Valley of the Waters

Yesterday, we joined our bushwalking group for a day's hike in the above-named area. With the breaking of the drought over recent weeks, it lived up to its name with beautiful waterfalls and lush vegetation all along the trails. We climbed steeply down the escarpment, made our way along a narrow trail that traversed a midway point along the cliff face and then tested our leg muscles on the upward climb back to our starting point.





It is amazing how much plant life has been able to secure a foothold and survive in crevices on the sheer rock faces.




This Angophora (a type of eucalyptus that sheds its bark annually as this one is doing now) seems hardly anchored to the ground at all.

Red, yellow, green and slate blue lichens were thriving on many of the boulders that we passed.

See more photos of the scenery on Michael's blog.

Valley of the Waters

Yesterday, we joined our bushwalking group for a day's hike in the above-named area. With the breaking of the drought over recent weeks, it lived up to its name with beautiful waterfalls and lush vegetation all along the trails. We climbed steeply down the escarpment, made our way along a narrow trail that traversed a midway point along the cliff face and then tested our leg muscles on the upward climb back to our starting point.





It is amazing how much plant life has been able to secure a foothold and survive in crevices on the sheer rock faces.




This Angophora (a type of eucalyptus that sheds its bark annually as this one is doing now) seems hardly anchored to the ground at all.

Red, yellow, green and slate blue lichens were thriving on many of the boulders that we passed.

See more photos of the scenery on Michael's blog.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

A couple of days ago, we were sitting in our living room, minding our own business, when we became aware of a face at the window. It was this fine specimen of a sulphur-crested cockatoo. Usually when you rush for the camera, the wildlife promptly takes off, but this guy was content to pose for several pictures before he had to go home.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

A couple of days ago, we were sitting in our living room, minding our own business, when we became aware of a face at the window. It was this fine specimen of a sulphur-crested cockatoo. Usually when you rush for the camera, the wildlife promptly takes off, but this guy was content to pose for several pictures before he had to go home.

Kangaroo Paw

One of the first native plants I've acquired is a kangaroo paw, named for the obvious similarity. The species (Anigozanthos) is orange and yellow but the hybridizers have been busy creating a whole range of beautiful new shades, ranging from darkest claret red to sparkling silver-white. This one is called 'Bush Spark' and is part of a range of compact varieties designed for the smaller garden. My daughter, Sarah Jane, took the photo.

Kangaroo Paw

One of the first native plants I've acquired is a kangaroo paw, named for the obvious similarity. The species (Anigozanthos) is orange and yellow but the hybridizers have been busy creating a whole range of beautiful new shades, ranging from darkest claret red to sparkling silver-white. This one is called 'Bush Spark' and is part of a range of compact varieties designed for the smaller garden. My daughter, Sarah Jane, took the photo.

Visitor from Canada

Our friend Elaine Stevens is visiting from Vancouver. We've had two lovely sunny day to show her the sights of the Blue Mountains, including the aptly named Sublime Point where this picture was taken.