Fishponds

After my second night shift went for a walk from the old Hornsby Quarry on the Blue gum walk to Fishponds waterhole. Still cold of a morning. Not many birds around and nothing unusual. Talked to another gent who had been birdwatching and he told me that Rose Robins were at the other end of the park near the start of the walk. Was heading home then so didn't go and see for myself.

Tidal Comparisons

Some shots of Hmas Parramatta from 2008.
A higher tide gives the ship a different presence, more imposing, a greater dignity. It even looked bigger, possibly cause I could paddle right up close.

Foggy Paddle

Rather than go straight home after night shift decided to stop for a paddle so that I would be tired and sleep better. Little bit on the cool side and heavy fog. I was the only one at the boat ramp and park at the F3 crossing of the Hawkesbury in shorts and not wearing a beanie.
As I paddle towards the wreck of Hmas Parramatta I could see the waterfall on Cascade Gully. Last couple of times here it has only been a trickle. Fog lifted to the ridge giving a clear view of the wreck.
It was right on low tide as I got to the Parramatta which gives a different view of the wreck and of course I couldnt get up close or paddle around the wreck like last time. On the water just over 1 1/2 hrs and about 8klm.

Tuggerah Wharf Ruin

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Working a night shift for next 3 nights, so went for a paddle this morning and maybe a sleep this arvo. Paddled from Ourimbah Creek out into Tuggerah Lake and north/west to the old Tuggerah Wharf (ruin). Had rained overnight but cleared for start of paddle with the water like glass and not a breath of wind. Once at the wharf though stiff breeze and showers put a little chop on the water for the trip home.
Plenty of birds around. Used waterproof Olympus camera and my Fuji. Can really see the difference in quality from the Fuji when compared to the Canon DSLR and even the Olympus. All up approx 10klm paddled.

Lake and Beach

Sunday mornings walk before work from Long Jetty into The Entrance. Having a nice coffee in a cafe where the first shot was taken we then walked through the park and along the beachfront to the ocean baths before crossing back to the lake side and the cars. About 10klm all up. Rain held off but strong winds especially on the ocean side.

Brooklyn Paddle

Lovely paddle a fortnight ago from Parsley Bay at Brooklyn to Refuge Bay on Cowan creek and back. These are phonepics which I have just downloaded. Most pictures on the day were taken with my Olympus waterproof camera, but for the first time ever, water droplets on the lens had most of the shots with smudges. The first and third photo are of Gunyah Beach which is about half way between Brooklyn and Cowan Creek. The middle photo is of the waterfall in Refuge Bay. Couldnt land there as the beach is only accesible at low tide.

Windsor Downs

Off to Greystanes yesterday to buy binoculars from Andrews Communication. After deciding on the clearer 12x60, over the 10-30x60 which weren't so clear, went to Windsor Downs Nature Reserve at Berkshire Park. After a weather forecast of rain in the morning and then showers, turned into a beautiful clear day.Not a lot of birds around in middle of the day and very windy.Nice walk through the reserve and then late lunch of fish and calamari at Windsor before returning home.

Storm Swell

Morning walk before work to Bateau Bay and along the rock shelf under Crackneck about 6 weeks ago. Big storm swell and westerly winds.

Convict and industrial

Last weeks trip to Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour. Bigger than I thought and a great day out. Convict history and industrial heritage in a well presented audio self guided tour. Nice lunch and a beer at the cafe. Could go again tomorrow.

Tuggerah Lake

This mornings walk along the bike track at Berkeley Vale. Cut short by rain, of course.

Icons

Last Saturday's Two island trip to Fort denison and Cockatoo Island.

Pagoda Country

The Newnes Plateau area a short drive from Lithgow. Photo from my short stay there a fortnight ago.

Around Lithgow

Another photo from Evans Crown Nature Reserve
The Fish River runs along the boundary of the Nature Reserve. This picture though, is taken from a camping reserve further along the river towards the town of O'Connell.

Evans Crown 27/7/11

Last week at Evans Crown Nature Reserve. Short walk to the top of the nature reserve. Large granite tors on a hill overlooking the town of Tarana in the NSW central west between Lithgow and Bathurst.