The surf was crazy at Newcastle beach due to the after effects of a cyclone in the South Pacific and yesterday annual Surfest and boardriding was underway in a lot of white water. The scene was filled  with promotions and pop up structures but I caught a glimpse of the action.
No sign of a classic wave but imagine the pics from a professional camera. Mine is all purpose and very small and impossible to monitor in bright sunlight except for a minuscule peep hole. The mobile is another device.

There is the picturesque but drought stricken countryside is the reality in much of our Hunter valley. Severe drought is burdening farmers. Livestock suffer.  Dairy herds and the milk industry is even more vunerable.

https://www.buyabale.com.au is one way of donating to help purchase hay and water.

Some thinking is that drought is a common occurance and the cost should be borne by the farmer and just what is the role of the government.
Federal government is out of it, too busy with a man and his muse.   If one could look at Federal Government with an open mind it could be seen the extent to which its role is redundant. That we support a Federal apparatus as big and costly as a city is so taken for granted. In return we have federal interference that complicates and doubles up and confuses services and have media that hang on every word which all shows we have got it out of proportion.

Today is both Valentines day and Ash Wednesday -  chocolates, fish and fasting!........... Remember.. that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return....

From the gardens near Heatherbrae, the work of volunteers, where you will find very unusual plants among the mainstays.
Exotic motifs all about Mexico and that vicinity broke into our consciousness at one stage in the past when images of the sombrero, cacti or donkey decorated our little household items.

 A pre school on the waterfront seems perfect.  Part of the play area is abandoned as the surf has crept closer carrying erosion and stinking rubbish.

 More motor cycles on sale from Sol Invictus in Hunter street mall.  The retro Nemesis model is probably a Chinese clone.  Latin and Greek is tossed around ....nemesis...emesis....

 Full moon equals high tides and Stockton Beach has suffered.  The seas have encroached into an old rubbish dump and homeowners in the area are worried over the poor condition of the sea wall and the shifting sands.
  Out run any peril with this set of wheels which is a bit unusual for a standard JapaneseTriumph.   Or so it seems to someone who is not an ardent fan. In fifties or sixties styling. The owner showed us images of his other extravagances, namely bikes of European origin.