My World ~ Melrose to Tumby Bay, a Road Trip

Most of you will know we were away for a while for a little trip

to the Eyre Peninsula. Our first two nights were spent in Melrose

where my SkyWatch shots came from. Onward through this pass

where you can just glimpse the sea in the distance and on to

The Arid Lands Botanical Gardens at Port Augusta where we

were welcomed by this beautiful goanna, all of 3' long and not

at all shy.

Sturt Desert Peas were still flowering and we had a wonderful

lunch at the restaurant as well as acquiring a great book on desert

plants so that I can bore you with botanical names galore in the

future.

On again through arid landscape where the locals obviously

have a sense of humour and ask their girlfriends to marry them

on the side of five huge water tanks in the middle of nowhere.

A luxurious night in a seaside motel in Whyalla, a stroll on

the beach, a romantic dinner and next morning on wheels again

through 100 miles of not very much

to lunch at this charming old hotel in Cowell where the largest

jade deposit in the world is found and

we met this charming couple, not very chatty but so comfortable

on their bench on the verandah. We spent the night in a cabin at

the beach side caravan park and I had a chance in the evening to

dangle my line from the jetty.

Onward another 100 miles or so, just a nice drive, to our

destination in Tumby Bay where we had a welcoming committe

serenade us on the sea front.

and I had some luck from the jetty. We had a five night stay

booked, but it was so pleasant there that we stayed eight nights

instead.

And then, there were the pelicans . . . but that is another story.

All photos enlarge and if you wish to see the marriage proposal,

enlarge at least the water tanks.

Thanks to the eager beavers among the MY WORLD Team, I too can share

this epic with the world.

MY WORLD ~ 34 Dusk at Murray Bridge

After the Murray Bridge and District Orchid Club's
winter show, a group of us decided to finish off the
day with dinner at one of the excellent local hotels.



Having cleared up the hall and done some Sunday
shopping, we still had time on our hands and headed
down to the mighty Murray River, the biggest river in
Australia. Whether it still is the bigget or not is questionable
since most of the water has been pumped out by the three
states it either borders or passes through. Murray Bridge
is the largest town before the river, some 100km down the
track, enters the sea... if perchance there is any water left to
make it that far.



There was still enough light to catch this Seagull



and an old paddlesteamer waiting for the return of its
passengers from living it up in the sleepy township.



Opposite the steamer, on a rise, the usual tourist trap
for food and souverirs, softened by lamplight.



A ship of dreams with one of the spans of the old
railway bridge behind.

As dusk settled on the river and the moonlight grew,
we left this enchanting scene for a convivial evening
with friends.



All photos enlage to enhance the enchantment.

To wander the world or join in, click on the Logo.

To Klaus and our group of gracious hosts of this

meme, my heartfelt thanks.

BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKLY ~ 4

"A funny bird is the pelican,
his beak holds more than
his belly can".
Ogden Nash

Pelicans, mainly young birds
photopraphed at Henley Beach,
Adelaide, SouthAustralia at sunrise.



Reflecting on their own reflections



A wealth of hungry birds surrounding
a generous old fishing couple who
shared their catch.



Waiting for the old people to arrive



Well fed and laughing at the free breakfast.



For wonderful birds around the globe, click on
the logo on the right.