23th April
GIBB IT TO ME BABY!
As my last week in the office draws to a close (been here 5 weeks now) it has been a pleasure working with Michelle here (she is a top bird) I am gearing up for my first trip out on the K2O cruise Catamaran which is leaving on Saturday 26th April. I will be out at sea for 14 days with 4 crew and 12 passengers. It arrives in Wyndam on the morning of the 9th May where the passengers disembark and we all get to clean clean clean. We then stay in Wyndham port overnight (going to the pub of course) and then on Saturday at the crack of dawn get driven back to Broome. I will not be going back to Broome on this trip though as I am going to be part of the support crew on the Gibb Mountain Bike ride which starts at Derby 200km from Broome and ends in Kununurra over 500km away. I will be getting dropped off at Redbeards place in Fitzroy Crossing 400km from Broome as I am tagging along with him in his car (so glad I don’t have to take Suzie) I will stay at his place on the Saturday night and then we will be leaving for Derby on Sunday. The race starts early on Monday morning and I am really looking forward to getting some great shots of the riders out there. Reds bringing a kayak as well so we are hoping to get out on at least one of the rivers during the week and get to see a couple of the other gorges along the route. This race is fully funded and catered for so all meals are provided at the designated camping spots. How good is that!! We will get into Kununurra on the Friday and then the Kimberley Moon Festival is on so we all have tickets to see Jimmy Barnes on Saturday night. What an awesome way to finish off the week. I am also looking forward to catching up with my friend Craig and will be staying at his place in comfort whilst in Kununurra and will stay an extra couple of days before bumming a ride with someone back to Broome which is by the way 1000km from Kununurra. I will only have 2 or 3 days back in Broome and then I will be out on the K2O again but this time for 4 weeks!! Yep 4 weeks straight. I think I will be able to write an essay after this stint….what do you think?? I cant wait to get going and look forward to bringing you all the news and pics of this trip and videos if I can work out how to load the things to my blog…..i’m testing this out at the moment.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
GIEKIE GORGE YOURSELF
12 APRIL 08
GIEKIE GORGE YOURSELF
Up at sparrows fart and on the road at 5.30am (why do I do these things) heading to the fabulous Fitzroy Crossing four hours away. This is a dangerous section of road (especially when the suns burning holes in your retnas rising in the distance) there are cattle everywhere out here and I should not have spoken so soon as I came around a bend and 7 young brahmas were standing in the middle of the road. I slammed on the anchors to avoid impact and had to check my undies afterwards.
Once the pulse had reduced I was off again alert and eagle eyed for any other forms of wildlife on the road. As I was getting closer to Fitzroy I noticed the landscape start to change and saw my favourite trees the boabs dotted along the side of the road. This area really does get into your blood. It is hot and harsh out here but it so unique and beautiful.
Arriving at Fitzroy at about 9.45am I was in search of a man named Redbeard. Yes that’s his name and the picture you conjure up in your mind is probably pretty spot on.
I came to meet Red through making a phone enquiry to the visitors centre at Fitzroy about kayaking. Wendy gave me reds name and number and said that he was the bloke to speak to if I wanted to go kayaking on the gorge. So I gave him a tingle and he said come on down and join Fitzroy United Kayak Club.
Upon arrival at his abode there were a group of people sitting and waiting. I quickly introduced myself all round and then got my stuff organised and we were heading down to the gorge about a 15minute drive from town. Once there we unloaded the kayaks and put them in the water. It was a hot day but not as humid here. I had my camera on board in a waterproof bag and my little Olympus waterproof camera to play with. We headed up stream first to the most beautiful part of the gorge with its cut out rock formations and different colours. I had a really good look around and took a few photos. It was nice and cool under the undercut of the rock. We then parked the kayaks on a sandy area and went for a swim. The water was a nice temp. from here we headed down stream about 6 km and the terrain changed dramatically and the current became swift and we didn’t even have to paddle. We did have to navigate around trees and tree roots and a few embankments but it was a lot of fun. Once through the rough section we just floated down stopping a couple of times to get out and have a swim and a drink and im my case take some photos. What a life and a couple of the pics that I took of one the guys says it all. It was a really relaxing day on the water.
Red said I could stay in his caravan if I wanted too instead of camping so I accepted his offer. Later on in the arvo after coming back from kayaking Red showed me a few of the highlights of Fitzroy one of which was the original crossing over the river. I was amazed that vehicles made it over this crossing especially road trains. That evening it rained for a few hours and we were watching the lightning off in the distance. I had a quilt wrapped around me as I didn’t bring a jumper and it was freezing.
Red was telling me that he was going to be support crew for the Gibb River Mountains bike ride in a few weeks and I mentioned my interest in coming along if I was able. As the ride was heavily sponsored and they also had a fund raiser all expenses were covered including a caterer for all the meals at the camp spots along the way. Red said I was more than welcome to come along with him if I had that particular week off so I was keen to find out the dates I would be back in Broome. I said I would let him know if I could come when I confirmed the dates.
The next morning I went for a walk along the gorge and did a couple of videos of the area on my little camera. When I got back the neighbour was over and the 3 of us were having a chat about the highlights of Fitzroy. He suggested that I go and have a look at the old cemetery which was high on a bank by the river, the problem being that in a big wet season the river rose and the graves got washed away. He was telling that at one stage you could see feet sticking out of the ground. Well I thought that was hilarious and wanted to go and have a look myself for the feet. I got red to drive me down to the site and why they put a cemetery here I have no idea but anyway they had moved most of the bones to another location and there were no feet anywhere to be seen…bummer
Well that was the grand tour over and I decided it was time to head back to Broome before it got to late as I knew I was going to make a couple of stops on the way back to photograph boabs. I had a safe trip back to Broome but was very tired from the driving and lack of sleep in a strange place.
GIEKIE GORGE YOURSELF
Up at sparrows fart and on the road at 5.30am (why do I do these things) heading to the fabulous Fitzroy Crossing four hours away. This is a dangerous section of road (especially when the suns burning holes in your retnas rising in the distance) there are cattle everywhere out here and I should not have spoken so soon as I came around a bend and 7 young brahmas were standing in the middle of the road. I slammed on the anchors to avoid impact and had to check my undies afterwards.
Once the pulse had reduced I was off again alert and eagle eyed for any other forms of wildlife on the road. As I was getting closer to Fitzroy I noticed the landscape start to change and saw my favourite trees the boabs dotted along the side of the road. This area really does get into your blood. It is hot and harsh out here but it so unique and beautiful.
Arriving at Fitzroy at about 9.45am I was in search of a man named Redbeard. Yes that’s his name and the picture you conjure up in your mind is probably pretty spot on.
I came to meet Red through making a phone enquiry to the visitors centre at Fitzroy about kayaking. Wendy gave me reds name and number and said that he was the bloke to speak to if I wanted to go kayaking on the gorge. So I gave him a tingle and he said come on down and join Fitzroy United Kayak Club.
Upon arrival at his abode there were a group of people sitting and waiting. I quickly introduced myself all round and then got my stuff organised and we were heading down to the gorge about a 15minute drive from town. Once there we unloaded the kayaks and put them in the water. It was a hot day but not as humid here. I had my camera on board in a waterproof bag and my little Olympus waterproof camera to play with. We headed up stream first to the most beautiful part of the gorge with its cut out rock formations and different colours. I had a really good look around and took a few photos. It was nice and cool under the undercut of the rock. We then parked the kayaks on a sandy area and went for a swim. The water was a nice temp. from here we headed down stream about 6 km and the terrain changed dramatically and the current became swift and we didn’t even have to paddle. We did have to navigate around trees and tree roots and a few embankments but it was a lot of fun. Once through the rough section we just floated down stopping a couple of times to get out and have a swim and a drink and im my case take some photos. What a life and a couple of the pics that I took of one the guys says it all. It was a really relaxing day on the water.
Red said I could stay in his caravan if I wanted too instead of camping so I accepted his offer. Later on in the arvo after coming back from kayaking Red showed me a few of the highlights of Fitzroy one of which was the original crossing over the river. I was amazed that vehicles made it over this crossing especially road trains. That evening it rained for a few hours and we were watching the lightning off in the distance. I had a quilt wrapped around me as I didn’t bring a jumper and it was freezing.
Red was telling me that he was going to be support crew for the Gibb River Mountains bike ride in a few weeks and I mentioned my interest in coming along if I was able. As the ride was heavily sponsored and they also had a fund raiser all expenses were covered including a caterer for all the meals at the camp spots along the way. Red said I was more than welcome to come along with him if I had that particular week off so I was keen to find out the dates I would be back in Broome. I said I would let him know if I could come when I confirmed the dates.
The next morning I went for a walk along the gorge and did a couple of videos of the area on my little camera. When I got back the neighbour was over and the 3 of us were having a chat about the highlights of Fitzroy. He suggested that I go and have a look at the old cemetery which was high on a bank by the river, the problem being that in a big wet season the river rose and the graves got washed away. He was telling that at one stage you could see feet sticking out of the ground. Well I thought that was hilarious and wanted to go and have a look myself for the feet. I got red to drive me down to the site and why they put a cemetery here I have no idea but anyway they had moved most of the bones to another location and there were no feet anywhere to be seen…bummer
Well that was the grand tour over and I decided it was time to head back to Broome before it got to late as I knew I was going to make a couple of stops on the way back to photograph boabs. I had a safe trip back to Broome but was very tired from the driving and lack of sleep in a strange place.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
HOT CHOCOLATE
HOT CHOCOLATE
A friend of mine sent me the below email the other day which I thought was worth a read:- makes a lot of sense to me.
A group of graduates, well established in their careers, was talking ata reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, nowretired. During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stressin their work and lives. Offering his guests hot chocolate, theprofessor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hotchocolate and an assortment of cups - porcelain, glass, crystal, someplain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to helpthemselves to the hot chocolate.When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said:'Notice that all the nice looking; expensive cups were taken, leavingbehind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want onlythe best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hotchocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some caseseven hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hotchocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups...Andthen you began eyeing each other's cups. Consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society arethe cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you havedoes not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, byconcentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate. Thehappiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make thebest of everything that they have.
Live simply.
Love generously.Care deeply.Speak kindly.And enjoy your hot chocolate ~There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best ofus, that it hardly becomes any one of us to talk about the rest of us.
A friend of mine sent me the below email the other day which I thought was worth a read:- makes a lot of sense to me.
A group of graduates, well established in their careers, was talking ata reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, nowretired. During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stressin their work and lives. Offering his guests hot chocolate, theprofessor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hotchocolate and an assortment of cups - porcelain, glass, crystal, someplain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to helpthemselves to the hot chocolate.When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said:'Notice that all the nice looking; expensive cups were taken, leavingbehind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want onlythe best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hotchocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some caseseven hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hotchocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups...Andthen you began eyeing each other's cups. Consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society arethe cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you havedoes not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, byconcentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate. Thehappiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make thebest of everything that they have.
Live simply.
Love generously.Care deeply.Speak kindly.And enjoy your hot chocolate ~There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best ofus, that it hardly becomes any one of us to talk about the rest of us.
IM SO EXCITED AND I JUST CANT HIDE IT!!!!!
Sat 5th March
IM SO EXCITED AND I JUST CANT HIDE IT……………………..
Pics above are of the Port area of Broome……
The last few weeks have been crazy, looking for work here in Broome, changing jobs, and again and and all the while still looking for work in remote locations, first choice being the Pilbera area. Since leaving my 3 jobs which I had for 3 months I have been working in the new target store for a few weeks setting up the store ready for opening day which was Thursday 3rd. The Tuesday after Easter I started working in an office job in town which is were I currently am. My friend Craig gave me the lead to this job and it has been a nice change to be back in an office again although I have been thrown in the deep end with next to no training I am coping well and happy enough. I have only committed to working here for a month as I am ready to leave now for the Pilbera. I am well and truly over Broome or so I thought. I have actively been looking for work for about 5 weeks now away from Broome always having an open mind.
An opportunity presented itself last week as the office next door to where I am working is a boat tour office which had a notice in the window looking for a person to work on the boat for the season. I decided to follow it up as I had already approached to 2 larger companies which were fully staffed for the season as I left it a little late. I now have a job on a cruise catamaran which sails from Broome to Wyndham on a 14 day trip. This cruise follows the coastline of some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery the Kimberley offers and that you will ever see. People pay $12,000 to do this trip and now I will be getting paid to do it. My first trip leaves on the 26 April. I will be on a boat for 2 weeks at a time and in Broome for 2 weeks. 2 weeks on 2 weeks off. Whilst on the boat I will be working of course but once I have finished my work I am free to get off the boat with the passengers and go for a bush walk to a waterfall and go swimming take photos or just kick back and relax. I may also get the opportunity to go up in a helicopter over Mitchell falls Plateau if I am lucky as this is normally just for the tourists. I am really excited about this opportunity as this is going to be amazing. I will get to see and go through the horizontal Waterfall and places like Twin Falls as well as seeing crocodiles, whales, turtles and lots of fish. I am also looking forward to meeting and getting to know the people on board the cruises. Mostly older couples do these trips, well travelled people that are generally friendly and want to get to know the staff who are looking after them. I look forward to hearing their stories, making friends and learning from them. I have just bought myself a little waterproof camera so I can go snorkelling and gets some pics under the water and in the waterfalls. It has a video function on it as well so I am going to have some fun with that on the first trip out. I am still reading the instruction manual and god it’s doing my head in. The good part about the 2 weeks on 2 weeks off is that I can still go into the Pilbera and Coral Bay and see everything I want to see and when I’m not travelling I will be picking up extra work in town or maybe even temping for Michelle my current boss depending on what she wants to do. Anyway this is the news I was waiting to hear about last week. I have attached a link to their website so you check out where I will be going. I will even get to do the whole Gibb river road as I believe that once we get off the boat at Wyndam there will be someone there to take us back to Broome. Cant wait …cant wait… cant wait……..this is the most excited I have been since I left Sydney.
http://kimberleycruise.com.au/
IM SO EXCITED AND I JUST CANT HIDE IT……………………..
Pics above are of the Port area of Broome……
The last few weeks have been crazy, looking for work here in Broome, changing jobs, and again and and all the while still looking for work in remote locations, first choice being the Pilbera area. Since leaving my 3 jobs which I had for 3 months I have been working in the new target store for a few weeks setting up the store ready for opening day which was Thursday 3rd. The Tuesday after Easter I started working in an office job in town which is were I currently am. My friend Craig gave me the lead to this job and it has been a nice change to be back in an office again although I have been thrown in the deep end with next to no training I am coping well and happy enough. I have only committed to working here for a month as I am ready to leave now for the Pilbera. I am well and truly over Broome or so I thought. I have actively been looking for work for about 5 weeks now away from Broome always having an open mind.
An opportunity presented itself last week as the office next door to where I am working is a boat tour office which had a notice in the window looking for a person to work on the boat for the season. I decided to follow it up as I had already approached to 2 larger companies which were fully staffed for the season as I left it a little late. I now have a job on a cruise catamaran which sails from Broome to Wyndham on a 14 day trip. This cruise follows the coastline of some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery the Kimberley offers and that you will ever see. People pay $12,000 to do this trip and now I will be getting paid to do it. My first trip leaves on the 26 April. I will be on a boat for 2 weeks at a time and in Broome for 2 weeks. 2 weeks on 2 weeks off. Whilst on the boat I will be working of course but once I have finished my work I am free to get off the boat with the passengers and go for a bush walk to a waterfall and go swimming take photos or just kick back and relax. I may also get the opportunity to go up in a helicopter over Mitchell falls Plateau if I am lucky as this is normally just for the tourists. I am really excited about this opportunity as this is going to be amazing. I will get to see and go through the horizontal Waterfall and places like Twin Falls as well as seeing crocodiles, whales, turtles and lots of fish. I am also looking forward to meeting and getting to know the people on board the cruises. Mostly older couples do these trips, well travelled people that are generally friendly and want to get to know the staff who are looking after them. I look forward to hearing their stories, making friends and learning from them. I have just bought myself a little waterproof camera so I can go snorkelling and gets some pics under the water and in the waterfalls. It has a video function on it as well so I am going to have some fun with that on the first trip out. I am still reading the instruction manual and god it’s doing my head in. The good part about the 2 weeks on 2 weeks off is that I can still go into the Pilbera and Coral Bay and see everything I want to see and when I’m not travelling I will be picking up extra work in town or maybe even temping for Michelle my current boss depending on what she wants to do. Anyway this is the news I was waiting to hear about last week. I have attached a link to their website so you check out where I will be going. I will even get to do the whole Gibb river road as I believe that once we get off the boat at Wyndam there will be someone there to take us back to Broome. Cant wait …cant wait… cant wait……..this is the most excited I have been since I left Sydney.
http://kimberleycruise.com.au/
Sunday, March 30, 2008
DIRTY GIRL!!!
CAPE LEVEQUE EASTER LONG WEEKEND
SUNDAY 23RD
DIRTY GIRL
Well on my way home now and back in the dirt I noticed the dark ominous clouds ahead in the distance not thinking too much of it until the road turned into a river. I put Suzie in 4WD and pulled up just before the worst of it and wondered if I should continue on or head back. There was obviously a heavy rainfall just before I reached here and it was literally like a river. What the hell I thought I was up for it. The worst that could happen is that I was going to get bogged for the night or until someone came along to help get me out. I went for it and was slipping and sliding all over the place at one stage almost ended up pointing in the opposite direction. Once I realised I had to slow right down and just keep a steady pace I was pretty right and was enjoying the fun of it. Needless to say my car was covered in red pindan mud and every so often I would hit a deeper hole and the mud and water would come over the bonnet and windscreen and I was blinded for a few seconds. This river went for about 25 to 30km before I was able to stop and get the shot I have attached. Imagine the whole road like what you see in the right hand side of the photo. It dried up after this for the last few km and then I was back on bitumen and heading into Broome. I arrived back in Broome at about 7.30pm. I should have washed my car straight away but left it for another 2 days. I spent $10 on a high pressure hose which hardly made a dent in the dirt and then went home and spent another 2 hours trying to get off the dirt and stains. I have to cut and polish it now as I cannot get the stains off, what a nightmare. Then theirs the inside to do….mmmmmm .
Well on my way home now and back in the dirt I noticed the dark ominous clouds ahead in the distance not thinking too much of it until the road turned into a river. I put Suzie in 4WD and pulled up just before the worst of it and wondered if I should continue on or head back. There was obviously a heavy rainfall just before I reached here and it was literally like a river. What the hell I thought I was up for it. The worst that could happen is that I was going to get bogged for the night or until someone came along to help get me out. I went for it and was slipping and sliding all over the place at one stage almost ended up pointing in the opposite direction. Once I realised I had to slow right down and just keep a steady pace I was pretty right and was enjoying the fun of it. Needless to say my car was covered in red pindan mud and every so often I would hit a deeper hole and the mud and water would come over the bonnet and windscreen and I was blinded for a few seconds. This river went for about 25 to 30km before I was able to stop and get the shot I have attached. Imagine the whole road like what you see in the right hand side of the photo. It dried up after this for the last few km and then I was back on bitumen and heading into Broome. I arrived back in Broome at about 7.30pm. I should have washed my car straight away but left it for another 2 days. I spent $10 on a high pressure hose which hardly made a dent in the dirt and then went home and spent another 2 hours trying to get off the dirt and stains. I have to cut and polish it now as I cannot get the stains off, what a nightmare. Then theirs the inside to do….mmmmmm .
ALL UP A GREAT WEEKEND AND MORE IMAGES ON WEBSITE SHORTLY
TAGALONG TOUR
CAPE LEVEQUE EASTER LONG WEEKEND
SUNDAY 23RD
TAGALONG TOUR
I managed to sleep a little better probably out of sheer exhaustion more than anything else. Up at 7 I attempted to light my gas burner to make some porridge for brekkie. There was that much moisture in the air that I could not strike a match the heads just kept on disintegrating. I always carry a lighter as well but do you think I could find the bloody thing. I looked and looked and then I tried another match (hello it wasn’t going to work) and then I looked for the lighter again until I finally found it right under my nose. After my blonde moment of frustration I made my porridge mmmmmm yummy! And then packed everything up and loaded the car as I was leaving after we came back from the tour. I then had a shower as I was already sweating like a pig at 7.30 in the morning.
I grabbed my camera gear and bag of stuff and headed over to Michelle and Micks car to drop it off and then I went to the office to pay for the tour and meet Eric our guide and his sisters young boy and his cousin who also came along. We were off and it was not long before we were in the dirt and then in the sand heading for our first stop. This was a stunning area and full of history for Eric and other aboriginal people. It was a creek which I cant remember the name of. The next stop was a beach where we either could go snorkelling or fishing. I opted for the snorkelling and was glad I did. I went out with Eric and Mick and another guy and Eric was spearing some fish for us for lunch. There were so many fish out there on this little rocky point about ½ km out from shore. I saw a turtle as well. After coming back in we packed up and headed for a place called Swan Point the furthest most north westerly point and the view was spectacular. This is where you quite often see whales and dugongs and turtles but unfortunately we didn’t see any. The current between the point and the little island just out from us was like mini rapids and on low tide you can walk over to the island. Eric told us that he often goes over the other side fishing. I got some great shots of Eric and the kids off this point. We then headed a little further around the coastline to another pristine beach and camp spot. This is where Eric cooked the fish and we had damper and billy tea and went swimming again before heading out through some amazing country following the water line and then ending up in bushland back to the main road. I had the best day and made some really nice friends also.
Once we arrived back at Cape Léveque I got cleaned up and said my goodbyes and left for Broome. I made another side trip into Middle Lagoon and had a look around for about an hour and then pushed on as it was starting to get late and I wanted to be back in Broome before dark.
I managed to sleep a little better probably out of sheer exhaustion more than anything else. Up at 7 I attempted to light my gas burner to make some porridge for brekkie. There was that much moisture in the air that I could not strike a match the heads just kept on disintegrating. I always carry a lighter as well but do you think I could find the bloody thing. I looked and looked and then I tried another match (hello it wasn’t going to work) and then I looked for the lighter again until I finally found it right under my nose. After my blonde moment of frustration I made my porridge mmmmmm yummy! And then packed everything up and loaded the car as I was leaving after we came back from the tour. I then had a shower as I was already sweating like a pig at 7.30 in the morning.
I grabbed my camera gear and bag of stuff and headed over to Michelle and Micks car to drop it off and then I went to the office to pay for the tour and meet Eric our guide and his sisters young boy and his cousin who also came along. We were off and it was not long before we were in the dirt and then in the sand heading for our first stop. This was a stunning area and full of history for Eric and other aboriginal people. It was a creek which I cant remember the name of. The next stop was a beach where we either could go snorkelling or fishing. I opted for the snorkelling and was glad I did. I went out with Eric and Mick and another guy and Eric was spearing some fish for us for lunch. There were so many fish out there on this little rocky point about ½ km out from shore. I saw a turtle as well. After coming back in we packed up and headed for a place called Swan Point the furthest most north westerly point and the view was spectacular. This is where you quite often see whales and dugongs and turtles but unfortunately we didn’t see any. The current between the point and the little island just out from us was like mini rapids and on low tide you can walk over to the island. Eric told us that he often goes over the other side fishing. I got some great shots of Eric and the kids off this point. We then headed a little further around the coastline to another pristine beach and camp spot. This is where Eric cooked the fish and we had damper and billy tea and went swimming again before heading out through some amazing country following the water line and then ending up in bushland back to the main road. I had the best day and made some really nice friends also.
Once we arrived back at Cape Léveque I got cleaned up and said my goodbyes and left for Broome. I made another side trip into Middle Lagoon and had a look around for about an hour and then pushed on as it was starting to get late and I wanted to be back in Broome before dark.
TURTLE POWER
Cape Leveque Easter Long Weekend
Saturday 22nd
TURTLE POWER
Saturday I was up at sunrise and over the swim beach side of Cape Leveque with the cameras. The tide was low and so I found it hard to photograph the area. Once the sun was up it started to heat up rapidly. It was going to be a very hot day. I headed back to camp and had some breakfast and a shower and headed up to one arm point as I wanted to visit the hatchery which someone had told me about in town. There are no signs for anything in these places so you have to follow your nose or ask someone. I drove out along a dirt road until I came across another vehicle that I got to pull over and asked them if they knew where the hatchery was. They said that the guy that runs it was on the quad bike down the road so I followed them to him. Barry was on his quad bike with his 5 dogs on board and told me to let myself in as the gate was not locked and gave me directions out to the place. After getting lost once I found the road out there and let myself in. the first thing I saw were barramundi over a meter long in one of the pools. I then went over to another pool where there were a pair of green turtles. They were so friendly as they were hand reared. They came straight over to me and I patted their heads. They are beautiful creatures but don’t change colour until they are more mature. These guys are a year old brother and sister and the boy is a bully and a greedy guts and this is why he is much bigger because he steals all the food. When Barry came back he started feeding them and telling me all about them and the other fish that he had here. He treats them all like his pets and talks to them all. The turtles where fighting over a fish head for ages and it was just like watching kids fighting over a toy. He had clown fish and eels and other types of fish that I cant remember the names of. I must have spent a couple hours out here watching him feed all of them. It was not until I was about to leave that a couple more cars drove in. It was really hot after lunch and I had a headache. I went back to the camp ground and had another shower and bought a cold drink from the office. I made a sandwich for lunch and then I tried to have a nap in the tent but it was jut to hot and so I just sat in a chair for a while in the shade. I think I had 5 showers throughout the course of the day. By about 7pm my headache had gone and I decided to go for a walk to swim beach. It was a full moon so I didn’t need a torch. I lay down on a large flat rock for a couple of hours watching the stars and listening to the ocean lap up on the sand and rocks. It was about 10pm by the time I walked back to the camp site. I started talking to Michelle who invited me over to join her and her friends. She had seen me on my own the day before and had planned to invite to join them when she had a chance to catch up with me. I ended up going over to their camp group and joining in and having a fun evening getting to know every one. They were all going to do a tagalong tour the next morning with an aboriginal guide and invited me to go along. I thought this might be good to do and decided I would go with them. At about 1am I headed over to my own campsite to have my last shower and try and get some zzzzzzs as I had to be up and ready to go by 8am.
Saturday I was up at sunrise and over the swim beach side of Cape Leveque with the cameras. The tide was low and so I found it hard to photograph the area. Once the sun was up it started to heat up rapidly. It was going to be a very hot day. I headed back to camp and had some breakfast and a shower and headed up to one arm point as I wanted to visit the hatchery which someone had told me about in town. There are no signs for anything in these places so you have to follow your nose or ask someone. I drove out along a dirt road until I came across another vehicle that I got to pull over and asked them if they knew where the hatchery was. They said that the guy that runs it was on the quad bike down the road so I followed them to him. Barry was on his quad bike with his 5 dogs on board and told me to let myself in as the gate was not locked and gave me directions out to the place. After getting lost once I found the road out there and let myself in. the first thing I saw were barramundi over a meter long in one of the pools. I then went over to another pool where there were a pair of green turtles. They were so friendly as they were hand reared. They came straight over to me and I patted their heads. They are beautiful creatures but don’t change colour until they are more mature. These guys are a year old brother and sister and the boy is a bully and a greedy guts and this is why he is much bigger because he steals all the food. When Barry came back he started feeding them and telling me all about them and the other fish that he had here. He treats them all like his pets and talks to them all. The turtles where fighting over a fish head for ages and it was just like watching kids fighting over a toy. He had clown fish and eels and other types of fish that I cant remember the names of. I must have spent a couple hours out here watching him feed all of them. It was not until I was about to leave that a couple more cars drove in. It was really hot after lunch and I had a headache. I went back to the camp ground and had another shower and bought a cold drink from the office. I made a sandwich for lunch and then I tried to have a nap in the tent but it was jut to hot and so I just sat in a chair for a while in the shade. I think I had 5 showers throughout the course of the day. By about 7pm my headache had gone and I decided to go for a walk to swim beach. It was a full moon so I didn’t need a torch. I lay down on a large flat rock for a couple of hours watching the stars and listening to the ocean lap up on the sand and rocks. It was about 10pm by the time I walked back to the camp site. I started talking to Michelle who invited me over to join her and her friends. She had seen me on my own the day before and had planned to invite to join them when she had a chance to catch up with me. I ended up going over to their camp group and joining in and having a fun evening getting to know every one. They were all going to do a tagalong tour the next morning with an aboriginal guide and invited me to go along. I thought this might be good to do and decided I would go with them. At about 1am I headed over to my own campsite to have my last shower and try and get some zzzzzzs as I had to be up and ready to go by 8am.
WHAT A LOSER!!
FRI 21ST
Cape Leveque Easer Long Weekend
Cape Leveque Easer Long Weekend
WHAT A LOSER!!!
Once the sun had gone right down I headed back to camp for something to eat and a shower. When I got back there were people everywhere. I was the only one camping on my own and I felt like a real loser. Camped right next to me were a couple of girls I had spoken to back at the church and they said hello to me as I was coming back from the shower. I ended up going over to their camp and drinking green ginger wine with them for a couple of hours and talking about photography, life, travel and where they had come from. Sandra and Charmaine are from Melbourne and are now working in Fitzroy Crossing which is where Giekie Gorge is about 4 hours away from Broome not far at all for this neck of the woods. They are enjoying it out there and plan to stay on for a few years at this stage. People are screaming for workers out in these remote locations and normally supply accommodation as well. Keep it in mind if you think you can hack it. Personally I think the more remote locations are better than the bigger towns. You make friends more quickly and get invited and included in everything where as I have found here in Broome to be the loneliest I have ever felt since I left Sydney and I am ready to leave but more about that later. Hence being on my own here at Cape Leveque. Anyway I was getting quite pissed on this wine and decided I should stop other wise I would be nursing a massive headache in the morning. I said goodnight and went back to my tent and tried to sleep but it was just too hot and sticky. I lay there all night roasting in my own juices and had minimal sleep. There was not a breath of wind.
Once the sun had gone right down I headed back to camp for something to eat and a shower. When I got back there were people everywhere. I was the only one camping on my own and I felt like a real loser. Camped right next to me were a couple of girls I had spoken to back at the church and they said hello to me as I was coming back from the shower. I ended up going over to their camp and drinking green ginger wine with them for a couple of hours and talking about photography, life, travel and where they had come from. Sandra and Charmaine are from Melbourne and are now working in Fitzroy Crossing which is where Giekie Gorge is about 4 hours away from Broome not far at all for this neck of the woods. They are enjoying it out there and plan to stay on for a few years at this stage. People are screaming for workers out in these remote locations and normally supply accommodation as well. Keep it in mind if you think you can hack it. Personally I think the more remote locations are better than the bigger towns. You make friends more quickly and get invited and included in everything where as I have found here in Broome to be the loneliest I have ever felt since I left Sydney and I am ready to leave but more about that later. Hence being on my own here at Cape Leveque. Anyway I was getting quite pissed on this wine and decided I should stop other wise I would be nursing a massive headache in the morning. I said goodnight and went back to my tent and tried to sleep but it was just too hot and sticky. I lay there all night roasting in my own juices and had minimal sleep. There was not a breath of wind.
CAPE LEVEQUE EASTER LONG WEEKEND
FRI 21ST
Cape Leveque-Easter long weekend
FUEL UNLEADED $1.62 A LITRE IN BROOME
Wow what a big weekend I had from heat exhaustion to dirt roads flowing like rivers it was fantastic and this time I actually took a few photos to show you all.
Here goes……………………………………..
I left Broome on Friday morning not knowing what to expect of the Cape Leveque road.
Carrying 30litres of extra fuel on board as I was not taking any chances this time round. The road was dry and had a few big pools of water to cross in places and so I knew what to expect. It was hot and humid and I was not looking forward to camping for the next 2 nights as I knew I would not sleep well unless their was a cool change in the evening (fat chance).The average temp out here is still around 35 degrees and the humidity is just feral, feral, feral. I am so over it at the moment and understand why they call this time of the year mango madness. Anyway enough negativity you want hear about some good stuff don’t you???
First stop Beagle Bay Church built in 1917 and was designed by father Thomas (great bloke) and built by 3 pioneer brothers and the aboriginals. The decorations are mother of pearl shells and cowries and were done over a 2 year period by father Droste some sisters and the aboriginals. All the shells were fished in local waters. The symbolism of the designs and both beautiful and inspiring. Apparently half the church collapsed and had to be rebuilt recently. This place is definitely worth seeing if you come out here.
Moving on it was time to head to Cape Leveque camp ground. I guess you could call this spot a resort but a low key one. They have a nice camp ground and lots of huts dotted around the area overlooking the water in most instances. You can see 2 huts in the top shot taken at swim beach. It is beautiful out here and not too expensive although it’s not peak season yet and they probably hike the prices up when it is. I paid $12 a night for a camp sight with showers and toilets. Out here that’s cheap although at Barn Hill it was only $8 a night. I quickly got my tent up so I could go and have a look around. As I was setting up there were others arriving also and I could see that it was going to be quite busy for the weekend. Once I was set up I headed over to the swim beach side and went for a bit of a walk to the coastline. The tide was high and it was pretty spectacular. I then drove around to the other side of the point along a rough but do-able track to the water. This is where all the red cliffs and rocks are. I ended up spending the rest of the afternoon laying in the back of Suzie with a cool breeze blowing through and it was over cast and not to hot by the water watching the ocean and dozing off and then going out along the beach with the cameras for sun set.
Cape Leveque-Easter long weekend
FUEL UNLEADED $1.62 A LITRE IN BROOME
Wow what a big weekend I had from heat exhaustion to dirt roads flowing like rivers it was fantastic and this time I actually took a few photos to show you all.
Here goes……………………………………..
I left Broome on Friday morning not knowing what to expect of the Cape Leveque road.
Carrying 30litres of extra fuel on board as I was not taking any chances this time round. The road was dry and had a few big pools of water to cross in places and so I knew what to expect. It was hot and humid and I was not looking forward to camping for the next 2 nights as I knew I would not sleep well unless their was a cool change in the evening (fat chance).The average temp out here is still around 35 degrees and the humidity is just feral, feral, feral. I am so over it at the moment and understand why they call this time of the year mango madness. Anyway enough negativity you want hear about some good stuff don’t you???
First stop Beagle Bay Church built in 1917 and was designed by father Thomas (great bloke) and built by 3 pioneer brothers and the aboriginals. The decorations are mother of pearl shells and cowries and were done over a 2 year period by father Droste some sisters and the aboriginals. All the shells were fished in local waters. The symbolism of the designs and both beautiful and inspiring. Apparently half the church collapsed and had to be rebuilt recently. This place is definitely worth seeing if you come out here.
Moving on it was time to head to Cape Leveque camp ground. I guess you could call this spot a resort but a low key one. They have a nice camp ground and lots of huts dotted around the area overlooking the water in most instances. You can see 2 huts in the top shot taken at swim beach. It is beautiful out here and not too expensive although it’s not peak season yet and they probably hike the prices up when it is. I paid $12 a night for a camp sight with showers and toilets. Out here that’s cheap although at Barn Hill it was only $8 a night. I quickly got my tent up so I could go and have a look around. As I was setting up there were others arriving also and I could see that it was going to be quite busy for the weekend. Once I was set up I headed over to the swim beach side and went for a bit of a walk to the coastline. The tide was high and it was pretty spectacular. I then drove around to the other side of the point along a rough but do-able track to the water. This is where all the red cliffs and rocks are. I ended up spending the rest of the afternoon laying in the back of Suzie with a cool breeze blowing through and it was over cast and not to hot by the water watching the ocean and dozing off and then going out along the beach with the cameras for sun set.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
CAPE LEVEQUE - CAMP OR COURTHOUSE
MARCH 3RD
CAPE LEVEQUE – CAMP OR COURTHOUSE
This is the first weekend I have had off since I have been here and it happens to be a long weekend. I decided to head to Cape Leveque which is 200km north from Broome. It was Saturday morning. There was a cyclone warning for the area also but I decided I was going anyway. The first 75 km of the Cape Leveque road is dirt. Most of it was OK but there are very rough sections also and big pot holes and water holes along the way. I managed to come over a crest and nose dive straight into a very large water hole which covered the whole car and scared the crap out of me. I was a little more cautious after that.
The first stop was a place called Middle Lagoon which is owned by an aboriginal woman who thought I was very brave/crazy driving out here on my own. I had a look around guided by her grand daughter who showed me the way to Flat rock Lookout. This is a beautiful spot but not on this trip as the weather was pretty ordinary. I was told I could buy fuel at a couple of places up further and so I left and moved on to Cape Leveque. This was where I would camp for the night. I drove all the way to One Arm Point first which is the farthest point you can go and was told I could get fuel here but the store was shut and I had no idea how to get fuel as the aboriginals own and run a different system out here for fuel purchases as I was about to find out. There was no one around and so I decided to head back to where I was planning to camp the night. I arrived to get told I could not stay at Cape Leveque as the cyclone was due to hit at around mid night. Great I thought and told the woman at reception I needed to get fuel. She told me that there was a funeral on for one of the elders and so nothing was open for the whole weekend and suggested I drive back to the police station 20km to see if they could help me. This was not looking good and neither was the weather. I had no where to camp and minimal fuel.
I drove back to the police station and spoke to a cop named Noel. He was expecting me as the lady from the camp ground had called him to let him know I was heading that way. He was very helpful and invited me in to sit down so he could try and think of a way to get me some fuel. Noel was telling me that out in this neck of the woods you can only buy fuel with a fuel card. The cards are pre purchased from a shop or a point of sale. You then take the card down to the petrol bousers and swipe the card through a slot on the bouser and this then lets you pump the amount of fuel that you have already paid for. What a bloody nightmare!!! Noel had a fuel card at home and so he got his wife to drop it off and then I had to drive back to one arm point 25km to use it but the bousers where not operating and so I wasted all that fuel going there and back and now I had very little fuel left to go anywhere else.
Frustrated I went back to the police station and then had to wait for the sergent to get back from the funeral to see if he had any other ideas for fuel. 2 cups of tea later the serge turned up and made a couple of calls to find out that the local store (if that’s what you would call it) at Lombadina an aboriginal community about 1km from the police station was opening for 2 hours only so people could get fuel to get home from the funeral. Luckily I had cash on me because these people do not take credit. Noel then drove me into the community. He took me in to the place I needed to get the fuel cards and then showed me where the bousers where. Wow what an eye opener this was for me. He then gave me a tour of the 2 communities that are side by side. I was amazed as the first community was very different to the second. He showed me the school and the church and where the teachers lived in Lombadina. It’s just a really beautiful spot that they live in. when I drove back in in Suzie I felt safe and knew my way around. I had to wait for the use of a bouser so I drove down to the church and went for a walk through it and had a look at the school as well. Once I had fuel I drove back to the police station and Noel said that if I wanted to I could stay in the courthouse which is attached to police station for the night as it was getting late by this time and I had no idea where I was going to camp and it was raining.
I decided to take him up on the offer and move my stuff into the court room. What luxury it was air-conditioned I had power and it was dry and get this noel bought down a DVD player and a selection of DVDs for me to watch for the night. There were already TVs in the room so it was easy to set up but I couldn’t believe that I was staying here the night watching DVDs. It was so surreal and I said to him no one would believe that I camped the night in the courthouse. The funny part about this trip is that I didn’t take one photo of Cape Léveque as the weather was tragic and not even a storm came through it just rained all night. The next morning (Sunday) still dismal outside I decided to head out as it was not lifting. I decided I would head over to a place called Barn Hill which is a property about 9km in off the Port Headland road but only about 120km from Broome.
The Cape Leveque road out once I hit the dirt was slippery from the rain we had but it was fine to get through on. I did not see one other car all the way out for 200km. once I got back to the highway I turned left toward Derby and made a stop at Roebuck Roadhouse to get fuel and have a cuppa and a chat with a truckie (who seemed a little offended when I said he looked like a truck driver) thongs, stubbies, bonds singlet, beer gut and tats. The typical attire for a truckie.
I arrived at Barn Hill at about 11am. With only one other couple camping here it was dead quiet. The weather was clearing now and I decided to go for a walk down to the beach to suss things out. Wow there is some stunning spots along here. I found the area I was going to return to later that afternoon which I named the castle and then went back to set up my tent and make some lunch at the camp ground.
About 4ish I headed back down the beach with my camera gear. I was hoping the grey sky would break for sunset and it did. For a short time just as the sun was hitting the water line it broke through the cloud and lit up the coastline light a giant spot light. It was truly beautiful and the above shots where what I captured.
After walking back to camp on dark I was hot and getting bitten by the mossies. I had a shower with 3,000,000 bugs and then went and made some dinner - well actually I opened a tin of pea and ham soup 97% fat free of course. My bread had already gone mouldy from the humidity in the car so I had a couple of soggy gingernut biscuits instead with a cup of tea before going to bed.
It drizzled all night but stopped in the early hours of the morning and as soon as I heard the birds start to chirp about 6am I was up and out of the tent and headed down the beach again with the cameras. It was very overcast but a really nice morning and again I got some nice images. I also managed to hit by a large wave up my back on the rocks which soaked the exterior of my camera bag but I managed to protect the camera I had on the tripod from getting wet. I was soaked as the wave was that big it wet my hair as well. I must have 9 lives as I have had many close calls now with waves and taking to many risks with my gear.
By 9am my stomach was rumbling and the sun was scorching through the clouds and it was time to head back to camp for brekkie. Gee I wonder what I would have for breakfast….porridge porridge or porridge…..ahhhh I think I will have porridge. By ten I was packing my stuff up in Suzie and then had a shower to freshen up and head back to Broome again.
As soon as I got back home I unpacked the car and washed the pindan dirt off as this stuff stains badly and pulled all my camera gear out of my pack and washed the pack in the laundry sink to remove all the salt out of it and then cleaned my cameras, lenses and light meter .
This is the first weekend I have had off since I have been here and it happens to be a long weekend. I decided to head to Cape Leveque which is 200km north from Broome. It was Saturday morning. There was a cyclone warning for the area also but I decided I was going anyway. The first 75 km of the Cape Leveque road is dirt. Most of it was OK but there are very rough sections also and big pot holes and water holes along the way. I managed to come over a crest and nose dive straight into a very large water hole which covered the whole car and scared the crap out of me. I was a little more cautious after that.
The first stop was a place called Middle Lagoon which is owned by an aboriginal woman who thought I was very brave/crazy driving out here on my own. I had a look around guided by her grand daughter who showed me the way to Flat rock Lookout. This is a beautiful spot but not on this trip as the weather was pretty ordinary. I was told I could buy fuel at a couple of places up further and so I left and moved on to Cape Leveque. This was where I would camp for the night. I drove all the way to One Arm Point first which is the farthest point you can go and was told I could get fuel here but the store was shut and I had no idea how to get fuel as the aboriginals own and run a different system out here for fuel purchases as I was about to find out. There was no one around and so I decided to head back to where I was planning to camp the night. I arrived to get told I could not stay at Cape Leveque as the cyclone was due to hit at around mid night. Great I thought and told the woman at reception I needed to get fuel. She told me that there was a funeral on for one of the elders and so nothing was open for the whole weekend and suggested I drive back to the police station 20km to see if they could help me. This was not looking good and neither was the weather. I had no where to camp and minimal fuel.
I drove back to the police station and spoke to a cop named Noel. He was expecting me as the lady from the camp ground had called him to let him know I was heading that way. He was very helpful and invited me in to sit down so he could try and think of a way to get me some fuel. Noel was telling me that out in this neck of the woods you can only buy fuel with a fuel card. The cards are pre purchased from a shop or a point of sale. You then take the card down to the petrol bousers and swipe the card through a slot on the bouser and this then lets you pump the amount of fuel that you have already paid for. What a bloody nightmare!!! Noel had a fuel card at home and so he got his wife to drop it off and then I had to drive back to one arm point 25km to use it but the bousers where not operating and so I wasted all that fuel going there and back and now I had very little fuel left to go anywhere else.
Frustrated I went back to the police station and then had to wait for the sergent to get back from the funeral to see if he had any other ideas for fuel. 2 cups of tea later the serge turned up and made a couple of calls to find out that the local store (if that’s what you would call it) at Lombadina an aboriginal community about 1km from the police station was opening for 2 hours only so people could get fuel to get home from the funeral. Luckily I had cash on me because these people do not take credit. Noel then drove me into the community. He took me in to the place I needed to get the fuel cards and then showed me where the bousers where. Wow what an eye opener this was for me. He then gave me a tour of the 2 communities that are side by side. I was amazed as the first community was very different to the second. He showed me the school and the church and where the teachers lived in Lombadina. It’s just a really beautiful spot that they live in. when I drove back in in Suzie I felt safe and knew my way around. I had to wait for the use of a bouser so I drove down to the church and went for a walk through it and had a look at the school as well. Once I had fuel I drove back to the police station and Noel said that if I wanted to I could stay in the courthouse which is attached to police station for the night as it was getting late by this time and I had no idea where I was going to camp and it was raining.
I decided to take him up on the offer and move my stuff into the court room. What luxury it was air-conditioned I had power and it was dry and get this noel bought down a DVD player and a selection of DVDs for me to watch for the night. There were already TVs in the room so it was easy to set up but I couldn’t believe that I was staying here the night watching DVDs. It was so surreal and I said to him no one would believe that I camped the night in the courthouse. The funny part about this trip is that I didn’t take one photo of Cape Léveque as the weather was tragic and not even a storm came through it just rained all night. The next morning (Sunday) still dismal outside I decided to head out as it was not lifting. I decided I would head over to a place called Barn Hill which is a property about 9km in off the Port Headland road but only about 120km from Broome.
The Cape Leveque road out once I hit the dirt was slippery from the rain we had but it was fine to get through on. I did not see one other car all the way out for 200km. once I got back to the highway I turned left toward Derby and made a stop at Roebuck Roadhouse to get fuel and have a cuppa and a chat with a truckie (who seemed a little offended when I said he looked like a truck driver) thongs, stubbies, bonds singlet, beer gut and tats. The typical attire for a truckie.
I arrived at Barn Hill at about 11am. With only one other couple camping here it was dead quiet. The weather was clearing now and I decided to go for a walk down to the beach to suss things out. Wow there is some stunning spots along here. I found the area I was going to return to later that afternoon which I named the castle and then went back to set up my tent and make some lunch at the camp ground.
About 4ish I headed back down the beach with my camera gear. I was hoping the grey sky would break for sunset and it did. For a short time just as the sun was hitting the water line it broke through the cloud and lit up the coastline light a giant spot light. It was truly beautiful and the above shots where what I captured.
After walking back to camp on dark I was hot and getting bitten by the mossies. I had a shower with 3,000,000 bugs and then went and made some dinner - well actually I opened a tin of pea and ham soup 97% fat free of course. My bread had already gone mouldy from the humidity in the car so I had a couple of soggy gingernut biscuits instead with a cup of tea before going to bed.
It drizzled all night but stopped in the early hours of the morning and as soon as I heard the birds start to chirp about 6am I was up and out of the tent and headed down the beach again with the cameras. It was very overcast but a really nice morning and again I got some nice images. I also managed to hit by a large wave up my back on the rocks which soaked the exterior of my camera bag but I managed to protect the camera I had on the tripod from getting wet. I was soaked as the wave was that big it wet my hair as well. I must have 9 lives as I have had many close calls now with waves and taking to many risks with my gear.
By 9am my stomach was rumbling and the sun was scorching through the clouds and it was time to head back to camp for brekkie. Gee I wonder what I would have for breakfast….porridge porridge or porridge…..ahhhh I think I will have porridge. By ten I was packing my stuff up in Suzie and then had a shower to freshen up and head back to Broome again.
As soon as I got back home I unpacked the car and washed the pindan dirt off as this stuff stains badly and pulled all my camera gear out of my pack and washed the pack in the laundry sink to remove all the salt out of it and then cleaned my cameras, lenses and light meter .
Saturday, March 1, 2008
SHOOTING SUNSETS
FEB 20TH
SHOOTING SUNSETS
Strong foreground interest is usually an essential compositional element in landscapes and especially sunset photographs. Failing to include foreground interest can mean vast empty areas of the frame in which the eye is lead aimlessly about looking for something to keep it interested. Foreground interest can vary from people to rocks or trees anything really.
It is for this reason that sunset images usually fail as truly dynamic images. Photographers need to be careful that they create art and not just copy it. Raising the camera to the eye and photographing the colourful sunset sky is hardly original and in fact it is generally really boring. It would be similar to photographing a painting and calling it your own. A sunset in itself is already a beautiful artwork and therefore little credit goes to the unimaginative photographer who simply takes a snap. The sunset therefore needs to work as a back drop to another perhaps even more dominant element within the frame such as a person a boat, rocks a building or anything that gives the image a slightly less cliché reason to exist.
Leading lines are also effective in making an image more interesting to the viewer. They can be found in rock formations, jetties, rivers, and other objects. You just need to use your imagination and get a little creative. These things can be used to lead the eye from the corner of the frame through the frame or to the subject. It helps create depth which is important not only in sunset images but in any landscape images in general. So next time you go to snap that sunset think about it first and try and include some other interest in the foreground to make an ordinary image into and extraordinary one.
SPECIAL EMAILS FROM FANS
Quite often I receive emails from people praising my work and sometimes asking me for advice which is really nice. I have had many since I got my website online but have only kept a couple which I just found in a folder. Here they are……….The very first email I ever received praising my work was from a guy named Kim who I have never met but now we keep in touch via email and have struck up a great friend ship. He is a pilot and occasionally sends me pics he has taken from the air.
Hi Julie, My name is Annie; a 15 year old wanna-be photography and I just want to tell you that you have inspired me! I love your work!! I scoured through the whole 'Australian Photography' Magazine trying to find the name of the photographer of the cover... only to find it on the second page this morning!! (September edition) I really love that photo!! Anyway - stop reading this and go outside with your camera! - Annie :D
Hi Julie,
Just wanted to send you a quick email letting you know I think you are an amazing photographer. Being a 32 year old high school teacher im not usually in the business of fan mail but your images are the best I have seen.
As a budding photographer I look at your pics and think "now how can I do that?". The only other photographer i've found myself asking the same questions about has been Steve Mc Curry.
Im definately interested in getting involved in one of your courses when you get them started up. I'll keep an eye on your website for dates etc.
Thanks dude, blew the better part of a Friday afternoon at school on your Photo stream. Stumbled across an image whilst checking out what was tagged 'Omeo'. Work was soon a unpleasant memory, fantastic images and processing you have inspired me.
SHOOTING SUNSETS
Strong foreground interest is usually an essential compositional element in landscapes and especially sunset photographs. Failing to include foreground interest can mean vast empty areas of the frame in which the eye is lead aimlessly about looking for something to keep it interested. Foreground interest can vary from people to rocks or trees anything really.
It is for this reason that sunset images usually fail as truly dynamic images. Photographers need to be careful that they create art and not just copy it. Raising the camera to the eye and photographing the colourful sunset sky is hardly original and in fact it is generally really boring. It would be similar to photographing a painting and calling it your own. A sunset in itself is already a beautiful artwork and therefore little credit goes to the unimaginative photographer who simply takes a snap. The sunset therefore needs to work as a back drop to another perhaps even more dominant element within the frame such as a person a boat, rocks a building or anything that gives the image a slightly less cliché reason to exist.
Leading lines are also effective in making an image more interesting to the viewer. They can be found in rock formations, jetties, rivers, and other objects. You just need to use your imagination and get a little creative. These things can be used to lead the eye from the corner of the frame through the frame or to the subject. It helps create depth which is important not only in sunset images but in any landscape images in general. So next time you go to snap that sunset think about it first and try and include some other interest in the foreground to make an ordinary image into and extraordinary one.
SPECIAL EMAILS FROM FANS
Quite often I receive emails from people praising my work and sometimes asking me for advice which is really nice. I have had many since I got my website online but have only kept a couple which I just found in a folder. Here they are……….The very first email I ever received praising my work was from a guy named Kim who I have never met but now we keep in touch via email and have struck up a great friend ship. He is a pilot and occasionally sends me pics he has taken from the air.
Hi Julie, My name is Annie; a 15 year old wanna-be photography and I just want to tell you that you have inspired me! I love your work!! I scoured through the whole 'Australian Photography' Magazine trying to find the name of the photographer of the cover... only to find it on the second page this morning!! (September edition) I really love that photo!! Anyway - stop reading this and go outside with your camera! - Annie :D
Hi Julie,
Just wanted to send you a quick email letting you know I think you are an amazing photographer. Being a 32 year old high school teacher im not usually in the business of fan mail but your images are the best I have seen.
As a budding photographer I look at your pics and think "now how can I do that?". The only other photographer i've found myself asking the same questions about has been Steve Mc Curry.
Im definately interested in getting involved in one of your courses when you get them started up. I'll keep an eye on your website for dates etc.
Thanks dude, blew the better part of a Friday afternoon at school on your Photo stream. Stumbled across an image whilst checking out what was tagged 'Omeo'. Work was soon a unpleasant memory, fantastic images and processing you have inspired me.
and the latest:-
Hi Julie, I am writing to you for a couple of reasons. I have been frequently visiting your site for the past couple of years - mainly to view your progressive work. Firstly, i wanted to congratulate you on your photographic achievements to date. Your work is inspiring, and you capture Australian landscapes in a way that i have not seen before. You have a unique vision andstyle - and in my opinion i believe that you have set a new revolution in Australian landscape photography:-))
TRANNIES ARE BACK
FEB 20TH
TRANNIES ARE BACK
I have the first lot of my transparencies back from my lab in Sydney. I couldn’t wait to have a look at them. It bought back many memories of TAFE when this is all I was shooting and every week after my practical class in the studio I would be eager to see the results from the brief set by our teacher using the SINAR large format cameras 6x7 inch sheet film. I miss those days as I enjoyed using all the equipment I could never afford to own and the freedom we had although bound by the brief that was set. I was always out of my comfort zone and trying things I probably would never have attempted if not for TAFE. We covered so many subjects in and out of the studio from glass ware, movement, macro, shiny metal objects, food, products and people and I stuffed up many times in my four years and had many frustrated moments. I remember one assignment that I did in second year an assignment based at home when we were still shooting black and white film. The brief was to produce 6 images indoors using fill flash producing a story a sequence of images that you could read. After thinking of a theme and spending hours setting each image up with Bruno my close friend and flat mate who I coaxed into being my subject for the assignment. We had the best fun setting the shots up with our props and especially with the last shot on the dunny, at one stage when I asked bruno to pretend he had stomach cramps he strained and farted and I could not stop laughing. God it was funny and he was rather embarrassed anyhow even before he did that. He was swearing at me but also laughing at himself. He would kill me if he knew I was writing this.
Unfortunately after processing the negatives I realized I had to re-shoot all these shots again as I stuffed them all up. My fill flash was to strong and I had harsh shadows behind Bruno in every image. I went to so much trouble setting each shot up to make it look authentic to find out I had to do the whole thing again. I cried and was so disheartened I beat myself up for days. Anyway Bruno being the great guy that he is helped me reset everything back up again and we shot the whole sequence again. Now you have to understand that doors had to be removed off cupboards which then had to be emptied, we had to collect old beer bottles from the local RSL club, we had to trash the kitchen with sauce and other condiments and dirty dishes to make it look like a bachelor pad and go back to the supermarket for another tin of Chilli and then of course compose each shot and get the fill flash right. Well after all this effort over the course of one week I got the second lot of negs processed and wala perfect!!! I then had to get into the darkroom which was my laundry and print each shot. Needless to say I got top marks for that assignment which was then displayed on a board at TAFE for every one to see. I was so shocked when I came into class after handing the assignment in for marking and saw them in the display case. I have never been so proud. I could not wait to get home and tell Bruno that I topped the class. I have attached them for you to see. Look closely at each shot as the props are what make this work.
I will also never forget one of my teachers who I had for many of my subjects over the four years and had great respect for. One night towards the end of the third year we all went to the local pub after our class which was pretty normal. I am not sure how the deep and meaningful conversation started between him and me but I will not forget what he said to me as this kept me going for the rest of the year. He told me that when he interviewed me initially to get into the course it was not the photographs I bought with me that impressed him (believe me they were very ordinary back then) but my determination and attitude. He said he knew I would not quit and I would finish from that interview. Its amazing how certain people touch our lives. I can still see him now sitting there across from me with a beer in front of him and a fag in hand talking to me with a seriousness and directness which I needed to hear, as at that point the year was a real struggle for me in every sense of the word. He continued to tell me he had never seen any one so determined and improve so much each year as I did. As he looked at me he told me I had so much to do and to achieve with my life and photography. He could see this before I could. I understand what he meant now.
TRANNIES ARE BACK
I have the first lot of my transparencies back from my lab in Sydney. I couldn’t wait to have a look at them. It bought back many memories of TAFE when this is all I was shooting and every week after my practical class in the studio I would be eager to see the results from the brief set by our teacher using the SINAR large format cameras 6x7 inch sheet film. I miss those days as I enjoyed using all the equipment I could never afford to own and the freedom we had although bound by the brief that was set. I was always out of my comfort zone and trying things I probably would never have attempted if not for TAFE. We covered so many subjects in and out of the studio from glass ware, movement, macro, shiny metal objects, food, products and people and I stuffed up many times in my four years and had many frustrated moments. I remember one assignment that I did in second year an assignment based at home when we were still shooting black and white film. The brief was to produce 6 images indoors using fill flash producing a story a sequence of images that you could read. After thinking of a theme and spending hours setting each image up with Bruno my close friend and flat mate who I coaxed into being my subject for the assignment. We had the best fun setting the shots up with our props and especially with the last shot on the dunny, at one stage when I asked bruno to pretend he had stomach cramps he strained and farted and I could not stop laughing. God it was funny and he was rather embarrassed anyhow even before he did that. He was swearing at me but also laughing at himself. He would kill me if he knew I was writing this.
Unfortunately after processing the negatives I realized I had to re-shoot all these shots again as I stuffed them all up. My fill flash was to strong and I had harsh shadows behind Bruno in every image. I went to so much trouble setting each shot up to make it look authentic to find out I had to do the whole thing again. I cried and was so disheartened I beat myself up for days. Anyway Bruno being the great guy that he is helped me reset everything back up again and we shot the whole sequence again. Now you have to understand that doors had to be removed off cupboards which then had to be emptied, we had to collect old beer bottles from the local RSL club, we had to trash the kitchen with sauce and other condiments and dirty dishes to make it look like a bachelor pad and go back to the supermarket for another tin of Chilli and then of course compose each shot and get the fill flash right. Well after all this effort over the course of one week I got the second lot of negs processed and wala perfect!!! I then had to get into the darkroom which was my laundry and print each shot. Needless to say I got top marks for that assignment which was then displayed on a board at TAFE for every one to see. I was so shocked when I came into class after handing the assignment in for marking and saw them in the display case. I have never been so proud. I could not wait to get home and tell Bruno that I topped the class. I have attached them for you to see. Look closely at each shot as the props are what make this work.
I will also never forget one of my teachers who I had for many of my subjects over the four years and had great respect for. One night towards the end of the third year we all went to the local pub after our class which was pretty normal. I am not sure how the deep and meaningful conversation started between him and me but I will not forget what he said to me as this kept me going for the rest of the year. He told me that when he interviewed me initially to get into the course it was not the photographs I bought with me that impressed him (believe me they were very ordinary back then) but my determination and attitude. He said he knew I would not quit and I would finish from that interview. Its amazing how certain people touch our lives. I can still see him now sitting there across from me with a beer in front of him and a fag in hand talking to me with a seriousness and directness which I needed to hear, as at that point the year was a real struggle for me in every sense of the word. He continued to tell me he had never seen any one so determined and improve so much each year as I did. As he looked at me he told me I had so much to do and to achieve with my life and photography. He could see this before I could. I understand what he meant now.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
TIME FLIES
FEB 14TH
TIME FLIES
I have been in Broome for over 3 months now and the time has just flown by. Normally by now I would be leaving. I have decided to stay for a while well actually quite a while. Financially I have to anyway but I like it here and there is much more to see in the Kimberley and Pilbera area after the wet season has passed. I have decided to look for another job a permanent full time office job. I had my first interview today and another tomorrow. There are lots of opportunities here for work. I am also looking into teaching short photography courses at TAFE here but so far there does not seem to be much scope for that. If I am happy with the new job I will probably stay in Broome until the end of the year when I should be cashed up enough to move on. I would like to take a break from Oz and go to New Zealand for a while. I have wanted to go there for a long time and am keen to do some of the treks over there and see some of the glaciers on the South Island. Nothing is concrete at this stage and I think it will depend on how much money I can save between now and November. In the meantime in April Karijini National Park, Coral Bay and Exmouth are on my list to do and I can’t wait to go exploring after the wet as everything will be at its best, the gorges and the falls will be pumping with water.
TIME FLIES
I have been in Broome for over 3 months now and the time has just flown by. Normally by now I would be leaving. I have decided to stay for a while well actually quite a while. Financially I have to anyway but I like it here and there is much more to see in the Kimberley and Pilbera area after the wet season has passed. I have decided to look for another job a permanent full time office job. I had my first interview today and another tomorrow. There are lots of opportunities here for work. I am also looking into teaching short photography courses at TAFE here but so far there does not seem to be much scope for that. If I am happy with the new job I will probably stay in Broome until the end of the year when I should be cashed up enough to move on. I would like to take a break from Oz and go to New Zealand for a while. I have wanted to go there for a long time and am keen to do some of the treks over there and see some of the glaciers on the South Island. Nothing is concrete at this stage and I think it will depend on how much money I can save between now and November. In the meantime in April Karijini National Park, Coral Bay and Exmouth are on my list to do and I can’t wait to go exploring after the wet as everything will be at its best, the gorges and the falls will be pumping with water.
SPECIAL FRIENDS
12 FEB
SPECIAL FRIENDS
My friends Peter and Judith who I met at El Questro have been up here from Esperence for the last week for a bit of R and R. I have spent as much time as could with them catching up and having dinner and breakfast this morning before seeing them off at the airport. They are such nice people and I feel like I have known them for ever. They have been so good to me since I met them and are 2 of the most special people I have met since I left Sydney. I know I will always have them as friends and if I need a place to stay their door will be open no matter what. This morning at breakfast we were talking about embarrassing moments. I was telling them about a time I went to the gold coast to wet and wild water park. I was going on all the water slides just in a pair of shorts and crop top. I was walking around the park and a man came up to me and said “excuse me but I have to tell you that you have a large split in your shorts.” I looked at my back side and half my bum was hanging out and I had no idea for how long. I was so embarrassed I left the park but I was grateful he told me. Peter then told me a story about one day at church there were a couple sitting front of them and the lady was rather large. When it was time to stand up the large ladies dress was wedged between her bum cheeks. The husband noticed and immediately pulled the dress out from between her cheeks. She then turned and slapped his face for doing it. The next week they were back in the same seating arrangements at church. The large woman who again had a dress on stood up with her husband ready to leave and this time he pushed the dress up her bum crack and again she turned around not impressed and slapped him across the face. It just goes to show you men can’t win what ever you do!!! This is a true story!!
The wet season has truly started here now with rain and storms coming through almost every day. At the moment there is a cyclone sitting out from Broome creating big waves here and some crazy weather. The tides have been huge and I was out shooting yesterday at the highest tide I have ever seen. Today Peter and I went to cable beach to where you would normally drive down to the beach to have a look and the water was right up the driveway. As I sit here now at 6.30pm in Zanders and type this the wind has picked up to gusts and the sky is the colour of washed out steel and every so often the sky lights up with sheet lightning. It is still very light here at this time due to day light saving. The humidity today would have been close to 100 %. It has been very uncomfortable today. I still have not had the opportunity to shoot lightning but I don’t think it will long before I have the chance. I dropped my dear friends Judith and Peter off at the airport this afternoon and said goodbye. They have become very special people in my life and I know I will see them again one day.
SPECIAL FRIENDS
My friends Peter and Judith who I met at El Questro have been up here from Esperence for the last week for a bit of R and R. I have spent as much time as could with them catching up and having dinner and breakfast this morning before seeing them off at the airport. They are such nice people and I feel like I have known them for ever. They have been so good to me since I met them and are 2 of the most special people I have met since I left Sydney. I know I will always have them as friends and if I need a place to stay their door will be open no matter what. This morning at breakfast we were talking about embarrassing moments. I was telling them about a time I went to the gold coast to wet and wild water park. I was going on all the water slides just in a pair of shorts and crop top. I was walking around the park and a man came up to me and said “excuse me but I have to tell you that you have a large split in your shorts.” I looked at my back side and half my bum was hanging out and I had no idea for how long. I was so embarrassed I left the park but I was grateful he told me. Peter then told me a story about one day at church there were a couple sitting front of them and the lady was rather large. When it was time to stand up the large ladies dress was wedged between her bum cheeks. The husband noticed and immediately pulled the dress out from between her cheeks. She then turned and slapped his face for doing it. The next week they were back in the same seating arrangements at church. The large woman who again had a dress on stood up with her husband ready to leave and this time he pushed the dress up her bum crack and again she turned around not impressed and slapped him across the face. It just goes to show you men can’t win what ever you do!!! This is a true story!!
The wet season has truly started here now with rain and storms coming through almost every day. At the moment there is a cyclone sitting out from Broome creating big waves here and some crazy weather. The tides have been huge and I was out shooting yesterday at the highest tide I have ever seen. Today Peter and I went to cable beach to where you would normally drive down to the beach to have a look and the water was right up the driveway. As I sit here now at 6.30pm in Zanders and type this the wind has picked up to gusts and the sky is the colour of washed out steel and every so often the sky lights up with sheet lightning. It is still very light here at this time due to day light saving. The humidity today would have been close to 100 %. It has been very uncomfortable today. I still have not had the opportunity to shoot lightning but I don’t think it will long before I have the chance. I dropped my dear friends Judith and Peter off at the airport this afternoon and said goodbye. They have become very special people in my life and I know I will see them again one day.
NOISY CRICKET
11 FEB
NOISY CRICKET
Isle 3 health and beauty is my isle at woollies for night fill. It is also home to a very noisy cricket that has been driving me bloody crazy for the last 2 weeks. Cedric who lives in the tampons section constantly goes off from the start of my shift to the finish. When I get to the tampons to fill that area of the shelves he shuts up so I get peace for about 15 minutes if I’m lucky. If its not frogs it bloody crickets. I can’t win. I am hoping he will get bored in my isle and move on to annoy someone else in another isle but I fear he has set up home and wont budge any time soon. How the hell can something so small be so damn noisy? My friend Craig told me about his cricket problems a while ago first outside and then in his bedroom which was keeping him awake. He ended up tracking down the location the noise was coming from but as soon as you get close to the source the noise stops so he could not find the cricket and every time he went back to lay down the thing would start up again. It was in his bedside draw somewhere. Tired and frustrated he ended up moving the drawers into the lounge for the night so he could get some sleep. Now I can understand why and I don’t think I should have laughed so much when he was telling me the story.
NOISY CRICKET
Isle 3 health and beauty is my isle at woollies for night fill. It is also home to a very noisy cricket that has been driving me bloody crazy for the last 2 weeks. Cedric who lives in the tampons section constantly goes off from the start of my shift to the finish. When I get to the tampons to fill that area of the shelves he shuts up so I get peace for about 15 minutes if I’m lucky. If its not frogs it bloody crickets. I can’t win. I am hoping he will get bored in my isle and move on to annoy someone else in another isle but I fear he has set up home and wont budge any time soon. How the hell can something so small be so damn noisy? My friend Craig told me about his cricket problems a while ago first outside and then in his bedroom which was keeping him awake. He ended up tracking down the location the noise was coming from but as soon as you get close to the source the noise stops so he could not find the cricket and every time he went back to lay down the thing would start up again. It was in his bedside draw somewhere. Tired and frustrated he ended up moving the drawers into the lounge for the night so he could get some sleep. Now I can understand why and I don’t think I should have laughed so much when he was telling me the story.
EXPENSIVE PROJECT
3rd FEB
Expensive project
I have been getting some beautiful shots on the Hasselblad Camera I am using at the moment. The skies and the colours reflected in the Pindan Cliffs have been truly amazing over the last couple of weeks. I can’t wait to see the transparencies. My Sydney lab is much cheaper than the Perth labs for processing and it costs the same for shipping so I have opted to send to Sydney for processing. So far I have eight rolls to process which is growing every week. This is one of the draw backs to shooting film whilst travelling. One night when I was down at Riddell Beach at sunset everything went red with shades of pink through it the water the sky and the sand. I grabbed a couple of shots of this on the digital camera but all the rest are on film. Check it out above. The most amazing colour I have seen yet. When I am out here my mind is clear, there are no worries no problems I am focused and there are no distractions from thoughts ……….me and the landscape. The ocean the breeze the sand and rocks.
Expensive project
I have been getting some beautiful shots on the Hasselblad Camera I am using at the moment. The skies and the colours reflected in the Pindan Cliffs have been truly amazing over the last couple of weeks. I can’t wait to see the transparencies. My Sydney lab is much cheaper than the Perth labs for processing and it costs the same for shipping so I have opted to send to Sydney for processing. So far I have eight rolls to process which is growing every week. This is one of the draw backs to shooting film whilst travelling. One night when I was down at Riddell Beach at sunset everything went red with shades of pink through it the water the sky and the sand. I grabbed a couple of shots of this on the digital camera but all the rest are on film. Check it out above. The most amazing colour I have seen yet. When I am out here my mind is clear, there are no worries no problems I am focused and there are no distractions from thoughts ……….me and the landscape. The ocean the breeze the sand and rocks.
FRONT COVERS FEB AND MARCH
29th JAN
FRONT COVERS FEB AND MARCH
The Blue Mountains of NSW makes front cover of Australian Photography mag and finally the red centre makes cover for March. Febs shot was taken at Leura not far from where I was living at the time in the middle of winter it was bloody freezing. I was out there for a few hours walking in the rain. At the time it had not rained heavily for a very long time and so everything was looking pretty ordinary. The water bought this small but pretty waterfall to life. March shot is one of my favourite moments in the red centre shooting the Thorny Devil with attitude.
FRONT COVERS FEB AND MARCH
The Blue Mountains of NSW makes front cover of Australian Photography mag and finally the red centre makes cover for March. Febs shot was taken at Leura not far from where I was living at the time in the middle of winter it was bloody freezing. I was out there for a few hours walking in the rain. At the time it had not rained heavily for a very long time and so everything was looking pretty ordinary. The water bought this small but pretty waterfall to life. March shot is one of my favourite moments in the red centre shooting the Thorny Devil with attitude.
SKY SHOW
25 JAN
Sky show
In the skies distillery the afternoon light was the colour of weak brandy. What was brewing was a storm. Not happy that I had to go to work for the evening I eagerly watched the clouds whilst driving to work. At about 6.00 pm it started rumbling and then the heavens opened up. This was the first storm of the season here and the fork lighting was a sight to see. I didn’t see a thing and can only go by what others told me. It did not last for long though the high winds and rain quickly moving away on a mission to conduct destruction at another location. The sky was angry and rumbling for about an hour well after the rain stopped. This area is so flat is gets flooded very quickly and when I came out of work there was water every where. Apparently the sunset was awesome and it lasted forever as the storm moved away.
Sky show
In the skies distillery the afternoon light was the colour of weak brandy. What was brewing was a storm. Not happy that I had to go to work for the evening I eagerly watched the clouds whilst driving to work. At about 6.00 pm it started rumbling and then the heavens opened up. This was the first storm of the season here and the fork lighting was a sight to see. I didn’t see a thing and can only go by what others told me. It did not last for long though the high winds and rain quickly moving away on a mission to conduct destruction at another location. The sky was angry and rumbling for about an hour well after the rain stopped. This area is so flat is gets flooded very quickly and when I came out of work there was water every where. Apparently the sunset was awesome and it lasted forever as the storm moved away.
MORE WEBSITE PROBLEMS
24 JAN
More website problems
The night mare continues for me with my website. I have recently had to change hosts as I have had nothing but problems starting way back in March 07 when I had to reload my whole site due to the mismanagement of my site by Smarty Host and no back up site. Since then I have had nothing but issues with this company. Off the top of my head I have had loading problems on several occasions as I manage my own site I am always loading images and changing things around. I have had speed problems with the site in general. The most recent was a virus which destroyed my home page and slowed the site down even more as the site is just not secure enough. That was it I have had enough and although I have paid for another years hosting I didn’t care and just wanted out as this company just could not give a toss about its customers and passes the buck at every opportunity.
I was recommended another host in December and was quick to have them take over and fix up all the problems for me. For the first time in a year the site was running perfectly UNTIL………………….
I went into the site to load some images and it was gone!!!!
I was that pissed off that I had not been informed of any problems and had no idea what was going on but knew it had to be bad. I emailed the host to see what the go was and received back an email 2 days later saying that the hard drive had been destroyed.
I felt sick to my stomach as I though I was going to have to reload every image yet again. I was very annoyed at my new host as I still did not know where this left me and what had caused the problem and a time frame for fixing the problem. I left it alone for a few days and then I went back in and had a look at my site and found it was back on line with major issues. I had not heard anything from the host about what the hell was happening and I was ready to kill someone. I decided to call Ron who designed my site and recommended the new host to me. He knew exactly what was going on as he had his site hosted through the same company. He explained the situation and said that he had an old backup of my site which could be put back online and all I would have to do was update again.
Apparently a lighting strike had caused a problem with the main hard drive and the next day when the system automatically backed up the site it backed it up with the corrupted version caused by the lightning strike. The strike best described was kinda like a perfect filing system with all the categories in place that got tipped out and messed up and put back in all the wrong places. That was my site the big mess corrupted files pages missing and the home page stuffed. It took a few more days before it came back online and all was well. I just had to go and change a couple of thinks and reload a few of the newer images in the Kimberley Gallery. How long will this last for ??? What a night mare!!!
More website problems
The night mare continues for me with my website. I have recently had to change hosts as I have had nothing but problems starting way back in March 07 when I had to reload my whole site due to the mismanagement of my site by Smarty Host and no back up site. Since then I have had nothing but issues with this company. Off the top of my head I have had loading problems on several occasions as I manage my own site I am always loading images and changing things around. I have had speed problems with the site in general. The most recent was a virus which destroyed my home page and slowed the site down even more as the site is just not secure enough. That was it I have had enough and although I have paid for another years hosting I didn’t care and just wanted out as this company just could not give a toss about its customers and passes the buck at every opportunity.
I was recommended another host in December and was quick to have them take over and fix up all the problems for me. For the first time in a year the site was running perfectly UNTIL………………….
I went into the site to load some images and it was gone!!!!
I was that pissed off that I had not been informed of any problems and had no idea what was going on but knew it had to be bad. I emailed the host to see what the go was and received back an email 2 days later saying that the hard drive had been destroyed.
I felt sick to my stomach as I though I was going to have to reload every image yet again. I was very annoyed at my new host as I still did not know where this left me and what had caused the problem and a time frame for fixing the problem. I left it alone for a few days and then I went back in and had a look at my site and found it was back on line with major issues. I had not heard anything from the host about what the hell was happening and I was ready to kill someone. I decided to call Ron who designed my site and recommended the new host to me. He knew exactly what was going on as he had his site hosted through the same company. He explained the situation and said that he had an old backup of my site which could be put back online and all I would have to do was update again.
Apparently a lighting strike had caused a problem with the main hard drive and the next day when the system automatically backed up the site it backed it up with the corrupted version caused by the lightning strike. The strike best described was kinda like a perfect filing system with all the categories in place that got tipped out and messed up and put back in all the wrong places. That was my site the big mess corrupted files pages missing and the home page stuffed. It took a few more days before it came back online and all was well. I just had to go and change a couple of thinks and reload a few of the newer images in the Kimberley Gallery. How long will this last for ??? What a night mare!!!
COOL CHANGE
22nd JAN
COOL CHANGE
It must have dropped 10 degrees but no rain. It was like this the whole day and I made the most of it. I rode my bike for the first time and enjoyed it without sweating like a pig. It made a huge difference to the amount of effort I could push out although I am still nursing my calf muscle injury bike riding does not seem to bother it to much. I also went into town and had a really good look around at all the shops which I have not felt like doing in the heat since I arrived in Broome. It made me realise I do not want to put up with this heat for much longer and I would like to visit somewhere cooler later in the year. I even turned my air conditioner off for the day. (never happens normally)…………………spoke to soon by 4pm the cool breeze had died down and the temp had started to rise again as well as the humidity. One day of relief was a god send.
COOL CHANGE
It must have dropped 10 degrees but no rain. It was like this the whole day and I made the most of it. I rode my bike for the first time and enjoyed it without sweating like a pig. It made a huge difference to the amount of effort I could push out although I am still nursing my calf muscle injury bike riding does not seem to bother it to much. I also went into town and had a really good look around at all the shops which I have not felt like doing in the heat since I arrived in Broome. It made me realise I do not want to put up with this heat for much longer and I would like to visit somewhere cooler later in the year. I even turned my air conditioner off for the day. (never happens normally)…………………spoke to soon by 4pm the cool breeze had died down and the temp had started to rise again as well as the humidity. One day of relief was a god send.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
FILM VERSUS DIGITAL
16TH JAN
FILM VERSUS DIGITAL
For the next 6 weeks I have the use of a Hasselblad medium format camera on loan to me by a friend. These are beautiful cameras and very basic just the way I like it. Luckily there is a place here in Broome that I can buy transparency film for it but I have had to find a place in Perth to send the transparency film for processing and scanning as sending it to Sydney where my lab resides is just going to cost to much. This is where it starts to get very expensive but I am really enjoying shooting film again and have started doing some really long exposures which digital is limited by. I have one 80mm fixed lens to work with in the square format so it is completely different and I have to see and compose things in a different way. When you look down into the screen everything is back the front and it takes a while to get used to this. I am finding focusing challenging also. I am looking forward to seeing the results when the film comes back from the lab.
FILM VERSUS DIGITAL
For the next 6 weeks I have the use of a Hasselblad medium format camera on loan to me by a friend. These are beautiful cameras and very basic just the way I like it. Luckily there is a place here in Broome that I can buy transparency film for it but I have had to find a place in Perth to send the transparency film for processing and scanning as sending it to Sydney where my lab resides is just going to cost to much. This is where it starts to get very expensive but I am really enjoying shooting film again and have started doing some really long exposures which digital is limited by. I have one 80mm fixed lens to work with in the square format so it is completely different and I have to see and compose things in a different way. When you look down into the screen everything is back the front and it takes a while to get used to this. I am finding focusing challenging also. I am looking forward to seeing the results when the film comes back from the lab.
TORN CALF MUSCLE
9th JAN
TORN CALF MUSCLE
You wouldn’t read about it I just start to get and feel really fit and I tear a calf muscle at the gym running laps in a circuit class. Although I have still been working 2 out of my 3 jobs it is very painful and I have been hobbling around and getting very frustrated. Its been a week since I did the injury now and I am about to go back to my third job. I am still limping but I have been getting physio and stretching regularly so the injury has made steady improvement each day. I hope to get back on my bike in a couple more days and be back at the gym next week for light work only.
TORN CALF MUSCLE
You wouldn’t read about it I just start to get and feel really fit and I tear a calf muscle at the gym running laps in a circuit class. Although I have still been working 2 out of my 3 jobs it is very painful and I have been hobbling around and getting very frustrated. Its been a week since I did the injury now and I am about to go back to my third job. I am still limping but I have been getting physio and stretching regularly so the injury has made steady improvement each day. I hope to get back on my bike in a couple more days and be back at the gym next week for light work only.
HOT AND STEAMY
5 JAN
Hot and Steamy
I have been riding my bike about 3 times a week. There are not really any good dirt tracks in Broome. The country is as flat as and the dirt tracks are generally too sandy to ride on. I have been riding on the bitumen doing about 16km in a session. This is not hard at all but by the time I get back I am covered in sweat and you would think I have just ridden a marathon. I took a couple of pictures just after I got back from my ride today so you can kind of understand how hot and humid it is here. Apparently it hasn’t been as bad as usual for this time of the year and the worst is yet to come in the next couple of months. Cant wait!!!
Hot and Steamy
I have been riding my bike about 3 times a week. There are not really any good dirt tracks in Broome. The country is as flat as and the dirt tracks are generally too sandy to ride on. I have been riding on the bitumen doing about 16km in a session. This is not hard at all but by the time I get back I am covered in sweat and you would think I have just ridden a marathon. I took a couple of pictures just after I got back from my ride today so you can kind of understand how hot and humid it is here. Apparently it hasn’t been as bad as usual for this time of the year and the worst is yet to come in the next couple of months. Cant wait!!!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
1ST JAN
The above pictures were taken on new years day. I was up at 5.30am to get these images which were taken near the Port in a very secluded area of Broome. There is a dirt track into the cliffs and from there you can walk down onto the beach. It is full of mangrove trees and at the right tides looks amazing.
Eleven months have now passed since I left Sydney and wow what a journey it has been. I have seen some amazing places and met some amazing people along the way and most recently I have been down to my last $5 with no job and a car that needed registering. As I sit here on New Years Day and contemplate the things I have done and people I have met I feel fortunate. This is a dedication to all my new friends that I have met on the road and have helped me in one way or another and without them the journey would not have been half as enjoyable as it has been. There are more but these are the few that I struck up a special friendship with and have proved themselves to be amazing people.
Harry and Maureen (Ormiston Gorge) West McDonald Ranges. Thanks for putting me up and feeding me. You’re a mad couple!! Lots of fun.
Derek (Alice Springs) thanks for fixing me car and putting me up for the night.
Hermann (Ayers Rock) thanks for many a conversation and cups of tea in the camp ground.
Susan (Ayers Rock) thanks for making me welcome and showing me around.
Naomi and Rob (Ayers Rock) thanks for everything guys. You’re a great couple.
Christine, Beatrice, Joohee, Nami (Ayers rock) thanks for the great Korean food and the fun at work and the gifts when I left. I will never forget you all.
Jo (Ayers Rock Resort) thanks for being my coffee buddy and all the dinners and great conversation. I wont forget our trip to Kings Canyon and the spa. I hope we can do it again one day.
Alice (Ayers Rock Resort) thanks for the great hair cut and conversation. You’re the best
Ian (Ayers Rock resort) thanks for making me feel welcome, having an open door and fixing my computer.
Craig (William Creek Café) thanks for the great coffee and information mate.
Bev and David (Painted Desert, Mataranka, Kununurra) struth!! your guys are everywhere!! Thanks for the great info you gave me and breakfast and the battery and CD’s and conversation.
Rob and Maxine (Kununurra) thanks for everything you guys did for me. I appreciate it very much.
Greg and Lee (Kununurra) thanks for giving me a hard time Greg….Luv you guys.
Peter and Judith (El Questro) thanks for being the parents I never had.
Craig (Home Valley) thanks for everything and thanks for challenging me taking the time to get to know me.
Belinda (Home Valley) thanks for making me feel welcome and all the laughs we had at work.
Janneke (Home Valley) thanks for all the deep and meaningful conversations, fun and videos we made.
Love to you all and to my friends in Sydney that I left behind who are definitely not forgotten.
I hope the New Year brings you all health and happiness and remember don’t get to busy making a living that you forget to make a life.
1ST JAN
The above pictures were taken on new years day. I was up at 5.30am to get these images which were taken near the Port in a very secluded area of Broome. There is a dirt track into the cliffs and from there you can walk down onto the beach. It is full of mangrove trees and at the right tides looks amazing.
Eleven months have now passed since I left Sydney and wow what a journey it has been. I have seen some amazing places and met some amazing people along the way and most recently I have been down to my last $5 with no job and a car that needed registering. As I sit here on New Years Day and contemplate the things I have done and people I have met I feel fortunate. This is a dedication to all my new friends that I have met on the road and have helped me in one way or another and without them the journey would not have been half as enjoyable as it has been. There are more but these are the few that I struck up a special friendship with and have proved themselves to be amazing people.
Harry and Maureen (Ormiston Gorge) West McDonald Ranges. Thanks for putting me up and feeding me. You’re a mad couple!! Lots of fun.
Derek (Alice Springs) thanks for fixing me car and putting me up for the night.
Hermann (Ayers Rock) thanks for many a conversation and cups of tea in the camp ground.
Susan (Ayers Rock) thanks for making me welcome and showing me around.
Naomi and Rob (Ayers Rock) thanks for everything guys. You’re a great couple.
Christine, Beatrice, Joohee, Nami (Ayers rock) thanks for the great Korean food and the fun at work and the gifts when I left. I will never forget you all.
Jo (Ayers Rock Resort) thanks for being my coffee buddy and all the dinners and great conversation. I wont forget our trip to Kings Canyon and the spa. I hope we can do it again one day.
Alice (Ayers Rock Resort) thanks for the great hair cut and conversation. You’re the best
Ian (Ayers Rock resort) thanks for making me feel welcome, having an open door and fixing my computer.
Craig (William Creek Café) thanks for the great coffee and information mate.
Bev and David (Painted Desert, Mataranka, Kununurra) struth!! your guys are everywhere!! Thanks for the great info you gave me and breakfast and the battery and CD’s and conversation.
Rob and Maxine (Kununurra) thanks for everything you guys did for me. I appreciate it very much.
Greg and Lee (Kununurra) thanks for giving me a hard time Greg….Luv you guys.
Peter and Judith (El Questro) thanks for being the parents I never had.
Craig (Home Valley) thanks for everything and thanks for challenging me taking the time to get to know me.
Belinda (Home Valley) thanks for making me feel welcome and all the laughs we had at work.
Janneke (Home Valley) thanks for all the deep and meaningful conversations, fun and videos we made.
Love to you all and to my friends in Sydney that I left behind who are definitely not forgotten.
I hope the New Year brings you all health and happiness and remember don’t get to busy making a living that you forget to make a life.
RELOCATION
RELOCATION
28TH DEC
I came home from work around 8.30pm and it was pouring. This was the first big rain we have had here the start of the wet season is upon us now. With that as I found out comes very noisy frogs. As I settled in my room to watch a DVD I couldn’t bloody here it because I had a frog making a racquet out side my window somewhere. I thought maybe it would get tired and stop but nooo it kept right on going. When it was time to go to bed I tried to sleep through it but it was impossible.
Right that was it id had a gut full and decided I was going out into the yard to find the feral little beast that was intent on keeping me awake all night long.
I grabbed a saucepan from out of the kitchen and went outside to where the noise was coming from. Aha I found him and proceeded to catch the large green frog and put it in the saucepan. I went back inside to get my car keys and some shoes on and no sooner had I got the shoes on I heard the same noise outside my window. Shit there was more of them out there but how many more I thought. There could be 100 of them out there. Well I had to go and see if I could find them. I grabbed my torch and a Tupperware container and went back out side. I searched for a while in the bushes and finally I found a group of 3 of them together and hoped that this was all there was. I grabbed the first one without to much trouble but then the others took off in different directions and I was running around trying to catch number 2 and make sure number 3 didn’t get away. I finally caught the second one and stuck him in the container with the other one which almost got out when I opened the lid. I decided I needed another container for the last one which was now onto me and didn’t want a bar of getting caught and was hiding under a pipe. I used a plastic bag which I laid in the path of the frog and coaxed him into jumping out of his hiding spot and straight into the bag. Ingenious I thought!!!
Well now I had all 3 of them and the first one was inside in the saucepan well so I thought. I walked inside and the frog was gone. It had lifted the lid off of the saucepan and got out. Cheeky little shit was now somewhere in the lounge room. It didn’t take long to find him but he was not as easy to catch this time round and had me running around all over the lounge room floor working up a sweat.
Once I caught him I put them all in the car and drove down the street to an area of bush land and let them all out. Good rid dons I thought and hoped there were no more out there when I returned.
The night was peaceful again and no more frogs……. for now anyhow.
28TH DEC
I came home from work around 8.30pm and it was pouring. This was the first big rain we have had here the start of the wet season is upon us now. With that as I found out comes very noisy frogs. As I settled in my room to watch a DVD I couldn’t bloody here it because I had a frog making a racquet out side my window somewhere. I thought maybe it would get tired and stop but nooo it kept right on going. When it was time to go to bed I tried to sleep through it but it was impossible.
Right that was it id had a gut full and decided I was going out into the yard to find the feral little beast that was intent on keeping me awake all night long.
I grabbed a saucepan from out of the kitchen and went outside to where the noise was coming from. Aha I found him and proceeded to catch the large green frog and put it in the saucepan. I went back inside to get my car keys and some shoes on and no sooner had I got the shoes on I heard the same noise outside my window. Shit there was more of them out there but how many more I thought. There could be 100 of them out there. Well I had to go and see if I could find them. I grabbed my torch and a Tupperware container and went back out side. I searched for a while in the bushes and finally I found a group of 3 of them together and hoped that this was all there was. I grabbed the first one without to much trouble but then the others took off in different directions and I was running around trying to catch number 2 and make sure number 3 didn’t get away. I finally caught the second one and stuck him in the container with the other one which almost got out when I opened the lid. I decided I needed another container for the last one which was now onto me and didn’t want a bar of getting caught and was hiding under a pipe. I used a plastic bag which I laid in the path of the frog and coaxed him into jumping out of his hiding spot and straight into the bag. Ingenious I thought!!!
Well now I had all 3 of them and the first one was inside in the saucepan well so I thought. I walked inside and the frog was gone. It had lifted the lid off of the saucepan and got out. Cheeky little shit was now somewhere in the lounge room. It didn’t take long to find him but he was not as easy to catch this time round and had me running around all over the lounge room floor working up a sweat.
Once I caught him I put them all in the car and drove down the street to an area of bush land and let them all out. Good rid dons I thought and hoped there were no more out there when I returned.
The night was peaceful again and no more frogs……. for now anyhow.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
ANDREW THE LOVE OF MY LIFE
18th December
Andrew the love of my life!!!
Ok boys….. sorry but I’m taken and he is huge!!!! We first met a few weeks ago down at the wharf in Broome and it was love at first site even though he was a bit old and decrepit. He has so much character. His name is Andrew and he is as you see in the photo above a very large boat. Awesome isn’t he!!!he...he....he
Andrew the love of my life!!!
Ok boys….. sorry but I’m taken and he is huge!!!! We first met a few weeks ago down at the wharf in Broome and it was love at first site even though he was a bit old and decrepit. He has so much character. His name is Andrew and he is as you see in the photo above a very large boat. Awesome isn’t he!!!he...he....he
Saturday, December 8, 2007
MY PERSONALITY YOU BE THE JUDGE
06 DEC
RELATIONSHIPS
Every so often you come to a point in your life where you sit back and ask what now? Where is my life going and where am I going to end up. What events or whom is going to determine the path of my destination. I am there right now! Ultimately where all in charge of our own destination, but I believe other people can influence this to a degree also. As you’re probably aware I have been through some emotional turmoil since leaving Kununurra. Relationships with friends family or partners are always challenging and sometimes don’t turn out quite the way you anticipate they will. One decision can change the whole course of events and your life. We are often driven by fear and as far as relationships go I am no exception. We all deal with it differently some jumping straight in and wearing their heart on their sleeve too the other end of the spectrum where you take on a relationship running hot and cold being destructive and confusing the other person because of personal baggage which we all have to a degree and incongruent behaviour, Its all about self preservation and fear or is it?
I have been challenged on several occasions about blogs that I have written. Why I have not included names or why I have included certain names on certain entries. I have copped a fair amount of grief regarding certain entries pertaining to certain people. All I can say is this is my journal, my trip, my personal challenges, my highs and lows and the people that play a huge part in them. Yes it’s about the photography also but there is so much more to this journey than just that as I am starting to realise being on the road for 10 months now. I try and write with honesty and integrity but it doesn’t always please everyone. I sometimes question myself should I post this or not like I have with this entry and again I just go forth and do it. With really personal entries I don’t like to include names as there has to be a degree of privacy for me and the people it may involve I think, again it comes back to my personal judgement and integrity. It’s sometimes extremely hard to know where to draw that fine line between do I or don’t I. Some subjects just wont get touched because of the repercussions that may occur.
Recently I was told that I think I am always right and if someone has a different opinion to mine I discard them.…..OUCH…..Needless to say I was gob smacked by this observation and didn’t know whether it was a serious observation or just said in the heat of the moment. I want to believe the latter. I didn’t get much sleep that night as it was playing heavily on my mind. Time for a bit of soul searching I thought and I was really interested to find out what my other close friends thought about this harsh observation. I decided to open a can of worms. I have a couple of people that know me very well and give it to me straight so I asked them what they thought honestly about this comment which led to a whole lot more as you will read shortly. Could I possibly be this much of a bitch? This is what one of my close friends sent back to me, a no holding back, just give it to me straight answer and I was not expecting him to go so in-depth but I think he must have picked up on my distress and decided to write an essay. I have also approached another person to write what they think about me which I am still waiting for but I know its coming. He told me he was going to send me a gift voucher to a phsyco Analyst for Christmas. I had a good laugh at that comment. I decided to post the first email froma male friend with his permission and share it with everyone as it is who I am from another perspective the good the bad and the ugly. Why did I feel the need to do this well I’m not sure but I think we all need a reality check every so often and this is a journal about me and some of you reading this who I have met since I left Sydney didn’t really get much of a chance to get to know me that well so now you have the opportunity. This is a bit more of me the real me not just the photographer. And it’s a bit of personal therapy I think. Feel free to add your comments if you wish as I welcome any one else’s point of view.
…………….yes Julie you can be opinionated and yes you are choosey about whom you let in your life and let get close to you. It takes along time to get to know you as you don’t give anything away and most people can’t be bothered and give up as they find you hard work but in saying that if you put the time in and get through the tough front there is treasure and so much depth to you. Your tolerance for fake people and idiots is zero and you have a sharp tongue when someone pisses you off which can turn people with weaker personalities off of you very quickly. You will never have a lot of friends because of who you are but you don’t need a lot of people around you anyway as you are confident and happy in your own company and have a few close friends that you would do anything for if you could. You are a loyal friend and partner and trustworthy and reliable and have an incredible amount of integrity which is rare these days. You probably miss out on a lot because of the fact you don’t let or have a lot of people in your life but this but this is who you are. Sometimes you are unsociable but that’s just you wanting your own space. As far as never admitting you are wrong and writing people off if they have a different opinion is bullshit and if you did that I would not want to be friends with you and neither would anyone else.
This is just something a little extra for you as I see that you’re a little down at the moment.
I forgot to mention Julie I have never met anyone so gutsy and passionate about what they do and so driven, adventurous and motivated. Photography is your passion and it shows through your work and when you talk about it you glow with enthusiasm. It shows on your blogs and that’s why people like reading your entries so much because your honest and there are no facades with you what you see is what you get. You have charisma and a fresh sense of humour. You are an amazing person Julie Fletcher and continue to amaze me. You are complex and will never be boring and “cant” is not in your vocabulary. Age has never been a barrier for you and I admire that so much in you. I hope eventually you get the recognition you deserve for your amazing images. You work so hard for little return but I have never heard you complain about that. If I wasn’t gay I would do you (just kidding) you go girlfriend. You deserve the best so don’t settle for anything less.
I wish I was half as motivated as you maybe I would be out there with you!
Stay tuned for more as this is to be continued………………………………….
RELATIONSHIPS
Every so often you come to a point in your life where you sit back and ask what now? Where is my life going and where am I going to end up. What events or whom is going to determine the path of my destination. I am there right now! Ultimately where all in charge of our own destination, but I believe other people can influence this to a degree also. As you’re probably aware I have been through some emotional turmoil since leaving Kununurra. Relationships with friends family or partners are always challenging and sometimes don’t turn out quite the way you anticipate they will. One decision can change the whole course of events and your life. We are often driven by fear and as far as relationships go I am no exception. We all deal with it differently some jumping straight in and wearing their heart on their sleeve too the other end of the spectrum where you take on a relationship running hot and cold being destructive and confusing the other person because of personal baggage which we all have to a degree and incongruent behaviour, Its all about self preservation and fear or is it?
I have been challenged on several occasions about blogs that I have written. Why I have not included names or why I have included certain names on certain entries. I have copped a fair amount of grief regarding certain entries pertaining to certain people. All I can say is this is my journal, my trip, my personal challenges, my highs and lows and the people that play a huge part in them. Yes it’s about the photography also but there is so much more to this journey than just that as I am starting to realise being on the road for 10 months now. I try and write with honesty and integrity but it doesn’t always please everyone. I sometimes question myself should I post this or not like I have with this entry and again I just go forth and do it. With really personal entries I don’t like to include names as there has to be a degree of privacy for me and the people it may involve I think, again it comes back to my personal judgement and integrity. It’s sometimes extremely hard to know where to draw that fine line between do I or don’t I. Some subjects just wont get touched because of the repercussions that may occur.
Recently I was told that I think I am always right and if someone has a different opinion to mine I discard them.…..OUCH…..Needless to say I was gob smacked by this observation and didn’t know whether it was a serious observation or just said in the heat of the moment. I want to believe the latter. I didn’t get much sleep that night as it was playing heavily on my mind. Time for a bit of soul searching I thought and I was really interested to find out what my other close friends thought about this harsh observation. I decided to open a can of worms. I have a couple of people that know me very well and give it to me straight so I asked them what they thought honestly about this comment which led to a whole lot more as you will read shortly. Could I possibly be this much of a bitch? This is what one of my close friends sent back to me, a no holding back, just give it to me straight answer and I was not expecting him to go so in-depth but I think he must have picked up on my distress and decided to write an essay. I have also approached another person to write what they think about me which I am still waiting for but I know its coming. He told me he was going to send me a gift voucher to a phsyco Analyst for Christmas. I had a good laugh at that comment. I decided to post the first email froma male friend with his permission and share it with everyone as it is who I am from another perspective the good the bad and the ugly. Why did I feel the need to do this well I’m not sure but I think we all need a reality check every so often and this is a journal about me and some of you reading this who I have met since I left Sydney didn’t really get much of a chance to get to know me that well so now you have the opportunity. This is a bit more of me the real me not just the photographer. And it’s a bit of personal therapy I think. Feel free to add your comments if you wish as I welcome any one else’s point of view.
…………….yes Julie you can be opinionated and yes you are choosey about whom you let in your life and let get close to you. It takes along time to get to know you as you don’t give anything away and most people can’t be bothered and give up as they find you hard work but in saying that if you put the time in and get through the tough front there is treasure and so much depth to you. Your tolerance for fake people and idiots is zero and you have a sharp tongue when someone pisses you off which can turn people with weaker personalities off of you very quickly. You will never have a lot of friends because of who you are but you don’t need a lot of people around you anyway as you are confident and happy in your own company and have a few close friends that you would do anything for if you could. You are a loyal friend and partner and trustworthy and reliable and have an incredible amount of integrity which is rare these days. You probably miss out on a lot because of the fact you don’t let or have a lot of people in your life but this but this is who you are. Sometimes you are unsociable but that’s just you wanting your own space. As far as never admitting you are wrong and writing people off if they have a different opinion is bullshit and if you did that I would not want to be friends with you and neither would anyone else.
This is just something a little extra for you as I see that you’re a little down at the moment.
I forgot to mention Julie I have never met anyone so gutsy and passionate about what they do and so driven, adventurous and motivated. Photography is your passion and it shows through your work and when you talk about it you glow with enthusiasm. It shows on your blogs and that’s why people like reading your entries so much because your honest and there are no facades with you what you see is what you get. You have charisma and a fresh sense of humour. You are an amazing person Julie Fletcher and continue to amaze me. You are complex and will never be boring and “cant” is not in your vocabulary. Age has never been a barrier for you and I admire that so much in you. I hope eventually you get the recognition you deserve for your amazing images. You work so hard for little return but I have never heard you complain about that. If I wasn’t gay I would do you (just kidding) you go girlfriend. You deserve the best so don’t settle for anything less.
I wish I was half as motivated as you maybe I would be out there with you!
Stay tuned for more as this is to be continued………………………………….
WORK WORK WORK
06 DEC
WORK, WORK, WORK
Not a lot is happening at the moment as I am pretty broke and have picked up a couple of casual jobs that pay well to start saving some money again. I am sharing a house with a very nice couple so I am very comfortable. I will be in Broome for the wet season but at this stage am not sure exactly how long it will be until I move on. Who knows I may stay and base myself here for 6 months taking time off from work to travel out and see the Pilbera and other parts of the Kimberley and return here again. I am not sure what will work best for me at this early stage. No definite plans just ideas. I just know I want to see as much as I can in this area after the wet is over and everything is looking green and the waterfalls are flowing. I also hope to get back to Kununurra for a week or so at some stage as I have several places and people I want to see after the wet season. I will be working my butt off right through Christmas and new year to get some money saved to make it happen. I have still had time to get out and take some photos and the latest images will be loaded to the Kimberley Gallery in the next few days.
WORK, WORK, WORK
Not a lot is happening at the moment as I am pretty broke and have picked up a couple of casual jobs that pay well to start saving some money again. I am sharing a house with a very nice couple so I am very comfortable. I will be in Broome for the wet season but at this stage am not sure exactly how long it will be until I move on. Who knows I may stay and base myself here for 6 months taking time off from work to travel out and see the Pilbera and other parts of the Kimberley and return here again. I am not sure what will work best for me at this early stage. No definite plans just ideas. I just know I want to see as much as I can in this area after the wet is over and everything is looking green and the waterfalls are flowing. I also hope to get back to Kununurra for a week or so at some stage as I have several places and people I want to see after the wet season. I will be working my butt off right through Christmas and new year to get some money saved to make it happen. I have still had time to get out and take some photos and the latest images will be loaded to the Kimberley Gallery in the next few days.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST DECEMBER
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
As I was riding my bike down to the wharf this morning I was thinking about my journey so far and the ups and downs it has bought with it. I decided to go back through a few of my favourite galleries in my website when i returned just quickly flicking through images and remembering the course of events that led up to taking the shot, I have had some funny moments and some very challenging ones also. As I went through my images I saw myself at each location setting up the shot waiting patiently for the right light and sometimes being very disappointed as it just wasn’t happening. There were times of absolute frustration from flies, mosquito’s, high winds and of course rain, salt water and waves, walking for miles, the heat, slippery rocks and cliffs and heavy packs with my equipment. There is also all the research that goes into areas and of course driving for miles and sometimes days through rough roads camping with no facilities and bloody rangers who love to say “sorry you need to move on your not suppose to be in there”. And last but not least the humble electric fence that I have managed to get zapped on several occasions. God they pack a punch.
Here are some of my favourite photography highlights so far.
Thredbo -Kosciusko NSW Snowy Mountains– this was a shocker……riding 25km with all my camera gear on my back up some really steep hills to find a historic hut that I wanted to photograph wrapped in foil due to the recent bushfires through that area over Christmas. It was hot and the flies were bad and I had to walk half of it in both directions due to the weight I was carrying and the hills through the area and I had some large blisters which were killing me by the time I arrived back at the car. Gotta laugh at this (read the blog)
Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) – Riding my mountain bike out toward the rock and then hiding it in the bushes just off the road so I could climb up a sand dune for sunset shots. I came back down just on dark and lost the bloody thing. I spent 30 minutes walking around in the sand dunes and bushes looking for my bike until finally I found it. I got some great shots though. Check out my website in the red centre gallery.
Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) finding my first thorny devil was a highlight. I was riding my bike out toward the rock and came across one in the middle of the road. They are really placid little things. I captured him and then later that day took him out to another location late afternoon to photograph him. He wasn’t very cooperative and I was chasing him all over the sand dunes to try and get the shots I wanted. When I had finished I returned him to where I found him.
Ayers Rock-Uluru in the rain- this is still the highlight of my trip so far. I will never forget the trials I went through to get my shots. It was windy and raining constantly with spray coming off the waterfalls in all directions. I was trying to hold an umbrella as well as set up my tripod and keep my camera gear dry. The rain was coming in side ways and near the large falls there was spray coming from every angle. I had to keep wiping the lens of droplets after every shot hoping it was clear. I lost my umbrella as the wind took it out of my hands and had to bolt through the Spinifex after it. Luckily no one was watching as it would have been hilarious. I ended up giving the tripod a miss and just hand holding the camera as it was just too hard. I almost fell into a very deep pool of water as I was concentrating on something else and wasn’t watching my footing. I got soaked right through even though I had a water proof jacket on. The last few shots were taken out of the window of my car as it was just raining to hard. From the first shot to the last it was a night mare but I have never seen anything as spectacular in my life as I watched hundreds of water falls plummeting down the sides of Uluru from a 300 foot drop around that rock. It was awesome and every time I see one of the shots it takes me straight back to the day I was out there in the rain. No wonder I love photography so much I get to relive the experience time and time again.
Dingos , Oodnadatta track South Australia- Painted Desert, this spot is beautiful and a must see if you do the track. I was walking around the Painted Desert on a perfect morning photographing the area when I looked behind to find a Dingo was near my pack. It startled me and I startled him and he ran back a little. Then I noticed another one a little more timid up on the hill. I couldn’t believe my luck as I quickly tried to change lenses and camera settings to get a couple of shots before they disappeared. The young male was very curious and playful like a pup and was running around me and dropping down as pups do. I was amazed at how close this dog was and the way it was playing and growling at me. I just started shooting and got some great shots of both of them. They followed me for about 20 minutes before disappearing. Things happen when you least expect it as was the case this day.
El Questro Gorge The East Kimberley Ranges WA- This was my favourite walk and Gorge in Elquestro. The first time I went in I had no idea what to expect but what I found was amazing. The walk in is not for the wusses. It’s rocky and there is a large waterhole that you need to wade through. I didn’t no this when I left so when I saw it I thought how the hell am I going to get across this with my camera gear. I sat and fed the fish for a while and thought about the best way across as at the other side I had to climb through a tricky area between the gorge and a huge boulder to get to the next level. If I slipped on the rocks in the water I was a gonner and if I couldn’t get up the side of the boulder with my gear I wouldn’t be able to go any further and would have to head back. I looked at it for a while and was always going to have a go at getting across. Shoes and socks off and tied to my pack I headed across with my pack over my head and my tripod left on the bank for the second trip. Shit the rocks where sharp and the water was bloody freezing but I had to keep going and when I reached the other side I found a safe spot to leave the camera bag and went back for the tripod. Next issue was getting myself up between the rocks and over so I could somehow grab my camera bag and tripod. Keep in mind my pack weighs maybe 10kg fully loaded and this was really awkward without the cameras but with all my gear it was almost impossible as there was hardly any room to manoeuvre myself into the right position. Once I was over and on the top it was a matter of grabbing my gear from the level below and pulling it up and over. Shoes back on and I was away and the terrain got more and more rugged but when I reached the end it was all worth it. What a truly pretty spot Elquestro Gorge is not a huge gorge but its just beautiful and the best part about this walk is hardly anyone goes all the way because of the water crossing that’s where they walk to and turn back and they miss the best part.
Pentacost Crossing Gibb River Rd East Kimberley Ranges WA- SHIIITTTT is all that I could say when I pulled up at the Pentacost Crossing on the Gibb River Road and how the hell am I going to cross this? I stopped for a while and thought about it and then I thought what the hell I am just going to go for it. I put the car in low range 4WD so I would not be tempted to give suzie to much gas and said a little prayer and went for it nice and slow. I remember I could hear the water lapping on the bottom of the car and my heart was racing and I was saying don’t stall don’t stall and I don’t know why I was worried as it was not a problem and I crossed that crossing so many times after that to and from town without a problem. Anyway once I arrived at the other side I decided to set up camp for the night as I was going to photograph both evening and sunrise. I was a little worried about crocodiles and dared not go near the water initially but after a while you become complacent and I started to venture across the rocks for better vantage points jumping at every little noise I heard through the course of the evening but I saw no sign of crocs any where in this area. This is the best part of the Gibb River Rd and I spent many hours at this spot on my own and with people I met there. I met 2 school teachers from Wyndam and had a drink with them here one evening, I met a Dutch guy riding his mountain bike around OZ here and had a drink and chat with him. I have met musterers down here filling their water truck in the middle of the river. I met Dave Ryder here before I started at Home Valley and he stopped his truck stuck his head out and said hello and then asked me if I was married. (scary) and then their was the time Janneke and I came down for sunset drinks and along came the road train driver Sam who let me have a drive of his vehicle. I have some great memories from this spot.
Home Valley Station Gibb River Rd WA- Brumbies – another memorable moment was the evening that Diesel from Home Valley took me and Belinda out to his aboriginal land so I could photograph an old truck that had been there since he was a kid. It was a full moon also so I got a great shot of the truck backed against the full moon and the Cockburn Ranges. The mozzies out here are shocking at this time of day and so I was plastered with repellent. As it got darker a large herd of wild brumbies cantered through the flats and it was amazing to see. It was getting to dark to photograph but I will never forget it as special place. Oh and I lost a $80 filter out there also.
Windjana gorge West Kimberley Ranges - Brolgas - On the way to Broome I made a stop at Windjana gorge and it was as hot as hell 40+ The gorge itself was pretty ordinary as the water level was very low at this time of the year. As I was walking around I spotted a pair of Brolgas which I had been wanting to photograph for weeks but had not had the opportunity to do. I quickly changed lenses and camera settings and started to follow them. I am not really set up to this type of photography but I knew if I could get close enough I could still get some good shots with the lens I had. I slowly walked up and then stopped for a bit just to get them used to me being present before I walked in closer and started to shoot. They were quite relaxed but also aware of my presence and just kept walking away from me as they were feeding in the shallow water pools. All of a sudden a crocodile launched itself at one of the brolgas and the bird jumped up and back as it went airborne to get way from the crocs jaws. It happened that fast I didn’t even get a chance to get a shot of it. I must have followed them over a Km down the gorge and then they had had enough of me and took flight about 2km in the other direction to the other side of the gorge. It was so hot in here and I had nothing but hot water to drink and was feeling really stressed. I packed up my stuff and headed back into the direction that they flew hoping that I would have another opportunity to photograph them. As I was walking along the water I could see many fresh water crocs in the water and as I walked back to the other end of the gorge I bumped into someone that said they had seen the Brolgas just 200 metres up the track feeding. I was in luck. I hiked down an embankment and got my gear set up again and headed into where they were. By this time it was late afternoon and the light was great. I managed to get some shots of them in the water before they moved away into a really shady spot. I was done and had a pounding headache from the sun and dehydration. When I got back to the camp ground I felt pretty ordinary.
Sunrise Lake Eyre SA -70KM of the worst road in to the North Lake. It was a last minute decision to drive in late afternoon with only about an hour of light left and at least 2 hours of driving. The track was rough and corrugated with ruts and potholes and side tracks people had made to try and save their vehicles from the torture. By the time I arrived at the camp ground it was of course pitch black and I had no idea where I was in the scale of things and I was exhausted. I set my alarm for 5 am.
When I rose from the living dead which is what I felt like it was still pretty dark but I could get my bearings. I got my gear ready and started walking up a track to the lake which was closer than I thought it would be. The camp ground is right on the edge of it. In every direction was a white salt pan. It had started to get light by now and I started to walk out on to the lake for about half a km. By this time the sun had started to rise but because it was cloudy and the clouds were wispy and thin the sun was diffused and the colour came through right over the entire sky. It was a pastel cocktail of colour from purple to orange and everything in between. It was amazing to watch this in every direction a different shade of colour over this surreal landscape. And it was so quiet out there as I was the only one on the planet. I didn’t see any water but it didn’t matter it was truly beautiful anyway. The sky went through many changes in the course of an hour or so until the entire colour was gone. I didn’t walk out any further as my feet were sinking into thick black mud the further I went out and I was finding it really difficult to walk. I managed to get some shots of the patterns in the salt also and have really good look around before it started raining and it was time for to leave to head back into William Creek.
Riddell Beach Broome WA- The latest of my incredible experiences is at Broome where I currently am. About 2 weeks ago there were two threatening storm fronts moving through one afternoon and I was down on the beach watching it. The cloud formation was spectacular and the light that was filtering through was just perfect. I was out there for about 2 hours until the sun went right down. It was high tide also so I was in the water on the rock ledges shooting back to shore initially and getting hammered with waves as I was using myself as a shield to protect my camera. As the tide rose and the waves got bigger I had to move and set up in a safer spot. Sea spray is a nightmare down here as it always seems to be windy. I always carry a towel to throw over my camera in between shots and when I get home I clean my gear after a shoot like this.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
As I was riding my bike down to the wharf this morning I was thinking about my journey so far and the ups and downs it has bought with it. I decided to go back through a few of my favourite galleries in my website when i returned just quickly flicking through images and remembering the course of events that led up to taking the shot, I have had some funny moments and some very challenging ones also. As I went through my images I saw myself at each location setting up the shot waiting patiently for the right light and sometimes being very disappointed as it just wasn’t happening. There were times of absolute frustration from flies, mosquito’s, high winds and of course rain, salt water and waves, walking for miles, the heat, slippery rocks and cliffs and heavy packs with my equipment. There is also all the research that goes into areas and of course driving for miles and sometimes days through rough roads camping with no facilities and bloody rangers who love to say “sorry you need to move on your not suppose to be in there”. And last but not least the humble electric fence that I have managed to get zapped on several occasions. God they pack a punch.
Here are some of my favourite photography highlights so far.
Thredbo -Kosciusko NSW Snowy Mountains– this was a shocker……riding 25km with all my camera gear on my back up some really steep hills to find a historic hut that I wanted to photograph wrapped in foil due to the recent bushfires through that area over Christmas. It was hot and the flies were bad and I had to walk half of it in both directions due to the weight I was carrying and the hills through the area and I had some large blisters which were killing me by the time I arrived back at the car. Gotta laugh at this (read the blog)
Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) – Riding my mountain bike out toward the rock and then hiding it in the bushes just off the road so I could climb up a sand dune for sunset shots. I came back down just on dark and lost the bloody thing. I spent 30 minutes walking around in the sand dunes and bushes looking for my bike until finally I found it. I got some great shots though. Check out my website in the red centre gallery.
Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) finding my first thorny devil was a highlight. I was riding my bike out toward the rock and came across one in the middle of the road. They are really placid little things. I captured him and then later that day took him out to another location late afternoon to photograph him. He wasn’t very cooperative and I was chasing him all over the sand dunes to try and get the shots I wanted. When I had finished I returned him to where I found him.
Ayers Rock-Uluru in the rain- this is still the highlight of my trip so far. I will never forget the trials I went through to get my shots. It was windy and raining constantly with spray coming off the waterfalls in all directions. I was trying to hold an umbrella as well as set up my tripod and keep my camera gear dry. The rain was coming in side ways and near the large falls there was spray coming from every angle. I had to keep wiping the lens of droplets after every shot hoping it was clear. I lost my umbrella as the wind took it out of my hands and had to bolt through the Spinifex after it. Luckily no one was watching as it would have been hilarious. I ended up giving the tripod a miss and just hand holding the camera as it was just too hard. I almost fell into a very deep pool of water as I was concentrating on something else and wasn’t watching my footing. I got soaked right through even though I had a water proof jacket on. The last few shots were taken out of the window of my car as it was just raining to hard. From the first shot to the last it was a night mare but I have never seen anything as spectacular in my life as I watched hundreds of water falls plummeting down the sides of Uluru from a 300 foot drop around that rock. It was awesome and every time I see one of the shots it takes me straight back to the day I was out there in the rain. No wonder I love photography so much I get to relive the experience time and time again.
Dingos , Oodnadatta track South Australia- Painted Desert, this spot is beautiful and a must see if you do the track. I was walking around the Painted Desert on a perfect morning photographing the area when I looked behind to find a Dingo was near my pack. It startled me and I startled him and he ran back a little. Then I noticed another one a little more timid up on the hill. I couldn’t believe my luck as I quickly tried to change lenses and camera settings to get a couple of shots before they disappeared. The young male was very curious and playful like a pup and was running around me and dropping down as pups do. I was amazed at how close this dog was and the way it was playing and growling at me. I just started shooting and got some great shots of both of them. They followed me for about 20 minutes before disappearing. Things happen when you least expect it as was the case this day.
El Questro Gorge The East Kimberley Ranges WA- This was my favourite walk and Gorge in Elquestro. The first time I went in I had no idea what to expect but what I found was amazing. The walk in is not for the wusses. It’s rocky and there is a large waterhole that you need to wade through. I didn’t no this when I left so when I saw it I thought how the hell am I going to get across this with my camera gear. I sat and fed the fish for a while and thought about the best way across as at the other side I had to climb through a tricky area between the gorge and a huge boulder to get to the next level. If I slipped on the rocks in the water I was a gonner and if I couldn’t get up the side of the boulder with my gear I wouldn’t be able to go any further and would have to head back. I looked at it for a while and was always going to have a go at getting across. Shoes and socks off and tied to my pack I headed across with my pack over my head and my tripod left on the bank for the second trip. Shit the rocks where sharp and the water was bloody freezing but I had to keep going and when I reached the other side I found a safe spot to leave the camera bag and went back for the tripod. Next issue was getting myself up between the rocks and over so I could somehow grab my camera bag and tripod. Keep in mind my pack weighs maybe 10kg fully loaded and this was really awkward without the cameras but with all my gear it was almost impossible as there was hardly any room to manoeuvre myself into the right position. Once I was over and on the top it was a matter of grabbing my gear from the level below and pulling it up and over. Shoes back on and I was away and the terrain got more and more rugged but when I reached the end it was all worth it. What a truly pretty spot Elquestro Gorge is not a huge gorge but its just beautiful and the best part about this walk is hardly anyone goes all the way because of the water crossing that’s where they walk to and turn back and they miss the best part.
Pentacost Crossing Gibb River Rd East Kimberley Ranges WA- SHIIITTTT is all that I could say when I pulled up at the Pentacost Crossing on the Gibb River Road and how the hell am I going to cross this? I stopped for a while and thought about it and then I thought what the hell I am just going to go for it. I put the car in low range 4WD so I would not be tempted to give suzie to much gas and said a little prayer and went for it nice and slow. I remember I could hear the water lapping on the bottom of the car and my heart was racing and I was saying don’t stall don’t stall and I don’t know why I was worried as it was not a problem and I crossed that crossing so many times after that to and from town without a problem. Anyway once I arrived at the other side I decided to set up camp for the night as I was going to photograph both evening and sunrise. I was a little worried about crocodiles and dared not go near the water initially but after a while you become complacent and I started to venture across the rocks for better vantage points jumping at every little noise I heard through the course of the evening but I saw no sign of crocs any where in this area. This is the best part of the Gibb River Rd and I spent many hours at this spot on my own and with people I met there. I met 2 school teachers from Wyndam and had a drink with them here one evening, I met a Dutch guy riding his mountain bike around OZ here and had a drink and chat with him. I have met musterers down here filling their water truck in the middle of the river. I met Dave Ryder here before I started at Home Valley and he stopped his truck stuck his head out and said hello and then asked me if I was married. (scary) and then their was the time Janneke and I came down for sunset drinks and along came the road train driver Sam who let me have a drive of his vehicle. I have some great memories from this spot.
Home Valley Station Gibb River Rd WA- Brumbies – another memorable moment was the evening that Diesel from Home Valley took me and Belinda out to his aboriginal land so I could photograph an old truck that had been there since he was a kid. It was a full moon also so I got a great shot of the truck backed against the full moon and the Cockburn Ranges. The mozzies out here are shocking at this time of day and so I was plastered with repellent. As it got darker a large herd of wild brumbies cantered through the flats and it was amazing to see. It was getting to dark to photograph but I will never forget it as special place. Oh and I lost a $80 filter out there also.
Windjana gorge West Kimberley Ranges - Brolgas - On the way to Broome I made a stop at Windjana gorge and it was as hot as hell 40+ The gorge itself was pretty ordinary as the water level was very low at this time of the year. As I was walking around I spotted a pair of Brolgas which I had been wanting to photograph for weeks but had not had the opportunity to do. I quickly changed lenses and camera settings and started to follow them. I am not really set up to this type of photography but I knew if I could get close enough I could still get some good shots with the lens I had. I slowly walked up and then stopped for a bit just to get them used to me being present before I walked in closer and started to shoot. They were quite relaxed but also aware of my presence and just kept walking away from me as they were feeding in the shallow water pools. All of a sudden a crocodile launched itself at one of the brolgas and the bird jumped up and back as it went airborne to get way from the crocs jaws. It happened that fast I didn’t even get a chance to get a shot of it. I must have followed them over a Km down the gorge and then they had had enough of me and took flight about 2km in the other direction to the other side of the gorge. It was so hot in here and I had nothing but hot water to drink and was feeling really stressed. I packed up my stuff and headed back into the direction that they flew hoping that I would have another opportunity to photograph them. As I was walking along the water I could see many fresh water crocs in the water and as I walked back to the other end of the gorge I bumped into someone that said they had seen the Brolgas just 200 metres up the track feeding. I was in luck. I hiked down an embankment and got my gear set up again and headed into where they were. By this time it was late afternoon and the light was great. I managed to get some shots of them in the water before they moved away into a really shady spot. I was done and had a pounding headache from the sun and dehydration. When I got back to the camp ground I felt pretty ordinary.
Sunrise Lake Eyre SA -70KM of the worst road in to the North Lake. It was a last minute decision to drive in late afternoon with only about an hour of light left and at least 2 hours of driving. The track was rough and corrugated with ruts and potholes and side tracks people had made to try and save their vehicles from the torture. By the time I arrived at the camp ground it was of course pitch black and I had no idea where I was in the scale of things and I was exhausted. I set my alarm for 5 am.
When I rose from the living dead which is what I felt like it was still pretty dark but I could get my bearings. I got my gear ready and started walking up a track to the lake which was closer than I thought it would be. The camp ground is right on the edge of it. In every direction was a white salt pan. It had started to get light by now and I started to walk out on to the lake for about half a km. By this time the sun had started to rise but because it was cloudy and the clouds were wispy and thin the sun was diffused and the colour came through right over the entire sky. It was a pastel cocktail of colour from purple to orange and everything in between. It was amazing to watch this in every direction a different shade of colour over this surreal landscape. And it was so quiet out there as I was the only one on the planet. I didn’t see any water but it didn’t matter it was truly beautiful anyway. The sky went through many changes in the course of an hour or so until the entire colour was gone. I didn’t walk out any further as my feet were sinking into thick black mud the further I went out and I was finding it really difficult to walk. I managed to get some shots of the patterns in the salt also and have really good look around before it started raining and it was time for to leave to head back into William Creek.
Riddell Beach Broome WA- The latest of my incredible experiences is at Broome where I currently am. About 2 weeks ago there were two threatening storm fronts moving through one afternoon and I was down on the beach watching it. The cloud formation was spectacular and the light that was filtering through was just perfect. I was out there for about 2 hours until the sun went right down. It was high tide also so I was in the water on the rock ledges shooting back to shore initially and getting hammered with waves as I was using myself as a shield to protect my camera. As the tide rose and the waves got bigger I had to move and set up in a safer spot. Sea spray is a nightmare down here as it always seems to be windy. I always carry a towel to throw over my camera in between shots and when I get home I clean my gear after a shoot like this.
There have been more but i guess these have just stood out in my mind, there was also the time i borrowed a buoy which you are not suppose to touch unless there is an emergency at Redbank Gorge in the west Mcdonald Ranges and was running around in my bra and G String as i didnt have my bikini with me so i could float my camera gear into the gorge and photograph from the inside out. I was praying that no one came along and caught me.
Another time i was at the Olgas in the Red Centre and snuck in to an area that i was not suppose to be in and was ducking everytime a car came past and then the ranger came past but didnt see me in the bushes. When it got dark i snuck out.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
REDDEL BEACH
REDDEL BEACH
19 NOV
A little further down the Broome coast and you come to completely different rock formations. This area is easy to access and so footprints have been my biggest hurdle down here. The cliffs here are red and there are some amazing rocks of all different colours dotted right along the stretch of the beach. It’s still a very quiet area but quite a few people come down here to walk their dogs. I love coming down to these spots in the afternoon and watch the sun go down, it’s so relaxing of which I was told I needed to do more of recently or was it bungy jumping oh well anyway I am trying to chill.
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19 NOV
A little further down the Broome coast and you come to completely different rock formations. This area is easy to access and so footprints have been my biggest hurdle down here. The cliffs here are red and there are some amazing rocks of all different colours dotted right along the stretch of the beach. It’s still a very quiet area but quite a few people come down here to walk their dogs. I love coming down to these spots in the afternoon and watch the sun go down, it’s so relaxing of which I was told I needed to do more of recently or was it bungy jumping oh well anyway I am trying to chill.
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WILLIE CREEK
WILLIE CREEK
17 NOV
This is the name of a pearling company and it’s situated right on Willie Creek about 27km out of town. There are tours out here about pearling and apparently its well worth the money to go on one which I think I will do later on. This again is a pretty spot and the water is that amazing turquoise colour synonymous with this area. I went for drive late arvo to have a look around and the mozzies were really bad. I had myself doused with my brew of baby oil, dettol and tea tree oil and then I sprayed my clothes with airogard as well. I was more worried about sand flies. I was putrid and oily but it worked and I think I got 2 bites one of which was on my butt cheek. Obviously not fussy are they!!! I managed to get a couple of nice shots in this spot before heading back to town.
17 NOV
This is the name of a pearling company and it’s situated right on Willie Creek about 27km out of town. There are tours out here about pearling and apparently its well worth the money to go on one which I think I will do later on. This again is a pretty spot and the water is that amazing turquoise colour synonymous with this area. I went for drive late arvo to have a look around and the mozzies were really bad. I had myself doused with my brew of baby oil, dettol and tea tree oil and then I sprayed my clothes with airogard as well. I was more worried about sand flies. I was putrid and oily but it worked and I think I got 2 bites one of which was on my butt cheek. Obviously not fussy are they!!! I managed to get a couple of nice shots in this spot before heading back to town.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
BROOME FROM MY PERSPECTIVE
FRIDAY 16TH
BROOME FROM MY PERSPECTIVE
Since I arrived here I have been out searching for locations to photograph something different not just cable beach, camels and palm trees. This area has some of the most spectacular coastline I have seen anywhere so far. It is very hot and humid here now topping 40 degrees and you can see the dampness in the air in the mornings and see the condensation dripping. I don’t go out walking until late afternoon and I have been riding my mountain bike almost every morning into tracks and areas tourists wouldn’t normally go. I started shooting on Wednesday night and went out again last night as I have not had any work for the last few days as it is so quiet with bookings. Not one to sit idle either I have also been job hunting and hope that something comes up soon but in the meantime it gives me time to get out and do what I love to do and that’s photograph the area.
I have chosen a very rugged and dangerous part of the coastline to concentrate on and have been searching for ways down to the bottom of the cliffs. These cliffs are sandstone and there are lots of loose rocks and gravel which is very easy to slip on. If you have a close look at some of the surrounding cliffs you can see the large cracks and see how fragile this area is which makes it unique and really beautiful. From the top you can see cave like structures and large pools of water at low tide. Keep in mind the tides are huge here. Last night I found a safe way down to the very bottom. The rocks near the water which at high tide would be well and truly under water have sharp barnacles and shells all over them and I had to be careful not to slip and fall on them as they as sharp as a knife. I slipped once and gashed my ankle and had a few choice words to say but I’ll live. The camera gear is always my main concern. I managed to get down to the water last night navigating huge boulders to get there. I set up in the water for most of the shots just on a large flat rock which with the right wave over it made it into a mini waterfall. As the sun came down the light just kept changing across the rocks closer to the water and the cliffs lit up. This is an amazing area and I am surprised I haven’t seen more photography of it anywhere here in town. These shots are taken near Riddell Beach. Check out the whole selection of images on my website in the Kimberley Gallery.
BROOME FROM MY PERSPECTIVE
Since I arrived here I have been out searching for locations to photograph something different not just cable beach, camels and palm trees. This area has some of the most spectacular coastline I have seen anywhere so far. It is very hot and humid here now topping 40 degrees and you can see the dampness in the air in the mornings and see the condensation dripping. I don’t go out walking until late afternoon and I have been riding my mountain bike almost every morning into tracks and areas tourists wouldn’t normally go. I started shooting on Wednesday night and went out again last night as I have not had any work for the last few days as it is so quiet with bookings. Not one to sit idle either I have also been job hunting and hope that something comes up soon but in the meantime it gives me time to get out and do what I love to do and that’s photograph the area.
I have chosen a very rugged and dangerous part of the coastline to concentrate on and have been searching for ways down to the bottom of the cliffs. These cliffs are sandstone and there are lots of loose rocks and gravel which is very easy to slip on. If you have a close look at some of the surrounding cliffs you can see the large cracks and see how fragile this area is which makes it unique and really beautiful. From the top you can see cave like structures and large pools of water at low tide. Keep in mind the tides are huge here. Last night I found a safe way down to the very bottom. The rocks near the water which at high tide would be well and truly under water have sharp barnacles and shells all over them and I had to be careful not to slip and fall on them as they as sharp as a knife. I slipped once and gashed my ankle and had a few choice words to say but I’ll live. The camera gear is always my main concern. I managed to get down to the water last night navigating huge boulders to get there. I set up in the water for most of the shots just on a large flat rock which with the right wave over it made it into a mini waterfall. As the sun came down the light just kept changing across the rocks closer to the water and the cliffs lit up. This is an amazing area and I am surprised I haven’t seen more photography of it anywhere here in town. These shots are taken near Riddell Beach. Check out the whole selection of images on my website in the Kimberley Gallery.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
TROUBLE IN PARADISE
TROUBLE IN PARADISE
14TH NOVEMBER
A week into the job and it’s very quiet and there are not enough hours. I have started to look for another job as my account is dry. The guy that manages the business Chris has let me stay on his piece of land for nothing until I find something more suitable. There are no words to describe this place. There is solar power. It is open to the elements and the bugs, frogs, chickens, lizards, snakes and wallabies and of course camels which are out the back of the main living area. I call it a humpie. Its rough but I like it here it has oodles of character but I am worried about when it starts raining. . I haven’t really warmed to the camels yet as I am a horse person but I have started to feed the ones out the back of me here a few scraps which they love. There is no hot water here but its that hot at the moment the water is warm anyway. Its dusty and there is always the smell of camels around....mmmmm
14TH NOVEMBER
A week into the job and it’s very quiet and there are not enough hours. I have started to look for another job as my account is dry. The guy that manages the business Chris has let me stay on his piece of land for nothing until I find something more suitable. There are no words to describe this place. There is solar power. It is open to the elements and the bugs, frogs, chickens, lizards, snakes and wallabies and of course camels which are out the back of the main living area. I call it a humpie. Its rough but I like it here it has oodles of character but I am worried about when it starts raining. . I haven’t really warmed to the camels yet as I am a horse person but I have started to feed the ones out the back of me here a few scraps which they love. There is no hot water here but its that hot at the moment the water is warm anyway. Its dusty and there is always the smell of camels around....mmmmm
BROOME OR BUST
BROOME OR BUST
2ND NOVEMBER
My plan was to find a job ASAP as my funds were very low. I found an advertisement for Cable Beach Camel Tour Guides and have now started working with camels. The job is hard work and in the heat of the day can be very taxing. The saddles are very heavy. It’s not glamorous at all but it’s not bad being at the beach every night and some mornings. We have to get the camels ready and then walk them down to the beach which is about 3km from the beach. This is split between 2 people generally and then we have to walk up the beach with the camels talking to people and making sure everyone is happy and has information about the camels and then get them back to the yards. We have to clean the yards and feed and brush and catch saddle and rope the beasts. Its hard and dirty work but its not bad fun.
2ND NOVEMBER
My plan was to find a job ASAP as my funds were very low. I found an advertisement for Cable Beach Camel Tour Guides and have now started working with camels. The job is hard work and in the heat of the day can be very taxing. The saddles are very heavy. It’s not glamorous at all but it’s not bad being at the beach every night and some mornings. We have to get the camels ready and then walk them down to the beach which is about 3km from the beach. This is split between 2 people generally and then we have to walk up the beach with the camels talking to people and making sure everyone is happy and has information about the camels and then get them back to the yards. We have to clean the yards and feed and brush and catch saddle and rope the beasts. Its hard and dirty work but its not bad fun.
ON THE WAY TO BROOME
ON THE WAY TO BROOME
31st NOVEMBER
We were well on our way now although I was still debating within myself if I had the right thing I was in better spirits. Going the long way to Broome meant that I could stay on Bitumen almost the whole way apart from the section into Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge which bought me back out on to the last section of the Gibb river rd which was really good any way. We stopped at the Bungles in Rob’s car, Geike Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge on the way through to Broome from Kununurra. I was worried about my bike getting full of dirt on the last leg from Fitzroy crossing to Derby and so I thought I would try an idea that was suggested to me by the bike shop owner in Darwin. I wrapped the bike in glad wrap and then taped it up and hoped that it would hold but it didn’t work. He obviously hadn’t been on any serious dirt roads using this idea or maybe he was just having a lend of me. All the spots that we went to were very dry but it was still worth seeing them. It is getting very hot at the moment as so it’s hard going unless it’s first thing in the morning. Whilst at Windjana Gorge I was lucky enough to be able to photograph a pair of Brolgas. Tunnel Creek was amazing and to think that this whole area is filled with water in the wet is hard to believe
31st NOVEMBER
We were well on our way now although I was still debating within myself if I had the right thing I was in better spirits. Going the long way to Broome meant that I could stay on Bitumen almost the whole way apart from the section into Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge which bought me back out on to the last section of the Gibb river rd which was really good any way. We stopped at the Bungles in Rob’s car, Geike Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge on the way through to Broome from Kununurra. I was worried about my bike getting full of dirt on the last leg from Fitzroy crossing to Derby and so I thought I would try an idea that was suggested to me by the bike shop owner in Darwin. I wrapped the bike in glad wrap and then taped it up and hoped that it would hold but it didn’t work. He obviously hadn’t been on any serious dirt roads using this idea or maybe he was just having a lend of me. All the spots that we went to were very dry but it was still worth seeing them. It is getting very hot at the moment as so it’s hard going unless it’s first thing in the morning. Whilst at Windjana Gorge I was lucky enough to be able to photograph a pair of Brolgas. Tunnel Creek was amazing and to think that this whole area is filled with water in the wet is hard to believe
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
WAKE BOARDING
SUN OCT 28TH
WAKE BOARDING
Today I was invited up the river for the day. There was a group of us that went up and we had lunch up on Sandy beach and went wakeboarding. I have never done this before but was keen to have a go. After several attempts and several inches added to my arms I managed to drag my arse out of the water and got up. Once I was up I was right and we went way up the river before a boat came past and I hit its wake and couldn’t keep my balance and did a nose dive into the water. I think I swallowed a litre of water throughout the course of the day trying to get up. I managed to get up 4 times but had to have regular breaks as my arms were so tired from all the other attempts I made. It was great fun and something I would like to do again if the opportunity arose. I found it a lot harder than water skiing which I have only tried a few times.
WAKE BOARDING
Today I was invited up the river for the day. There was a group of us that went up and we had lunch up on Sandy beach and went wakeboarding. I have never done this before but was keen to have a go. After several attempts and several inches added to my arms I managed to drag my arse out of the water and got up. Once I was up I was right and we went way up the river before a boat came past and I hit its wake and couldn’t keep my balance and did a nose dive into the water. I think I swallowed a litre of water throughout the course of the day trying to get up. I managed to get up 4 times but had to have regular breaks as my arms were so tired from all the other attempts I made. It was great fun and something I would like to do again if the opportunity arose. I found it a lot harder than water skiing which I have only tried a few times.
FRIENDS LEAVING DRINKS
FRI OCT 26
FRIENDS LEAVING DRINKS
Kerry a friend of mine is leaving to keep travelling and invited me out for drinks at the local watering hole Gulliver’s in Kununurra. As I was feeling much better I went along. Little did I realise how much this one night would change the whole course of events in my life. She had a group of people at the table for dinner and I was seated next to Rob another traveller that was staying in the same caravan park as Kerry and her friend. We started talking as people do about our travel and work and general stuff and I mentioned that I was not happy and couldn’t seem to get settled and he told me he was travelling to Broome next week with a friend from Sydney. Anyway that subject was dropped and we all got talking to other people had a great night and ended up staying until after close dancing and talking to different people in the bar area.
FRIENDS LEAVING DRINKS
Kerry a friend of mine is leaving to keep travelling and invited me out for drinks at the local watering hole Gulliver’s in Kununurra. As I was feeling much better I went along. Little did I realise how much this one night would change the whole course of events in my life. She had a group of people at the table for dinner and I was seated next to Rob another traveller that was staying in the same caravan park as Kerry and her friend. We started talking as people do about our travel and work and general stuff and I mentioned that I was not happy and couldn’t seem to get settled and he told me he was travelling to Broome next week with a friend from Sydney. Anyway that subject was dropped and we all got talking to other people had a great night and ended up staying until after close dancing and talking to different people in the bar area.
SICK
OCT 22
SICK
I have been training quite hard on the bike since I got back from Darwin and in the last week started to do classes at the sports centre pushing myself to regain my fitness level again. This has obviously left me susceptible to picking up a virus which I now have. I have been in bed all weekend coughing with hot sweats and no energy to move. I couldn’t go to work today as I just can’t keep my head up for more than an hour or 2 before I have to lay down again. I haven’t been this sick for a long time with the flew and it sucks I must say. I have gone through a box of tissues today and been sneezing my head off. I am feeling down and frustrated and I hope tomorrow brings a bit of relief to this mucus frenzy.
SICK
I have been training quite hard on the bike since I got back from Darwin and in the last week started to do classes at the sports centre pushing myself to regain my fitness level again. This has obviously left me susceptible to picking up a virus which I now have. I have been in bed all weekend coughing with hot sweats and no energy to move. I couldn’t go to work today as I just can’t keep my head up for more than an hour or 2 before I have to lay down again. I haven’t been this sick for a long time with the flew and it sucks I must say. I have gone through a box of tissues today and been sneezing my head off. I am feeling down and frustrated and I hope tomorrow brings a bit of relief to this mucus frenzy.
PICKED UP IN STYLE
14th OCTOBER
PICKED UP IN STYLE
The ship pulled up at the jetty just after 10am. I was ready and waiting up at the house watching for it whilst sitting on the back veranda enjoying the view. It was a vision as it docked and then the captain stepped off to come and greet me. I sacheted down towards the water to meet him. He helped me board the mighty vessel allocating me a seat and then we were away heading up the river with our gourmet lunch and drinks to have a swim and lunch.
Ok now the real version of the story………….
The tinny pulled up at the jetty just after 10am. I was ready and waiting up at the house watching for it whilst sitting on the back veranda. I started to walk down to meet Craig alias “captain” as he likes to be known. We met halfway and walked down to the boat. I stepped onboard and almost capsized the bloody thing and he grabbed me so I didn’t fall over. Craig tried to start the motor but there was that much weed around the jetty it had clogged the propeller and so he had to use the oar to get out of the weed and then pull up the motor to remove all the reeds that were wrapped around the propeller whilst I sat back and watched supervising. Finally we were away heading up the river but it was blowing a bloody gale and the water was very choppy. I was sitting up the front of the boat and copping an absolute hammering as this tinny has a flat bottom and so is very uncomfortable in conditions like this. My backside turned to jelly and everything was bouncing and vibrating and I found cellulite I didn’t realise I had. As we got further up the river it became a little more insulated from the wind and the water was a lot calmer and the ride a hell of a lot smoother (thank god) and Craig the perfect host showed me a beautiful spot that he has camped at before and we stopped there for a while before heading off to a place further up the river which has a beautiful sandy beach area and is really popular on the weekends. We stopped here and had a swim and a drink before exploring a couple of other places and then heading back to the first spot that we went to for lunch. As the time started getting on we packed up everything and headed back to my place. Late afternoon is the best time to be out on the water as all the colours start to come through the rocky outcrops and surrounding mountains making everything glow with incredible warmth and comes alive.
PICKED UP IN STYLE
The ship pulled up at the jetty just after 10am. I was ready and waiting up at the house watching for it whilst sitting on the back veranda enjoying the view. It was a vision as it docked and then the captain stepped off to come and greet me. I sacheted down towards the water to meet him. He helped me board the mighty vessel allocating me a seat and then we were away heading up the river with our gourmet lunch and drinks to have a swim and lunch.
Ok now the real version of the story………….
The tinny pulled up at the jetty just after 10am. I was ready and waiting up at the house watching for it whilst sitting on the back veranda. I started to walk down to meet Craig alias “captain” as he likes to be known. We met halfway and walked down to the boat. I stepped onboard and almost capsized the bloody thing and he grabbed me so I didn’t fall over. Craig tried to start the motor but there was that much weed around the jetty it had clogged the propeller and so he had to use the oar to get out of the weed and then pull up the motor to remove all the reeds that were wrapped around the propeller whilst I sat back and watched supervising. Finally we were away heading up the river but it was blowing a bloody gale and the water was very choppy. I was sitting up the front of the boat and copping an absolute hammering as this tinny has a flat bottom and so is very uncomfortable in conditions like this. My backside turned to jelly and everything was bouncing and vibrating and I found cellulite I didn’t realise I had. As we got further up the river it became a little more insulated from the wind and the water was a lot calmer and the ride a hell of a lot smoother (thank god) and Craig the perfect host showed me a beautiful spot that he has camped at before and we stopped there for a while before heading off to a place further up the river which has a beautiful sandy beach area and is really popular on the weekends. We stopped here and had a swim and a drink before exploring a couple of other places and then heading back to the first spot that we went to for lunch. As the time started getting on we packed up everything and headed back to my place. Late afternoon is the best time to be out on the water as all the colours start to come through the rocky outcrops and surrounding mountains making everything glow with incredible warmth and comes alive.
MOVING HOUSE
13 OCTOBER
MOVING HOUSE
You should see this place!!! I live right on the river front in a pretty basic house which from every room you can see the water and its beautiful. There is a jetty down on the water and I have very large mango and frangipani trees growing all around the house. The mangos should be ready to pick very soon. It’s about 15km out of town and its peaceful as well as beautiful, the only drawback being no phone coverage out here. . The house is furnished so I have a TV. It’s been quite a few months since I have had a TV to watch but I have only really missed a couple of shows which are my favourite which are McLouds Daughters and Greys Anatomy. Yeah I know what you’re thinking…… hey but I like them. Check out the local that lives under the house in the photo taken from the back door. He is over a metre long. I love it out here and when the storms come through here it should be spectacular for photography. I can’t do much at the moment because of the crop fires that have been burning constantly and filling the sky with smog and smoke for the last few weeks.
MOVING HOUSE
You should see this place!!! I live right on the river front in a pretty basic house which from every room you can see the water and its beautiful. There is a jetty down on the water and I have very large mango and frangipani trees growing all around the house. The mangos should be ready to pick very soon. It’s about 15km out of town and its peaceful as well as beautiful, the only drawback being no phone coverage out here. . The house is furnished so I have a TV. It’s been quite a few months since I have had a TV to watch but I have only really missed a couple of shows which are my favourite which are McLouds Daughters and Greys Anatomy. Yeah I know what you’re thinking…… hey but I like them. Check out the local that lives under the house in the photo taken from the back door. He is over a metre long. I love it out here and when the storms come through here it should be spectacular for photography. I can’t do much at the moment because of the crop fires that have been burning constantly and filling the sky with smog and smoke for the last few weeks.
BUDGET
8th OCTOBER
BUDGET
Yep that’s where I am working now and this is my second week here. I am starting to get my head around the crappy system that’s in place here and just the whole procedure in general. Darren my boss in a great guy and went out of his way to organise me some better accommodation. He wants me to stay on for a while and so is dangling the carrot in front of me. Hence the great house which is owned by his parents which live on the same property in a beautiful house just over from mine but far enough away to give us both privacy. I will be moving in this weekend.
BUDGET
Yep that’s where I am working now and this is my second week here. I am starting to get my head around the crappy system that’s in place here and just the whole procedure in general. Darren my boss in a great guy and went out of his way to organise me some better accommodation. He wants me to stay on for a while and so is dangling the carrot in front of me. Hence the great house which is owned by his parents which live on the same property in a beautiful house just over from mine but far enough away to give us both privacy. I will be moving in this weekend.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
DAY 3 DARWIN
30th SEPTEMBER
DAY 3 DARWIN
Another walk this morning than breakfast by the water and then yep you guessed it more shopping but in town this time. I decided today that I was not staying in Darwin although it’s a great little city it’s still a city and I would not save any money here with all this temptation around. I was heading back to Kununurra for the wet. I did everything I needed to do and then some and now it was time to go back. At lunchtime I headed to Litchfield National park. When I arrived at Litchfield I soon realized that I was not staying 2 days as I had planned. It was crowded with kids and bus tours and not my cup of tea at all. I decided to have a quick look at all the waterfalls and then leave with a view to come back through the wet season when everything is flowing at its best. It’s spectacular through here and definitely worth a visit. I left in the afternoon with a view to find a camping spot for the night somewhere quiet. When I arrived at Adelaide River there was a tourist drive route that went through Daly Waters. I headed down this road and not far in found a sign to a waterfall and turned in to investigate. It was really pretty down here and quiet and was right on a creek so I decided to stay here the night. Just after I set my tent up a fancy bright yellow motorcycle pulled in with a trailer and he went further down the track. Later when I went to find the waterfall I had a chat to the owner Daniel who had been working at Batchelor for the season. He has been travelling for many years and didn’t really know where he was heading next. We talked about where we had been and he suggested a couple of places in Litchfield that I should go to off the beaten track. Anyway after our chat I went back to make some dinner have a swim in the beautiful George creek (no crocs here check out the photos) and then start a camp fire. In the morning it was back to Kununurra.
DAY 3 DARWIN
Another walk this morning than breakfast by the water and then yep you guessed it more shopping but in town this time. I decided today that I was not staying in Darwin although it’s a great little city it’s still a city and I would not save any money here with all this temptation around. I was heading back to Kununurra for the wet. I did everything I needed to do and then some and now it was time to go back. At lunchtime I headed to Litchfield National park. When I arrived at Litchfield I soon realized that I was not staying 2 days as I had planned. It was crowded with kids and bus tours and not my cup of tea at all. I decided to have a quick look at all the waterfalls and then leave with a view to come back through the wet season when everything is flowing at its best. It’s spectacular through here and definitely worth a visit. I left in the afternoon with a view to find a camping spot for the night somewhere quiet. When I arrived at Adelaide River there was a tourist drive route that went through Daly Waters. I headed down this road and not far in found a sign to a waterfall and turned in to investigate. It was really pretty down here and quiet and was right on a creek so I decided to stay here the night. Just after I set my tent up a fancy bright yellow motorcycle pulled in with a trailer and he went further down the track. Later when I went to find the waterfall I had a chat to the owner Daniel who had been working at Batchelor for the season. He has been travelling for many years and didn’t really know where he was heading next. We talked about where we had been and he suggested a couple of places in Litchfield that I should go to off the beaten track. Anyway after our chat I went back to make some dinner have a swim in the beautiful George creek (no crocs here check out the photos) and then start a camp fire. In the morning it was back to Kununurra.
DAY 2 DARWIN
29th SEPTEMBER
DAY 2 DARWIN
Another day of shopping and today it was the bike that was priority. My expensive mountain bike has taken a hiding on the back of the car especially on the Gibb. I went to every bike shop in town and no one could look at it for a least a week. I was dead keen to start riding and didn’t know wether I was going to be here in a week. The last place I went into said he would have a quick look at it for me and so I left it with him and went back to the shops. When I got back to see what needed doing he had done a full service on it cleaned it and replaced cables cleaned out all the dust replaced cranks adjusted the gears and brakes and it was running like a dream. I would definitely recommend this bike shop to any one if I could remember the name of it.
DAY 2 DARWIN
Another day of shopping and today it was the bike that was priority. My expensive mountain bike has taken a hiding on the back of the car especially on the Gibb. I went to every bike shop in town and no one could look at it for a least a week. I was dead keen to start riding and didn’t know wether I was going to be here in a week. The last place I went into said he would have a quick look at it for me and so I left it with him and went back to the shops. When I got back to see what needed doing he had done a full service on it cleaned it and replaced cables cleaned out all the dust replaced cranks adjusted the gears and brakes and it was running like a dream. I would definitely recommend this bike shop to any one if I could remember the name of it.
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
28th September
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
I was up early for obvious reasons and had a shower and was already scratching myself silly from the sand fly invasion the night before. I have them all over my legs and arms and they are 10 times worse than mosquito bites. I packed my stuff up and headed for the city to have a look around. I parked on the esplanade and went for a walk through the parklands which has a great walking track from one end of it to the other and overlooks the ocean. It’s really pretty down there and full of trees and vegetation. It was very humid and hot but the humidity is what gets you. The sky was full of clouds and looked threatening but there was no rain. Once I had finished my walk I went to a café and had a huge breakfast and then I was off to the shopping centre called Casurina which is about a 15minute drive from the city. I walked in and thought I had died and gone to heaven, clothes heaven that is!!! I was like a kid in a candy store and didn’t know where to begin. I looked at my list again for about the 20th time and started to work my way from the top. Repair shoes, keys cut, alterations, perfume, bikini, underwear, dress, tops, shorts, gym gear, camera shop, bike shop, computer shop, I was all over the shop.
I was in that complex all day and totally knackered by the end of it. By this time I decided to get backpackers accommodation in the City so I would be comfortable and close to the shops in there and away from the sandflies. Once I had found a place to stay I had a shower put my new threads on and went out to get some dinner in town looking sharp.
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
I was up early for obvious reasons and had a shower and was already scratching myself silly from the sand fly invasion the night before. I have them all over my legs and arms and they are 10 times worse than mosquito bites. I packed my stuff up and headed for the city to have a look around. I parked on the esplanade and went for a walk through the parklands which has a great walking track from one end of it to the other and overlooks the ocean. It’s really pretty down there and full of trees and vegetation. It was very humid and hot but the humidity is what gets you. The sky was full of clouds and looked threatening but there was no rain. Once I had finished my walk I went to a café and had a huge breakfast and then I was off to the shopping centre called Casurina which is about a 15minute drive from the city. I walked in and thought I had died and gone to heaven, clothes heaven that is!!! I was like a kid in a candy store and didn’t know where to begin. I looked at my list again for about the 20th time and started to work my way from the top. Repair shoes, keys cut, alterations, perfume, bikini, underwear, dress, tops, shorts, gym gear, camera shop, bike shop, computer shop, I was all over the shop.
I was in that complex all day and totally knackered by the end of it. By this time I decided to get backpackers accommodation in the City so I would be comfortable and close to the shops in there and away from the sandflies. Once I had found a place to stay I had a shower put my new threads on and went out to get some dinner in town looking sharp.
HEADING TO DARWIN
27TH September
HEADING TO DARWIN
As I head off to Darwin today I have one thing in mind shopping. I have not seen a shopping centre since I left Sydney and am keen to give the card a bit of a workout. I have a huge list of things to buy and do when I arrive. I may stay there for a while and work but this is subject to a change of mind depending on how I like the town and the work situation. Its 850km to Darwin from Kununurra and I am doing it in a day only stopping at Katherine for a lunch break. By the time I arrived in Darwin it was late afternoon and I was tired. I made sure I found the shopping centre before it got dark so I could go first thing in the morning and then I booked into a caravan park for the night. Big mistake….. huge…..the park was right on the Stuart Highway so I had road trains going past all night. I was attacked by sand flies and mossies and it was so humid I was roasting in my own juices. Basically I got no sleep and felt like shit in the morning but this was not going to put a dampener on my day……. nooo way.
HEADING TO DARWIN
As I head off to Darwin today I have one thing in mind shopping. I have not seen a shopping centre since I left Sydney and am keen to give the card a bit of a workout. I have a huge list of things to buy and do when I arrive. I may stay there for a while and work but this is subject to a change of mind depending on how I like the town and the work situation. Its 850km to Darwin from Kununurra and I am doing it in a day only stopping at Katherine for a lunch break. By the time I arrived in Darwin it was late afternoon and I was tired. I made sure I found the shopping centre before it got dark so I could go first thing in the morning and then I booked into a caravan park for the night. Big mistake….. huge…..the park was right on the Stuart Highway so I had road trains going past all night. I was attacked by sand flies and mossies and it was so humid I was roasting in my own juices. Basically I got no sleep and felt like shit in the morning but this was not going to put a dampener on my day……. nooo way.
RECAP ON THE GIBB RIVER ROAD
RECAP ON THE GIBB RIVER RD
26TH SEPTEMBER
26TH SEPTEMBER
A friend of mine was asking where Home Valley was exacly and the price of fuel so here is some info for you city slickers..........
The Gibb River Road is 647km in length starting from 50km north along the Victorian Highway out of Kununurra taking you through to Derby. Except for 62km at the western end it is unsealed gravel road. Although graded throughout the dry season the road is still very rough and badly corrugated in places. The rocks on this road can be very unkind to tyres so its recommended to carry 2 spares although I never had a puncture and only carry 1 spare my tyres are pretty shagged now. Beware of cows on the road and the dangers of travelling at night. This road is not for 2 wheel drive cars although I have seen a few on it. About 50km in on the Gibb you will find El Questro Wilderness Park and this is well worth a visit. (see previous blogs for more info) keep travelling a further 20km along the Gibb and you will come to Home Valley Station which to access you need to cross the Pentecost River which is about 10km before the station. It is a working cattle station as well as an indigenous training centre for TAFE and a tourist destination with 2 camp grounds and several other types of accommodation depending on how much money you have to burn. Its open in the dry season April through to October and in the wet the Gibb is closed as rivers including the King and the Pentecost are generally too high to cross. As you head out to the Gibb River rd from Kununurra you will see the start of the Cockburn Ranges. This impressive range is the most prominent landform viewed on the drive out and is spectacular once you reach the Pentecost River as the sandstone escarpment rises over 600metres above the surrounding plains and is cut by rivers to form the steep sided gorges. And one last thing fuel prices in Kununurra are steady at $1.60 a litre for both fuel and Deisel.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
TIME TO LEAVE HOME VALLEY
24th September
Time to leave Home Valley
My time here at Home Valley is over and today I am heading back into town to a new adventure. I have had a good stay out here but the last couple of weeks have been taxing on me. Its getting very hot and humid as the build up begins to the wet season. I have met some great people out here and had the privilege to photograph a few of them also. I am happy and sad to be leaving because I have met some great people in a great part of Australia that I have had to say good bye to once again. I will miss Keith’s wicked and sharp sense of humour and Cyril’s antics and cheeky smile and of course quiet Dennis who once he has a couple of drinks becomes not so quiet Dennis and then there’s crazy Beth and Diesel with his stories of the land and how could I forget Dave Ryder my husband to be, well actually I think he has asked all the girls to marry him at some stage or another. I will miss his extra cheesy pick up lines and invites to go mud wrestling and although I have only known Janneke for a short time we have struck up a great friendship and had some fun together. There’s Peter Brandy the musician that comes out every week to sing and play guitar in the Dusty bar and is always ready with a joke and a smile and of course there’s Craig who lives in Kununurra but travels out to Home Valley every week for a day or 2 running the training programmes in Hospitality and Tourism for the indigenous trainees. From what I’ve seen he has his work cut out for him teaching these adults everything from basic math, English and computer skills to more advanced subjects. I have often watched him with the trainees and I can see that they respect him and like him as I do.
He has also been a good friend to me and on several occasions put me up when I have needed a place to stay in town. I remember the first time I went to his house and saw the spare room which looked like a hotel room the way the bed was made up perfectly with the towel folded neat and tidy at the end of it. It made me laugh and I suggested he should have my job in House keeping. He always give me lip and of course I give it straight back.
Time to leave Home Valley
My time here at Home Valley is over and today I am heading back into town to a new adventure. I have had a good stay out here but the last couple of weeks have been taxing on me. Its getting very hot and humid as the build up begins to the wet season. I have met some great people out here and had the privilege to photograph a few of them also. I am happy and sad to be leaving because I have met some great people in a great part of Australia that I have had to say good bye to once again. I will miss Keith’s wicked and sharp sense of humour and Cyril’s antics and cheeky smile and of course quiet Dennis who once he has a couple of drinks becomes not so quiet Dennis and then there’s crazy Beth and Diesel with his stories of the land and how could I forget Dave Ryder my husband to be, well actually I think he has asked all the girls to marry him at some stage or another. I will miss his extra cheesy pick up lines and invites to go mud wrestling and although I have only known Janneke for a short time we have struck up a great friendship and had some fun together. There’s Peter Brandy the musician that comes out every week to sing and play guitar in the Dusty bar and is always ready with a joke and a smile and of course there’s Craig who lives in Kununurra but travels out to Home Valley every week for a day or 2 running the training programmes in Hospitality and Tourism for the indigenous trainees. From what I’ve seen he has his work cut out for him teaching these adults everything from basic math, English and computer skills to more advanced subjects. I have often watched him with the trainees and I can see that they respect him and like him as I do.
He has also been a good friend to me and on several occasions put me up when I have needed a place to stay in town. I remember the first time I went to his house and saw the spare room which looked like a hotel room the way the bed was made up perfectly with the towel folded neat and tidy at the end of it. It made me laugh and I suggested he should have my job in House keeping. He always give me lip and of course I give it straight back.
Monday, September 17, 2007
OCTOBER COVER FOR AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY MAGAZINE
OCTOBER COVER FOR AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY MAGAZINEThis makes it 3 in a row and I am not sure what the record is but i think i deserve a prize from the Editor. Any suggestions people???? The shot is of Mimosa Rocks in the far South Coast of NSW. When I shot this I was almost washed off the rocks from a rather large wave. Luckily I managed to grab my camera and put it up over my head so it didnt get too wet although i had a few drops of salt water around the dials which was a real worry. I on the other hand got soaked. The other shot is of yours truly looking a little more decent than in most of the other shots that are posted do.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
KILLER WHAT??
16th September
KILLER WHAT??
It must have reached 40 degrees today and the heat is getting to us. I worked through morning tea break so we could finish as early as possible and head down to Bindoola Waterhole for a swim. It was 2.30pm when we finally finished and I headed down to have a swim shortly after this. Jannika was already down there and said the water was very warm. Warm it was hot and when I don’t even have to hesitate getting in there is something wrong. The water must have been close to 30 degrees. I went for a swim and found pockets of cooler water out deeper. As I was relaxing in the water I saw Cyril come over the hill. We were all in the water having a chat about different things culture, language, jobs and training that we had done in the past and then we got on to the subject of movies, scary movies like Jaws (classic but cheesy), Godzilla(absolute crap), King Kong(great effects), Jurassic Park (fantastic). Any way Cyril started telling us about this movie were these creatures lay their eggs in a corn field and then they hatch. The field needs ploughing- people come to plough- bring trusty dog- trusty dog suddenly yelps and disappears without a trace…if you get my drift…any way while he is telling this he suddenly freaks out and yells and jumps up in the water. We thought this was his special effects to try and scare us and after a few seconds we knew something was wrong and thought a croc had bitten him. I went to bolt out of the water and Jannika did the same until Cyril turned around and said it was a little turtle that tried to climb up onto his leg in the water. He was laughing and said it must have thought that his leg was a branch or a rock. Well we laughed sooo hard at him as it was bloody hilarious and impeccable timing.
KILLER WHAT??
It must have reached 40 degrees today and the heat is getting to us. I worked through morning tea break so we could finish as early as possible and head down to Bindoola Waterhole for a swim. It was 2.30pm when we finally finished and I headed down to have a swim shortly after this. Jannika was already down there and said the water was very warm. Warm it was hot and when I don’t even have to hesitate getting in there is something wrong. The water must have been close to 30 degrees. I went for a swim and found pockets of cooler water out deeper. As I was relaxing in the water I saw Cyril come over the hill. We were all in the water having a chat about different things culture, language, jobs and training that we had done in the past and then we got on to the subject of movies, scary movies like Jaws (classic but cheesy), Godzilla(absolute crap), King Kong(great effects), Jurassic Park (fantastic). Any way Cyril started telling us about this movie were these creatures lay their eggs in a corn field and then they hatch. The field needs ploughing- people come to plough- bring trusty dog- trusty dog suddenly yelps and disappears without a trace…if you get my drift…any way while he is telling this he suddenly freaks out and yells and jumps up in the water. We thought this was his special effects to try and scare us and after a few seconds we knew something was wrong and thought a croc had bitten him. I went to bolt out of the water and Jannika did the same until Cyril turned around and said it was a little turtle that tried to climb up onto his leg in the water. He was laughing and said it must have thought that his leg was a branch or a rock. Well we laughed sooo hard at him as it was bloody hilarious and impeccable timing.
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