Crab fest

Hundreds of thousands of beautiful blue crabs descended on this small mud flat at Stockton mud flats while I was photographing birds there.  Why, I'm not sure (maybe a mass breeding orgy?) but it was a truly amazing spectacle.  I've never seen so many crabs in one place.  It was awe inspiring.

Easter Friday at Bobbin Head

Bobbin Head is one of our favourite spots in Sydney for a walk and to take some snaps. The million dollar boats are always photogenic with their reflections in the Hawkesbury River. The local Kookaburra is always up for a close portrait shot, as are the multi-coloured rainbow lorikeets. The mangrove crabs are also colourful in their green or red armour - though notoriously difficult to get in focus even with good macro lenses while lying on your stomach on the boardwalk. The view from the visitor centre is stunning of the river below and the shady forrests are always restful with their generous shade. Not to mention that the local shop stocks my favoutite icecream and does great coffee. All in all, a wonderful spot for an Easter Friday ramble with Mum and Mike...

Sunday stroll at Bobbin Head

We had a lovely walk at Bobbin Head today and we took a couple of macro shots along the way. The mangrove crabs were as cute as ever. They are very timid so we had to keep very still while photographing them. Towards the end of the walk, we were forced to skelter as an enormous storm suddenlty came upon us with thunder, hail and bucketing rain. Thankfully we arrived at the car just in time.

Narrabeen and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

View of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
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Wonga Pigeon (new species)

Glossy Black Cockatoo (new species)

Bush Turkey
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Australian Magpie
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Eastern Rosella
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Kangaroo
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Mangrove Crabs
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Mangrove Heron
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Mallard ..
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Whitebellied Sea Eagle
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Royal Spoonbills
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Darter
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Houseboating in Hawkesbury River

We just spent an idyllic 3 days houseboating with Doug and Claudia, Linda and Dan. Amazing food, beautiful scenery and lots of time to chill out. It was a great get away.

Swimming off the boat. The water was suprisingly warm. There were some jellyfish to avoid but all part of the fun.

As with all Dough and Claudia outings, the food was splendid and we did little but eat. Each couple was responsible for a day. Ally excelled with her Yoghurt and Cumin Lamb and prawns wrapped in pancetta ham on the barbie. Went down like a house on fire.

What would a boat trip be without a leap from the boat.

On our final night, we had a Bond night were we dressed up in "costumes" and played poker. Guess who cleaned up? Yes, Ally!! She's quite the poker player and spent the evening accumulating everyone's chips.


Ally and me in our Bond outfits. Can you see my bow tie?



And here is the whole group. We had an enormous boat, equipped for ten people, so were spoiled with lots of space.



Relaxing on the beaches along the river.

We all did a fair amount of fishing. But only Dan caught any fish - 7 of the blighters!! What we were all doing wrong is anyone's guess.

These crabs only have one claw each. Who needs two hands when one will do.

All her fish catching made Dan very popular with the local pelican.

Beautiful it was.

Doug trying hard.

Beautiful sunsets.

Ally's new T-shirt - a present from the Fletchers.

And my boogey board - a Xmas present from Ally. Perfect colour and message for Bondi Beach!

Driving the boat was a lot of fun. Had to be particularly careful aiming through the bridges.

A very cheeky jump in the lake by Dan. Needless to say, she was a lot of fun...