Australia Day is tomorrow, but today is rather special...

Tomorrow is Australia Day, but today has been rather special...
There is no bushfire, smoke-laden air...
There are no gale force winds...
It is not autumn-chilled and grey on my peninsula, while other parts of Australia swelter and burn...
The sun is shining and sharing friendly warmth in a blue, blue sky...
And I can actually breathe freely...
Outside...
This morning, for the first time in many months,
I took a walk on the Dromana foreshore by the sea...
(As did many others...)

And took photos...


Nippers were lining up to learn how to surf...




Even the seagulls looked happy and relaxed in the sunshine...


The foreshore trail seemed to have a mystique that touched the soul...

I loved seeing foreshore trees gently flowering...


Finally...some cuteness overload...

a short, refreshing walk...

Yesterday morning was sunny...perhaps a little brisk...
but glowing with the spirit of a Summer-going-in-to-Autumn morning...
Before the day unfolded with my other life, I took a walk along my beloved Dromana foreshore...


I hadn't checked out the mural of old Dromana in a while,
so decided to see if it was still faring well...
Clearly, plants had grown, obscuring one large section of the mural on the right...


But my favourite section of the mural was still clearly visible...
The rails that used to run along the pier - to load goods on steamers bound for Port Melbourne - were there in the foreground...
and quaint little shops gathered opposite the pier...
It was built to facilitate the regular landing of Port Phillip Bay’s Steamers – firstly to transport the produce of Arthurs Seat’s logging trade to Melbourne, as well as transporting passengers around the bay. In the latter half of the 19th century, as the tourist industry grew, steamers such as the: PS ‘Ozone’, PS ‘Hygeia’, PS ‘Edina’, PS ‘Weeroona‘ carried passengers to the Mornington Peninsula, whose beaches became a very popular seaside holiday destination. Source: Dromana Pier c. 1860's


As usual, casual runners, cyclists and walkers were active...


and those running to a fitness routine...


and dogs of course...


But I was really there for the quiet walk with trees and the sea views...

stolen time...

Great to steal a little time before the demands of the day took control again...
This is atmospheric Cafe Jett, in Dromana, about 7am yesterday...
Cafe Jett is right opposite Dromana beach...
I decided to have a Saturday morning breakfast out for the first time in a very long time...
While my appetite was low, nevertheless, the experience was refreshing...


Not long after these photos were taken, quite a number of early risers drifted in...
Meanwhile, I was enjoying some poached eggs on sour dough + cappuccino...

50th Westernport Festival parade...

 Town crier rings in 50th anniversary of the Westernport Festival
in the main street parade at Hastings today...
The parade element of the festival celebrates the Westernport Bay community
around the Hastings region...
Groups, schools and services take part...
Each year has a theme...
This year, the theme was celebrating diversity, inclusiveness and friendship....


The town crier looked resplendent in his red and black finery
in contrast with the white of the naval band...


The street parade was alive with colour...
Rainbow Connections Youth and Family Group supports
transgender and gender creative children 12 years of age and under,
plus their parents and siblings.
It is the first time that an LGBTQI+ group has ever marched in the Westernport Festival...


I am not sure what this group represents, but it was certainly colourful...


Many primary aged children, representing their school, enjoyed being part of the parade...

imagination at work...

At last, early this morning, I found some rare, limited time to take photos
while I waited for the chemist to open...
This little guy seemed to be busy at Safety Beach putting his imagination to work...


I'm not quite sure what he was attempting to do...


But he seemed to be enjoying his summer morning on the sands anyway...


busy digging...


and thinking about his next move?...

Eleanora...

On 2 December 2003, a plaque was unveiled at the Mornington Peninsula Hospital Rosebud,
commemorating the generosity of David Cairns
who bequeathed this limestone home 'Eleanora' (above)
and nine acres of land to the Alfred Hospital as a retreat for its nurses.
The Rosebud hospital was built on the site in 1961,
and today the hospital has extended behind this homestead on Point Nepean Road, Rosebud.
The plaque is located at the homestead entrance.

a little extra...

Not really scenic, but it is important...

Old Dromana pier has a new 'attachment' 

and has been strengthened with a new lease on life...at least for awhile...

The attachment involves a lower level for fishermen, or even swimmers...

2019 beach season...

A view of Dromana beach and Anthony's Nose - early this morning before the crowds swarmed in...

Yes...It has been awhile since last I posted here...
Life circumstances have demanded more and more attention...
Sadly, they will continue to demand attention, so posting here will be at best, spotty...

Theme Day: Action Shot

When the first day of summery weather appeared on Saturday 5th November this year, people celebrated by heading to the Port Phillip Bay waters.
This is a photo of lots of water action happening at Dromana beach.

Summer water sports
The action of loving heat
Endless beach party

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Waters of Green

Ducks swimming in a green world at Seawinds, a beautiful mountain top garden at Arthurs Seat, Mornington Peninsula
~
July 2011 Theme Day @ City Daily Photo ~ The colour green
~

Ducks slowly swimming
In a water world of green
Surreal fantasy



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