Closer to Home

What better way to start six months off work on Long Service Leave than to begin as I intend to continue; a little travel, time with family and friends, laughter, seeing new things and taking photos. Refreshing the soul. This time much closer to home, only an hour and a half from Perth at the Belvidere Campsite on the far side of the Leschenault Inlet, between estuary and sea.

As the weather was aiming for 39C we went down late in the day to set up camp for the night then drove down the beach to relax till sunset. Certainly a beautiful way to beat the heat.

A camping trip isn't a real camping trip without at least one round of Oh Hell.
(photo by Alix Hamilton. see her brilliant blog)

In the morning we were visited by some local residents who had no fear of a camera wielding
human. I am enjoying getting to know my new camera, an Olympus OMD EM1 mirrorless micro 4/3's system. So much lighter and smaller than my DSLR. The quality of photos are brilliant and the technology built in, especially the 5 way stabilisation, makes taking hand held telephoto shots easier and sharp.

Cleaning up after scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Belvidere was once the homestead of an English farmer who came over from India with his 20 Hindu workers in the 1830's raising cattle and horses for the Indian Army. In the 1960's and 70's the site of was the home of alternate lifestylers in a commune with 14 houses. All signs of the areas past life are now gone.

The estuary is a haven for water birds. Over 60 species have been identified in the area. I'd like to go back to photograph more.

 A white heron that appeared to be dancing.

After packing up camp we drove along Buffalo Beach to the Bunbury Cut and then back up to  Myalup, about 25 kms, with a stop for a swim and an attempt at fishing before the wind changed. A bit of fun was had racing up and over sand dunes along the way. 

A view of Bunbury from across the bay.

Check out our Facebook page to see a bit of 4x4 fun. Unfortunately, I didn't get any footage of Ric bogged at the top of a dune with a 60 foot drop a couple of feet away.

A short trip thoroughly enjoyed.

Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?

David Attenborough