising there is so much cheap eats to have.

The signs are quite cool all around. The vibe is great for me.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2 and FACE OFF

Devil's Bowl Waterfall, New Zealand for Treasure Tuesday

 

The walking trail leading up to this waterfall is very steep and challenging. I almost gave up 2/3 into the journey.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Mural for Mural Monday

 

Just outside a modern Chinese restaurant 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Lake Pearson reflection New Zealand for Sunday Best

 

I had no sleep for the past 35 hours. I have to recuperate before commenting again 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Galah for Saturday Critter

 

I haven't done much photography on birds lately. 

Galah is very loud. They always wake me up every morning. 

I would be on the flight back to Melbourne now. (I have to wake up at 2 am in the morning to catch the flight). 

Linking Saturday Critter

Lake Pukaki New Zealand for Skywatch Friday

 

This was taken from 2 days ago trying to get some shots when the fickle weather decided to cloud break

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

I am heading to Mount Arthur today. Cloudy forecast. At least not raining anymore. But who knows? 

Lake of Clear Water in New Zealand for Water H2O Thursday

 

Lake of Clear Water is really a lovely place to visit. Storm briefly stopped when I stopped by. Finally, some mercy on me!

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

I sourced myself a back pain after an accidental fall on the slope of snow. It is hurting really bad. 

New Zealand Town Fairlie for Sign 2

 

This town is on the way to Aoraki the highest mountain in New Zealand. The only place I can eat some hot pies and warm latte that tastes like cough medicine. 

Thanks to the pouring rain in Christchurch. I stay at hotel processing my shots all day. Even the city river is flooding the banks. Did I bring so much needed rain to NZ?

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

Mount Cook, Aoraki, New Zealand for Treasure Tuesday

 

Bad luck the weather is raining and snowing in Christchurch. Apparently, the town is suffering drought for the preceding few months. 

I did not end up participating Hooker Valley Trail or Tasman Glacier walk. Pity. Will do it next time.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Christchurch Mural for Mural Monday

 

I arrived Christchurch on Saturday. I had to grab something to eat before I rest for the next day to Mount Cook.

It looks rather funky

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4

Linking Mural Monday

Mirror Show exhibition in Port Melbourne for Sunday Best

 

Joel and I ventured into this mirror show exhibition. Quite fun snapping away.

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Sunday Best

Butterfly for Saturday Critter

 

Old photo in my old house in Hawthorn

Linking Saturday Critter

Leaving this morning to Christchurch. 

Da Xi Taiwan for Skywatch Friday

 

The place is renown for Tofu. 

Linking Skywatch Friday

Pulpit Rock Cape Schanck for Water H2O Thursday

 

I have been here many times when Joel and I wondered where to go. Not visiting coast lately as I am busy travelling abroad.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Toucheng Old Street Facade for Sign2

 

This is an abandoned old street left from Japanese occupation era. 

The words on both sides of the entrance say

Exploding crackers get rid of old wax

Cherry Blossoms in the cold bring the spring 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

This is linking Sign2