Sunday, November 26, 2017


This weekend, Supercars came to Newcastle after months of prep.  I may as well be in Timbuktu as all I saw was on TV and car racing has become a regular procession.
Virgin Australia Supercars Championships are held in 14 locations around the land plus one meet in NZ, I believe. Pehaps the tv coverage is a money spinner.
It was impossible to find a channel among the satellite services overseas in Asia that aired programs with any real content, there were only two minute snatches in between advertorial and nothing substantial was found and that was from the major Western style programmers. It is difficult to imagine who  would be happy if interested in what's going on and in entertainment. Sport is another matter. Nor were all the sat services trialed.

Saturday, November 25, 2017


A lucky sighting when a beautiful snake slide across the road ahead.  There was no time for the best angle and what if it was venomous?  Looks like a Diamond Python.  A venomous and vulnerable Broad Headed snake looks similar.
We are always advised to leave a snake alone.  Many people are bitten when they try to kill a snake.

Thursday, November 23, 2017



A flock of ducks was caught napping in a park by the shore.
 We can be full of thanksgiving for birdlife.
 And Thanks Be for The Australian Ballet; for environmentalists and, despite the lack of risk, for our good life in a strange land - to mention but a few.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Fairy-Wrens are tiny birds.  Like a large insect.  The blue version takes the eye but this bird is never still for the camera, even these seemed familiar with the campers.

Monday, November 20, 2017

The birds I know as Plovers. Are they Masked Lapwings?  Imagine their indignation consternation on living near a walking path.  The uproar is almost constant.  And a mobile group is different to the usual solo bird.


Friday, November 17, 2017

Thursday, November 16, 2017


Could this be a mature Crimson Rosella?  Could we be camping in wonderland?

Wednesday, November 15, 2017


Laughing Kookaburra - the most massive of our kingfishers and best known. These are youngsters.
We can take their laughter for granted yet it is very bizzare.  A benign stretch of bushland will suddenly erupt in unheard of sound effects.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017



Heirloom embroidery, Australiana style.  Gum blossom in detail.
Could be the Eastern Rosella where a hundred per cent accuracy of colour was not the point of the exercise.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Campers visiting a spot near Chichester Dam would very likely know and love a flock of Australian King Parrots who front up seeking attention.
The local said over 150 different birds had been identified by birdwatchers and thought bird numbers had not declined there.

Friday, November 10, 2017

My wish to you is that in your life time you will drive down a country road and find the countryside a true delight.

Tuesday, November 07, 2017

Monday, November 06, 2017

I wish that in your life time you will enjoy seeing a country stream.