Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Southern Ocean ~ SkyWatch *9

The Younghusband Peninsula, a narrow strip
of land about 90 miles long, embraces behind
it's dunes the Coorong, a tidal lagoon fed by the
Murray-Darling rivers. This is Australia's most
important river system, unfortunately due to
the sale of water rights not only for traditional
farming pursuits, but also multi-national
corporations to grow export commodities such as rice,
cotton, wine-grapes, hay and oil crops in arid, almost
desert lands, its flow has been drastically reduced.
Water from the Murray river is also pumped to
South Australia's capital Adelaide as well as
distributed around the state by pipelines up to at
least 250 miles away. In consequence, the major
lakes near the Murray's mouth, Alexandrina and
Albert, are now but mud puddles, the associated
wetlands dry, and the Murray has nothing left to
feed the Coorong nor the strength to reach the sea.



Seeking solace for the soul by the sea, the roar
of the Southern Ocean looking towards Antarctica
and waiting for the sun to set.



A treacherous beach not recommended for
swimming but great to cool your toes.
Looking east at high tide.



The sinking sun casts shadows on the sea



and memories of dawn towards the east



then nestles in it's feather bed of foam with
one more glow upon the sand.


To enjoy the skies around the world, klick on
SkyWatch Logo on the right.

110 comments:

  1. I know that I am supposed to be looking at the sky, but the sea pictures are amazing. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just beautiful images - thanks for sharing - I might not ever see it otherwise; I don't think I could sit on a plane long enough.

    ReplyDelete
  3. These are absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Such beautiful skies! And the ocean - even the dangerous beach - is lovely too.

    It saddens me to hear about rivers drying up, though. We humans are so careless with our resources.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello Arija !
    Pretty photos today...

    Nice sharing : thank You...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Such wonderful evocative nature pictures.
    Came to you blog via willowmanor.
    so many wonderful bloggers in Australia.
    I'm an English country-lover here in New York.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great beach scenes.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great photos of sky and sea - definitely my favorite subjects.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Now that will take your breath away.

    ReplyDelete
  10. BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS!!
    have a nice weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow, stunning shots. Especially the last one. Thanks for sharing!

    Cheers

    http://reginainpictures.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. I could hardly look at the sky for the wonderful beach scenes. Lovely photos. Happy SWF.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Are all these pictures taken in the same area? All of them very beautiful, and so different! Australia is like a fairy tale for me - I doubt I ever will come there. So thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Awww! Such a wonderful peaceful way of writing. I can see the featherbed of foam, too.

    And I would so love to dip my toes into that cool refreshing water.

    These are really special photos :)
    And thank you for the story behind them, too.

    ~Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  15. Amazing photos! WOW! But the last 2 photos are my 2 faves! They're just ethereal!~Mine is posted HERE. Happy SWF!~

    ReplyDelete
  16. Beautiful beaches and skies. Don't see many beaches without a single person in sight.
    Marnie

    ReplyDelete
  17. These are FANTASTIC pictures. I was going to pick a favorite, but I can't. I love the clouds you captured, and your commentary was interesting as well.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh, wow, these photos are fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a delightful collection of skywatch shots. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  20. These are stunning!
    I almost feel like I'm looking at how it was in the beginning - lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  21. WOW! What a gorgeous series! I can´t decide for a favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  22. These are gorgeous captures. Lovely ocean and sky compositions! Happy SWF!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh what beautiful skies you captured. That last shot is just glorious...

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow... how peaceful...serene. Sigh... outstanding. My eyes feel like they just went on a holiday!
    Awesome...
    ~Michele~
    Mountain Retreat- Canada

    ReplyDelete
  25. Amazing photos,love them all.The colours are so very soft looking.Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Beautiful photos, they took my breath away. I want to dip my toes in that sea.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Magnificent! It's interesting to read about and see the images of your little part of the world, Arija. I know so little about it, which makes it all the more intriguing.

    ReplyDelete
  28. All wonderful , but the last one just knocked me out,

    ReplyDelete
  29. Excellent photographs, well done.

    Ray

    ReplyDelete
  30. Your beach photos this week are spectcular, all the reflecting light off clouds and water add so much to the view.

    Thanks for sharing with sky watch friday fans.

    ReplyDelete
  31. These are gorgeous shots and a very informative post. The loss of wetlands is such a hard worldwide issue. I like the way you go from the information about what has happened to Australia's most important river system to the breathtaking shots of the sea where you can seek solace. Very poetic sequence of words and photographs.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love the last picture. The way the sun glistens on the wet sand. It is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  33. ALL of them are gorgeous!!
    Pure delight to view them :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Arija: I enjoyed your photos of beautiful beach scenes.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Another great photo essay. You're my favorite this week, both photos and thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  36. wow beautiful shots the last just takes my breath... like others the waves capture me too! Happy SWF!

    ReplyDelete
  37. these are postcard perfect just fabulous

    ReplyDelete
  38. Wonderful captures! This is a gorgeous series of photos, Arija! It is very sad that our natural resources and habitats are being destroyed due to stupidity and greed. (I'll stop there so I don't go on a rant. :))

    ReplyDelete
  39. Absolutely stunning set of photos. My hat's off to you. A bounty of photographic riches. Have a great SWF. You have certainly raised the bar.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Wow, that last shot blew me away!
    Thanks for the lesson as well as the photos. It helps me appreciate the photos more.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I adore sky-sea-clouds combination. Lovely photos.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I'm a coastal dweller myself and have seen many beautiful ocean/beach scenes, but I have to agree with the several others who were knocked out by that last shot. I liked the whole set, but that last one is really special..

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love the colours in your photo. Have a nice weekend:)

    ReplyDelete
  44. great images. this skywatching is a phenomenon - it is like traveling around the world.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Gorgeous series, love the last one.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Wonderful beach skywatch at the other side of the world! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Yet again, I am stuck for choice and for words.
    So I will just say - superb.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Your photos of the Southern Ocean are absolutely beautiful in their different settings.
    It is a real shame what happened to the Murray-Darling river system. It shows drastically the over use of a river system.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Wonderful photos of the sky and sea! Thank you for showing us around. The sea near Cooktown is dangerous because of the crocs. Still theree beaches where we could swim.Thanks for your comment! Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Beautiful pictures. I don't know which is prettier the sky or the water.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Arija, it is a sad story you tell about the sell of water rights.
    Of course, the private owners do not care about ecology! Very sad! Once there was a discussion that Austria would also sell certain water rights. Fortunately, they did not do it. So now I know about the consequences from your Australian example!
    OK, but your sea photos and the beautiful colours of the water and the sky are simply overwhelming! Thank you for sharing!
    I am so happy you came over to Vienna and liked my foggy photos of our big ould cathedral! Have a nice weekend down under!

    ReplyDelete
  52. It's wonderful to see your beautiful pictures of the sea and the sky at the other side of the world. That last picture is fantastic!
    I really like your contribution for today's Skywatch Friday.

    ReplyDelete
  53. OH, to be on the beach again. Your shots are simply beautiful. I love your narrative, thoughtfully attached to each picture. A very nice, relaxing post. My blood pressure went down, just visiting your site!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Great coastal photos, especially the last one of the sunset.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Amazing sky series.
    The last pic of sunset is my pick.

    Happy SW Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Beautiful, especiall the way you caught the sky light reflected in the still-wet sand as the waves retreated. And the pristine sand - what a beautiful spot!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Beautiful poetry! Wonderful captures. Such peace in those shots. I could stay there all day and just listen as the waves dance with the shore. Wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Amazing!!!
    That beach is identical to some beaches here in Lisbon Region (like «Praia de Santa Cruz», «Holy Cross Beach»), which is really great!!!

    ReplyDelete
  59. A beautiful coastline shots of sea, sand and sky.
    Nicely done.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Thank You for visiting my web and kind of words from you.Your pictures of beach so amazing,thank again for sharing.
    Have a nice day.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Beautiful photographs, and the last is the best. Happy SWF!

    ReplyDelete
  62. The beauty and the moods of these photographs are just perfect to the skywatch post.

    Thank you for stopping by my SWF post earlier, Arija.

    I love the photos in your blog. Now I'm putting your blog in my following list so that I can always check out its inspirational photos every now and then.

    Regards,
    Eki
    BANDUNG DAILY PHOTO

    ReplyDelete
  63. I wouldn't swim on that beach either, but it sure would be nice to prop up a lawn-chair and just sit for a while. Lovely views.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I love the pastel shade in your serie. It's so calming.

    When will we study the consequences of our decision on Nature? You 've been informed about the drying out of this area, but how much other places are in this case and we ignore it?

    ReplyDelete
  65. Great shots. Lovely sky and Scenery. Nice seascapes. Happy SWF!

    ReplyDelete
  66. A sad, sad story about the rivers, Arija. What we do to the land....

    I loved your SkyWatch post. The first and last photographs are particularly beautiful. It was very peaceful viewing them.

    Thanks for visiting mine, as well.

    ReplyDelete
  67. How awful to lose such a wonderful resource as the water. The first shot saddens me but the others fill my soul with peace.

    ReplyDelete
  68. The Skywatch pics are addicting, I could stay watching them all day long.

    ReplyDelete
  69. excellent info and great photos,

    Gill in Canada

    ReplyDelete
  70. Fabulous series of beautiful pictures and great commentary to accompany them - thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Oh, so lovely! Seeing these scenes is the next best thing to being there! Thank you! Greetings from Iowa, USA.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Your photos of where sea meets sky are very beautiful! Happy Skywatch.
    ann

    ReplyDelete
  73. Good heavens! You have stunning photographs not only of the sky but of flowers!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Soothing shots of a very beautiful place!

    (Thanks for the photography tip at my site.)

    ReplyDelete
  75. Wow! these are so beautiful!Gorgeous beaches & sky.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Wow very beautiful scenery. The photos are amazing. Have a nice weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  77. What beautiful photos! I've always wanted to visit Australia ..... maybe someday!
    Thanks for dropping by to check the skies above me.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Very beautiful beaches, waves and skies !!!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Oh my! these photos are really great! If you would ask me for my favorite, I would say the last one. This extravagant shot resembles the sun as a beautiful gold pearl and the sky and sea are the faces of the majestic clam shell!

    Steven^^

    ReplyDelete
  80. Very beautiful pictures of nature. I like them.
    Bianca

    ReplyDelete
  81. Orange and chocolate (3) and chocolate with milk (4). That's how I see your thirth and fourth sky pics here! They are fantastic and I just love the colors!

    Thank you so much for your visit and wonderful comment on my SW pic this week! =)

    ReplyDelete
  82. What stunning photos.....the ocean is very beautiful even if it looks kinda treacherous!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Such lovely photos and a warm blog. It was nice visiting.

    ReplyDelete
  84. These are amazing. Very relaxing!
    Thank you for your visit and comment on my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Those are beautiful! I couldn't pick just one to be a favorite and loved them all!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Very nice shots. I love the beach.

    ReplyDelete
  87. That is heart breaking about the wetlands as they are so important for wildlife.....We humans are leaving too large a footprint on the earth and I am not sure that we have a right to do that....

    ReplyDelete
  88. How wonderful photos! happy SWF!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Stunning! The danger of the beach is overshadowed by its beauty.

    Thanks for visiting my sunset!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and you just did them justice. Really wonderful photos and you writing was a treat.
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  91. Just lovely pictures arija, makes you want to spend your days here. I too am so sad about the lack of water that your county is suffering.

    Thank you for you visit SWF and kind comments. I am having problems IT wise. http://bowledoverandout.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Gorgeous beach and sky!

    Thanks for your visit and comment today.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Thanks for dropping by my SWF post. You have lovely photos over here! the sky, the beach...and I want to walk in the sand barefooted. BTW, it's sad to know about the drying river.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Wow...Lovely shots! That last one's awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Gorgeous photos! They look like the week I just had!

    ReplyDelete
  96. Gorgeous pictures of the ocean and sky! Too bad that water flow has been over allocated and the lakes are drying up. Thanks for visiting my sky watch.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Hello!
    really beautiful!
    Is this Ocean near your house?
    I'm jealous of you!
    I can't see any ocean from my house!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Ocean combined with the amazing sky... Wow! :)

    ReplyDelete
  99. Most wonderful sea and skyscapes and a very informative read!

    ReplyDelete
  100. Beautiful sky watch photos and narrative. How sad about the river and the lakes gone dry.

    ReplyDelete
  101. The Coorong is a beautiful place. Everytime I think of it, I remember "Storm Boy". Fantastic photos

    ReplyDelete
  102. Breathtaking beauty! "Seeking solace for the soul by the sea".....exactly!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Gorgeous photos. Brings me a sense of peace just looking at them. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  104. Hallo,
    danke für deinen netten Kommnetar.
    Leider bin ich wieder etwas spät, aber bloggen kostet immer mehr Zeit.
    Schön, dass du dich auch für das "Wasser" entschieden hast und wunderbare Bilder eingestellt hast.
    Mein erster Berufswunsch war die Seefahrt, aber natürlich kommt alles immer anders.
    Liebe Grüsse
    Hartmut

    ReplyDelete

Blog Widget by LinkWithin