The birds in the bush near my home are usually very noisy and flitting between the branches of the trees so fast that I have found it impossible to get photos, but today I took my Sony with a telephoto lens when I went for a walk. I had to stand still for some time waiting for them to be in frame for a photo.
These are both lovely and fluffy with their "baby" coats.
New Holland Honey Eater
When the sun shines it makes my heart happy.
This winter has been cold and wet, with some very windy days and nights, I just wanted to stay inside and curl up doing very little of anything. But things always change, the sun does shine again and I can get out and enjoy the bush and ocean in the beautiful Great Southern Coastal area that I live.
The past few days have been absolutely beautiful and I've taken the opportunity to go to some lovely places and see beautiful scenery as well as the fabulous flora that abounds.
Over the past few years I've challenged myself with climbing some of the mountain trails in the Stirling Range National Park in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia.
One of my favourite views of the Ranges
Mt Hassell was the first with a friend who was afraid of heights, so part way to the top we turned back and the next time I did it was with grandchildren and one of their friends, again kids running ahead spooked me so we turned back, oh, and that time I found a snake curled up on the edge of the track having a nap. The next time I was with a Wildflower Group and we made it quite a way up before it was decided it was too difficult for some of the group. I may do some of this one again in the future, but will not be pushing to go all the way, sometimes it's best to have a go, and enjoy the moment instead of pushing until it's no longer enjoyable. I have done bits of it with family and friends over the years but never actually made it to the top!
I can't find any photos so this should be my next climb!
Bluff Knoll, this was the biggest thing I attempted I had several trials and bought hiking poles before getting to the summit, it is the most beautiful place, very challenging but I was always very aware of my personal safety and was slow and deliberate with my steps. I have also done several trips where I have gone part way, I love the waterfall and have hiked to it several times with grandchildren and other groups of friends.
My last climb was part of Mt Trio, now this was difficult and I was very aware of how dangerous it was, my friend and I only did part of the trail as it got just too dangerous for this old girl, I won't be attempting to do it again, but I enjoyed my day, especially the orchids and wildflowers we found in the afternoon.
When I remember the past forty years I wonder how come I got old so quick! I look in the mirror and see the grey hair and the wrinkles and know those years have left their mark on me. But I still choose to see and do the best I can with what I have, which includes climbing the mountains in The Stirling Ranges, hiking on the trails around where I live, and doing the stairs to the beach at The Albany Wind Farm around once a week.
I will choose to do what is best for me, this includes not pushing my body too far, the next photo is where I stopped on a hike, beyond here is very difficult and I chose not to do it.
We all have the ability to choose so today choose the best for yourself and those you love.
The bush is a place of wonder for me, I love the different times of the year, how I can go wandering any time and find a treasure. Today I found so many I took over 400 photos and will take a bit of time to go through them and edit them properly.
I love visiting the Stirling Ranges National Park and today went to an area I'd never been to before, I'd been told there was lots to see, and five hours later I was planning my next trip to start very early so I could spend the whole day there.
When I'm walking on a bush track I'm looking for the next photo opportunity, I obviously thought there were lots of them today if I took 400 photos! Hahahaha
Please enjoy some of the beautiful Western Australian Native Flora that I found today, and there are lots more, I just need to get out in the bush and find it.
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I hadn't realised the effect of lockdown and that the changes in society had affected me!
I'm a happy person who enjoys her life and can do what I want and go where I like!
Having allowed my emotions to run away and get all scrambled has been an interesting journey of self-awareness. I'm someone who loves God passionately and knows His amazing love and grace for me and yet I was duped into leaning over on my emotions instead of relying on Him. I was still doing the religious things, and yet I knew there was something wrong with the way my life was heading.
( written 28/11/2020)
NOW IT'S 5th JANUARY 2021 A NEW YEAR AND HERE I AM FINDING THIS UNFINISHED ......................
My heart's desire is always to do my best with what I have, one of the gifts God gave me is to encourage others, to build you up, and be the trustworthy friend who keeps your confidences very close to my heart. One of the ways I encourage others is with my photos and videos which I send by message or post on Facebook to cheer up those who aren't able to get out and about like I do.
I have spent many hours these past months wandering in the bush, along the water's edge, and taking care of my garden, and I'm always conscious of the wonders of God's Creation. The beauty of nature is a treasure to behold, and I am surrounded by it.
Today is a beautiful day on the south coast, and Grandmum's Place is looking wonderful. The garden is flourishing, and the waters of Princess Royal Harbour are inviting for me to walk along the edge with my feet in the water and be refreshed by it.
Every day is to be enjoyed and lived to the fullest, and that's what I do here in my little cottage by the harbour.
Today I choose life in all of its abundance and am blessed to have such a beautiful place to call home.
Grandmum's Place is open to visitors! You're always welcome to stay awhile, to chat, have a cuppa, or just call in and say hello.
There is so much variety in the colours of an early morning sky. They change rapidly and can be quite amazing to watch and wonderful to photograph. These photos were taken early May 2017, such an amazing difference in the colours in such a short time.
The soft and subtle blues to the bright and glorious fire colours with the morning sun still below the horizon are always different, then after sunrise the colours are amazing and every day there is something new to see, and even though these are photos from some years ago I'm still looking at them and seeing where I can edit them differently to improve the look of the finished product.
6.31 AM
