NEW CAMERA, NEW SHOTS, SAME OLD MOUNTAINS

Rodriguez Pass, Blue Mountains, New South Wales

We’ve come to the end of summer holiday time in Australia. No more excuses for the recent slackness in my blogging. Normal service has resumed.

In my time away from desk and computer I spent a few days in the lovely Blue Mountains, just outside Sydney, armed with my new camera (a Canon 70D, for those interested in such things.)

The weather was fine, clear and warm, not ideal for taking atmospheric shots. To my mind the mountains are most appealing when mist fills the valleys and clings to the cliffs.

Nevertheless, I did happen across wildlife that obligingly stayed close enough to shoot – with the camera only of course.

An eastern water dragon was blocking our path. They’re not nearly as fearsome as they sound, and this one was only half a metre long. We stepped carefully around him. He was there first.

Why evolution should have made yabbies bright orange is a mystery to me. If it makes them more attractive to other yabbies, it must also make them attractive to passing kookaburras.

A water skink. I had to google him to find out.

King parrot. “Honest, I didn’t eat your railing. That was this cockatoo done that.”

Currawong. They’re common, cheeky, and mean to birds smaller than themselves, but I like them. Beautiful song too.

The very popular Grand Canyon walk. Recent track work has made creek crossing easier than it used to be.

Thanks, Duncan, for the company on the Grand Canyon walk, and to Margo and Ward for our stay in Blackheath.