My Camera and I

Late last week, when there was a little window of opportunity and a whole lot of sun I jumped in the car and went in search of some solitude and photo-worthy scenery, so of course I headed south to Wilson's Promontory again, the southernmost point of Victoria.  In just over 30 minutes from our front door this is what I saw as I rounded a bend in the road of the National Park - a big, beautiful, breathtaking open space.

Tidal Overlook Walk appeared to be a relatively easy one.  The sign suggested it was a 20 minute walk of only one kilometre.  It looked quite easy and flat, and once I started walking I got lost in the sheer magic of my surroundings.  I didn't see a single person the entire time, and I was happy snapping away with my camera.  What I soon realised was that I was climbing up and up and more up!  And then even more.

I saw a very cute wallaby along the way and in my excitement to capture him (with my camera) I took a few fuzzy photos, but as he was quite prepared to stand still and look cute I calmed down and got my settings right.  And on I climbed.

These funny things, which for a strange reason reminded me of Ewoks from Star Wars were dotted throughout the bush.  When I saw them my imagination went running off on a very weird tangent and it got to the point that these bushy little plants were giving me the heebie-jeebies as I was imagining someone leaping out from one and scaring the pants off me, and there I was alone, no-one within coo-ee of me.  Sometimes it's best for me to put a lid on my imagination.  But come on, you can see what I mean ... can't you?!

At the top, after a fair amount of puffing and panting, and stopping under the pretext of taking another photo, the view made the entire walk worthwhile, because this is what I saw after ducking under another tree and winding my way around another rock.  Looking one way towards Squeaky Beach, and then the other towards Norman Bay.

And beautiful wildflowers everywhere.

Ahhhh, just what I needed.  I headed home rejuvenated, happy and with over 200 photos on the camera.  Sometimes it's nice to just sneak away and have some time with yourself.

Wishing you some quiet moments of reflection, without the scary looking plants.

Trudy

Boxing Kangaroos

On an impulse we packed a picnic tea and drove to The Prom for a walk along the beach and in the hope of spotting some native wildlife, and we weren't disappointed.  We saw wombats, wallabies and kangaroos.

It's always such a thrill, and yes I still squeal like a little girl, when I see animals in their natural setting going about their business.  Okay, maybe they had a bit of an idea that they were being watched by people with zoom lenses, but they certainly weren't too concerned.

And this is something I've never seen before, except on sporting flags and memorabilia, the boxing kangaroo!  They looked to be young 'roos, and therefore just having a bit of fun, I think ...  I certainly wasn't going any closer to find out!!

On we drove to our destination point, Squeaky Beach.  I love this beach, because of it's quirky squeakiness (the rounded quartz sand makes a squeak as you walk along) and for the amazing rock formations on the beach.

It was 7.00 p.m. by the time we settled ourselves on our picnic rug, with the rocks behind our backs and the roar of the sea in our ears, pretending we were the last family on the planet, eating pork pies, mini quiches, Nobby's nuts and rock cakes (well, that seems appropriate!!)

We always come away from The Prom wondering why we don't visit more often.  There is so much to explore, so many walks to be walked, animals to spot, fabulous beaches and so many wonderful photo opportunities.  We will be back, and soon.
Hope you're all enjoying your Long Weekend.
Cheers, Trudy

Nicholas Building, Melbourne

On Friday I had the fun of a trip to the City.  Melbourne is filled with fabulous alleyways and  arcades, and I found myself, through good planning but not quite enough browsing time, outside the Nicholas Building in Swanston Street.  The Cathedral Arcade runs through the ground floor, and you must look up when you're there to see the stunning glass roof.

This iconic building, completed in 1926, is home to a number of small artist studios, designers, makers and businesses.  The lifts remain some of the last in Melbourne to be operated by a person, and are charmingly decorated with personal momentos such as photos, postcards and silk flowers.  There is such a special feel to the Nicholas Building, with its history and beauty and, quite possibly, its hidden secrets.

My mission was to visit the second floor and to seek out three particular businesses, Buttonmania, Kimono House and, top of my list, l'uccello, which stocks vintage haberdashery and fancy goods, as the business card states.  I knew I was in for a treat when I spotted the entry to l'uccello.

Kim, the owner, is delightful and while there was a bit of a rush of customers she had time for everyone and made the visit to her store special.  There is a blog l'uccello which only teases and taunts you with her constant supply of new and beautiful products and fabulous class lists.

I think if I was still working in Melbourne this would definitely be a regular haunt.

Buttons, threads, vintage French linen, fabric ... treasures, everywhere you look!!

And how could I possibly leave without making an ever-so-small purchase?  A "crafty fat quarter", a metre of a divine pink and blue-bowed ribbon and a packet of Sajou thread cards featuring vintage cyclists!!  Even the packaging was gorgeous!

If you find yourself at 37 Swanston Street, pop in for some crafty goodness, look up at the arcade's roof and breathe in the essence of the Nicholas Building.

Trudy