Lightly Toasted

We had a short but lovely break at the enchanting picturesque Kangaroo Valley last weekend. Kangaroo Valley is situated between the regions of Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands. Last weekend despite a rainy Friday out of Sydney and the late start on the motorway — the drive was really smooth all the way through and actually look less time than expected. Since we left late afternoon we couldn’t see much beyond the lights of our own car racing down the pitch black of the night but the meandering roads around the Morton National Park past the Fitzroy Falls and then on to the historic sandstone Hampden Bridge and then Kangaroo Valley is really breath taking. We took a little turn off the main street into the golf course which was going to be home for the next 2 nights. In the morning while we were making our big cooked breakfast we had a pack of kangaroos big and small… a whole little family of 5 that hopped along and came by almost to our breakfast deck and stopped to check out their new neighbours! It was a sight to behold how they came by to check on us as we made breakfast… not to mention a huge wombat came and stopped in the middle of the road as we were coming into the valley the previous night… The Wombat knew we were going to stop so it didn’t really hurry across rather stopped and inspected us and then shuffled away slowly into the bush across the road, ah life is so difficult! It made our day… and then to see wild kangaroos up so close - it was commune with nature in more ways than one. There is a very good reason they call this place The Kangaroo Valley.

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Photo by Christopher Chan

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We were up in Mt Tomah for the morning the other weekend soaking up all the autumn colours. As we walked past the different Waratahs and Proteas this particular King Protea caught my attention. When I got closer to the Protea and was ready to shoot I realised there were some bees buzzing inside the beautiful flower and I heard another 2 buzz past my ear and land right in the centre of the flower… I didn’t waste any time and shot away and was happy with the result. I’d make a wallpaper out of this shot soon, if you want a copy make sure you leave a comment.

King Protea was originally from the Cape Town area in South Africa. It is the national flower of South Africa. More information can be found here, here and here.

It was about six in the evening when we walked back in the Boathouse Restaurant… the place was immaculately set and looked very nice. In the short time between the wedding and the reception, you’d remember me mentioning the sun being out followed by the promising rainbow — but by this time it was raining again. It started off with a light drizzle and kept alternating between heavy and light pours. We were inside chatting, congratulating, jubilating and having a good time… it was fun to meet so many of Ruth’s childhood friends and their partners some of whom I had met earlier in Sydney. Loretta & David, Katie & Gavin, Nick, Laila, Rebecca, John, Jake… the list continues. We got to meet a whole new circle of her childhood friends and Andrews family and some of his friends too.

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It was three in the afternoon. We were at the Boat House in Noosaville mingling with friends, family and loved ones to share in Ruth and Andrew special day… such a privilege indeed. There was a vague hint of a rainbow in the sky. Soon we heard lots of smiles, squeals of joy and I could tell Ruth was about… that long awaited beautiful moment was upon us. The bride had arrived — she looked really beautiful and busting with joy from within… what a precious and memorable moment it was. The celebrant started in earnest.

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Saturday was Ruth and Andrew’s big day. The ceremony was to be held at Maison La Plaga Grove in the backdrop of the Pacific ocean skirting the hills in the horizon. Noosa is truly gorgeous, you’d already know this if you’ve been up there… It poured on and off all day. We had wandered down for a walk earlier in the day to the Noosa Heads when there was a short respite from rain. The sky had cleared out as you’d notice in the photo below but in just about fifteen minutes from taking this photo we were running for shelter. It pelted down so heavy we gave the leisurely walk down Hasting street a miss and ran back to our car! Good thinking Ruth and Andrew for having an alternative arrangement in mind!
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We have been lucky to escape the Aussie summer this year as we’re in Europe for what is usually the worst sultry part of the summer in Australia — end of January and February. But as luck would have it even though we officially entered Autumn on the 1^st of March 2008 we had a few rather humid and somewhat stifling days in March, possibly making up for what we had tried to escape…

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I have written about Animal Cruelty before and here again I got a lovely little something from Liz that echoes my thoughts. I much rather quote:

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If you live in Sydney and love walkabout trails you’d already know that access to the Headland Park is now open to the public from sunrise to sunset. There is a gorgeous walking track that links Chowder Bay and Balmoral on the other side of the headland. The newly found park covers the former defence lands at Chowder Bay, Georges Heights and Middle Head in Mosman and holds a spectacular view of the north and the south heads. We had a little stroll there the other day and came back with some photos. Here is one. If you live around Sydney do not miss this hidden gem. There is a lot of information here about its history and access and of course the famous Gunners Tearoom. Sydney Morning Herald did a review on them sometime back! And of course you’re like me and love the thought of walking but not really… shh! its accessible by sea plane and water taxi. Take your pick.