}

4 July 2011

Boulder hopping to Canyon X (Narrabeen)

I read that Canyon X is great place to do photography at dawn. The only problem is that to get there, you have to get down a steep cliff using ropes. See here for a video of this.  In the dark (to get there at dawn), it's something of a challenge!

The other option is to do some serious boulder hopping from North Narrabeen beach.  I decided to do the latter - and do it in the daylight.  Maybe in the future, I'll try a dawn shoot, but for now I was just happy to scout it out and explore a new place.  It's pretty cool  place with sheer cliffs and a blow hole that sucks water in and then spurts it out.  My photos are very average because the light wasn't right but I really enjoyed it.









Here is how Canyon X looks like at dawn, shot by a really good photographer (Brent, a hero and photographic role model of mine.)

On the way back, I got some snaps of surfers and some gulls.








And North Narrabeen beach...


3 July 2011

My balcony

I've moved up into the top room and rented the bedroom downstairs to a nice couple called Alex and Sue.  The top room isn't as spacious but it has one strong advantage: a nice balcony looking out onto the trees of Brennan Park.  I splashed out on a table and chairs (for the princely sum of $30 at Bunnings!) and a pot plant.  So now I'm set.  All I need is summer so I can sit outside.  And a girlfriend to share my other chair.

Two Creeks Hike (Garigal National Park)

I did a lovely three hour hike today thanks to a blurb I read on the Internet.  I've never hiked in the Garigal National Park before.  The beauty of this park is that it is right on my doorstep, just 15 - 20 minutes from Waverton.

As an article on the Internet so aptly said, "That's the beauty of living in Sydney. The bush isn't so much on the doorstep as parking its butt on the sofa. Study any map of Sydney and you can see the green tentacles of Mother Nature threading their way among the apartment blocks, the homes, the train lines and the shopping malls."











Here is the blurb on the Internet that got me interested in this hike:  

Lindfield - Garigal National Park - Roseville Bridge

Time: 2-3 hours. Medium going in parts.   Highlights: Seven Little Australians Park, spectacular views across upper reaches of Middle Harbour.

Possibly the most picturesque of all these walks, the Two Creeks Track drops swiftly away from the quaintly named Seven Little Australians Park (an explanatory sign is needed here, possibly) and quickly descends into what can only be described as your cliched leafy glade territory. There are wooden bridges over babbling brooks, small waterfalls tumbling over black rocks worn smooth with age, a spooky but excitingly modern tunnel under the Eastern Arterial Road and a worthwhile climb up and into the Garigal National Park. The track follows the line of Gordon Creek until it joins Middle Harbour and then follows the main river around to Roseville Bridge and the Roseville Marina (with cafe) at Echo Point Park.

2 July 2011

Hike to Flint and Steel Beach (Kuring Gai National Park)

Inspired by Andreas and Ingrid's visit, I decided to do this hike myself.  And I'm really glad I did.  The beach is secluded and tranquil with beautiful colours in the rocks, especially at dusk.  Well worth the somewhat steep climb back out again.










Dusk light





Feathered friends

I took my 400 mm lens with me as an afterthought and am glad I did as some of the local birds put on a good show.








Proof I was there

1 July 2011

West Head viewpoint

There are beautiful views of Palm Beach from West Head but difficult to capture it in photographs as the trees get in the way. A great spot for a bit of quiet contemplation.




Photographing Sydney

I've been on a bit of a photographic mission of late to photograph Sydney and her surrounding areas.  I've created an index of Sydney places I've photographed since coming to Australia to help me keep track.

It might also be of use to anyone visiting Sydney to see all the beautiful places on offer.

Mack and Liza

It's been exactly one year since Liza came into Mack's life.  What a great day that was, especially for Mack who is now rarely alone.  In fact, he lives the life of a king, with so many people who love him, including me, Liza and her mum and brother and many of Liza's clients and my new housemates, Sue and Alex.  I think he must be one of the most loved dogs in Sydney.  He deserves it after the hard life he had to start with.

To celebrate the day, Liza left a happy anniversary card in my letter box this morning which I thought was sweet.  It's her birthday tomorrow.  Mack is with her for the next four days and as part of the extended birthday and anniversary of Mack, she's spending a few nights in a dog friendly hotel.  As I said, Mack is a little king.  Spoiled rotten and loving every minute of it.


Matthew at a rugby party

Thanks for the photos, Jo




Special connections (2011)


Connect

  • Blog for Susan
  • Sanjay visit
  • Mack
  • Ally memories on blog


Housemates

  • Craig (housemate)
  • Sue & Alex move in (Jun)


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