Immigrating to Australia, why I now photograph the ocean!??

Immigrating to Australia, why I now photograph the ocean!??

Kaikoura mountain range.

The view out of my bedroom window back in New Zealand on a winters day, mountains covered in snow.

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When we first immigrated from New Zealand to Adelaide, Australia, I found the landscape boring, mundane and lacking height. Lowlands everywhere and not a drop of water in sight. I mean around every corner in New Zealand is a mountain, a river or a lake, all clear, blue and very pure.

Blue lake in Southland New Zealand
A river in New Zealand
River turquoise and abundant New Zealand

Rivers, rivers everywhere and lots of drops to drink! Not so in South Australia we discovered!

 

OUR TREK TO FIND SOME WATER

Being unused to the South Australian landscape, on a 40 degree day we headed towards the hills (Mount Lofty range)….looking for rivers, lakes and lagoons so we could cool off and take a swim.

 

BIG MISTAKE!

I have never ever found any of those things in the hills in South Australia to this day!! 

As we rounded each corner of the winding  road up towards Mt Lofty, with those harsh nasty gum trees looking down at us sadistically, I glanced over into the back seat to look at my children. I saw three flaming red cheeked kids with moronic looks on their faces staring back at me……It was that look of, “ Why have you brought us kids to this God forsaken country, what terrible parents you turned out to be, we are definitely not your children? We are adopted that’s for sure!”

Eventually we did realise that the two words “barren” and “Australia” walk hand in hand. Disheartened and very hot we drove back home.

As the days and weeks progressed instead of going to the hills to look for lakes and rivers we headed in the opposite direction. We thought we would see what the coastline offered to this unfortunate family who were suffering badly from heat stroke.

 

OH MY GOODNESS…

Spectacular, beautiful and untouched stretches of beach, which were swimmable! Not too many beaches in NZ are beautiful and swimmable. Too cold, too rocky, too dangerous, too rough, too gloomy, or weather never permitting. You may be lucky to stumble upon a few sunny days in the middle of summer! 

 

WE FAST BECAME BEACH ADDICTS..

Those glorious blue beaches have found us surfing, fishing, swimming, boating, playing, and almost all year round I might add! 

I well remember when we first arrived here trying to put the golden sand into an envelope to send home to show them how amazing the beaches were. True story! (The sand in New Zealand is either non existent or grey.)

Early on with my first camera my photography was centred around photographing my sons surfing. Not a hint of hilly heat stroke on those long warm days spent at the beach with the waves continuously rolling in. Now I photograph  all aspects of the vast blue sea, which changes day to day and moment by moment. Variety and beauty endlessly! It is a genuine privilige to be able to photograph the South Australian coastline.

TODAY….

Whenever we have spent a day at the beach and evening approaches I have created a habit, as I leave any of our beaches, I stop and look back at the ocean and ponder and thank God for the genius of His creation. The beaches so idyllic, I will always miss my homeland but I have found something wonderful to replace those nostalgic longings.

Calm blue sea water
Isolated beach with white umbrella

Above,

This beach is about 2 kms long, I had it all to myself on a glorious summers day last January, crystal clear water and golden sand, no flies and warm weather, what more could a woman want?

Yacht in the summertime

The bluest of blue!

Yacht moored in pink sunset
Fishing boat staying out till the end of the day.

Above,

A boat stays out fishing till the sun sets and the gulls have gone home.

Swimming in Salmon inlet shaded such a brilliant green.

Above,

Swimming in this effervescent green water. Located at the back of Althorpe Island, South Australia, we discovered this unique spot on one of our fishing trips, quite remarkable in its colour and location. You can read my other blog about Salmon Inlet HERE 

Massive cliffs in the setting sun. Cape Spencer

Enormous cliffs tower over the breaking seas. Cape Spencer, Yorke Peninsula.

Stenhouse jetty

Stenhouse jetty.

Surfer jumping

Surfers, sailors, swimmers and sunbakers they all love it!

Surfing at West Cape, Yorke Peninsula
Turquoise beach and waves rolling in
Ethels beach and a pink sunset
At the beach till midnight

The water is warm as is the air temperature. In the image above it is New Years Eve  and these boys walked the beach till midnight in bathers and bare chests.

South Australia is a vast and hot country, a unique environment which definitely takes some getting used to. There will be many challenges to face. Initially I missed family and friends, we struggled to succeed in a new business venture and my children were extremely unsettled, but the hot dry weather, the lack of inland water and mountains. definitely had the most profound effect on us all. 
Today some 30 years later I love the place, can’t get enough of the beaches and strangely I have learnt to also love and appreciate the inland areas. The fields, the farms, the desert, the outback all have a beauty of their own. There is a huge variety of landscapes to photograph and as time has gone by I have noticed I am never bored with my photography.  Still hate the heat, but hey, who enjoys 40 degrees?

If I can encourage anyone on this journey, slow down and get an air conditioner, (first things first) so you can think straight and make good decisions for your future. You will ,  as you perservere find a very beautiful and very majestical country.

Why we built a beach house by the sea. Part 3

Why we built a beach house by the sea. Part 3

Garden chairs

The beach house is about 2 years old now!

 

My very first initial blog post on this web site was simple, short and about a dream that we had to build a BEACH HOUSE at Marion Bay, Yorke Peninsula. It has taken approx one year to complete this project and another year to furnish, live in it and start a garden. My husband being a builder of sorts did most of the work. I would try and help, getting scuffed and scratched and blowing a few of my foofer valves along the way.

However we built a strong, very small, two bedroomed beach house and a large shed. I mention the word strong, because it is forever windy on this peninsula and salt spray is generally covering most things. Building materials have to be hardy and able to last the distance. Also we rely completely on rain water and consequently we are reluctant to hose anything down too much.

We have planted a garden and I have many herbs, mainly chilli plants, sage, dill, rosemary and parsley. Also tomatoes, silver beet and spring onions are doing well. Once again we rely on rain water for our garden. So its wise to plant hardy perenials over here.

All other decorative plants around the house are native plants taken from the surrounding bushes as this is only the type of thing that will grow in this harsh environment.

You may ask what we do in a day… I hope my photos are an answer to that question. Our days seem full to over flowing. Upkeep with weeds and insects and the effects of the constant wind and salt spray is never ending. In between this we do find ample time for walking, swimming, boating, fishing, photographing, biking, exploring and surfing.

We swim almost every day winter and summer. Our love for the ocean never subsides. Each year we count the number of swims we have in the winter. Very very refreshing indeed.

The fishing is a favorite pastime but how it blows on this peninsula. So a fishing day is a valuable day and the opportunity is grabbed with both hands!

Has the dream been all we had thought about and planned?

 

Absolutely, we are very thankful to have this place, far from the madding crowds and close to the waters edge. Many places to explore, adventures seem to repeatedly materialise from the landscape and seascape. What an amazing world we live in!

A blessing which I thank God for in every way.

collection of vintage bottles
Vintage bottles
Wood panelling and vase
Lounge and couch
Cosy bedroom

Above. Indoors, wood panelling, vases, cushions and pictures hung for cosiness. Easy to live in and provides a warm feeling.

Collecting coal along the beach
Feeding the pelicans
Photographic walks along the beach

Outdoor walks and strolls, feeding the birds and watching the waves.

Emu
Emus crossing the road
Emus in the evening wandering in dry grass

Always the adorable emus.

Pelicans Marion bay

And let’s not forget the pelicans.

Two kangaroos

And a kangaroo or two.

Yacht sails around Cape Spencer
Photographic walks along the beach

Always the yachts which I chase around the peninsula, photographing as I go. Sooo beautiful.

Boating life
Fishing boat

Always  a day or two fishing and relaxing on the blue cool ocean.

Sun umbrella
Sun umbrella at the beach

Always the beaches, armed with sun umbrella and fly screen over my hat. These glossy beaches are incredible. Isolated and clear.

Sun umbrella
Surfer

Always the surf and surfers. Spectacular and powerful.

coffee
Drinks and chairs
Drinks and chairs
Drinks and chairs

And of course always the coffee and snacks….. and then drinks at sunset. Let us not forget that the beach house is for every kind of activity!

Drinks and chairs

Yorke Peninsula (especially Innes National Park at the southern tip of the Peninsula) is a unique and interesting spot. Some friends we had visit us, described it as an “eerie place.” I guess I could agree, it has a certain quality that makes your heart trip over, and a feeling of sheer exhileration takes hold.

Facing fear: How to overcome when anxiety strikes

Facing fear: How to overcome when anxiety strikes

Facing the wind seagulls

And when the night descends the birds huddle down and face the winds.

 

When you face the storm you can see what’s coming, you can lean in to it and keep your balance and consequently you are better able to equip yourself and conquer life’s challenges.

It’s time to face the storm and face your fears!

Here’s my story….

When I was in my late twenties I had a full on battle with firstly insomnia followed by fear, until the two merged together and I became very similar to a stuffed, mute, zombie.
I got help from friends, I got help from family members, I got help from the bible, I got help from great non fiction books, I got help from everywhere and anywhere. Sadly nothing seemed to do me any good, I would lie awake for hours at night afraid of fear itself.
Finally after approx two years of this morbid, depressing pattern, one night, I got out of my bed as usual unable to sleep. I felt like I had a soaring temperature, my whole body seemed to be on fire with fear. As I sat simply shaking and tormented, I decided this fear had to end, so why not simply walk into the ocean and then finally a cold, deep sleep would envelop my being. A sure fire way to escape this awful anxiety.

Hmm, I had three children and a great family and home and husband. I think they all wanted and needed me??

Option one: off the list!

Option two: I decided on, after a bit of thought and planning.

I gathered together all my ongoing information, books, counselling, friends advice, tape recordings, (yes.. tape recordings that’s how long ago this was) even the bible was closed and put away.
Every fearful thought I decided must be negated and put to rest.

I went back to bed, took a huge breath

………and in my mind, I went for a walk amongst a most beautiful field of daisies. The centre of each daisy was so yellow it shone like the sun, the white petals gleamed like the Arctic snow.. The simple daisy swished and wavered in the gentle breezes of a spring day.

Ahhhh fear entered…You won’t get to sleep tonight,

NO, no, ….I’m walking among the fields of flowers, daisies, lilies, dandelions, the sun warms my skin, the clouds like white fluffy balls, float through the sky, the birds swoop and soar in the distance. I walk and breathe in the scent of the flowering field.

Ahhhh you won’t get to sleep…remember me, your old negative thought patterns…

NO, no no…. I’m now going horse, riding, I put my bridle on my horse’s nose, I took the heavy brown leather saddle and threw it over his back. I tied the girth strap and talked gently to my horse telling him I loved him and today we are going to ride over the hill and through the river bed. He snorted softly and looked my way to see if I had another apple in my hand. Of course I did, he ate it closing his big eyes in thankfulness. I got the bridle and led him to the open gate. I put my foot into the stirrup and flung myself up and over, gently prodding his sides I said, “Let’s go!” We began our journey, climbing higher, through dry sandy coloured grass and then reaching the summit where the wind blew stronger and cleared my heart and soul. 

Ahhh remember darkness your old friend, I’ve come to haunt you again!

NO, no, ….I’m off for a swim in the balmy blue ocean waters, towel in hand and straw sun hat on my head. Always the windy breezes, clearing the way, refreshing my thoughts and mind, cleaning away the daily tasks. Oh how I love the wind! I hear and see the seabirds soaring down from their heights, often landing nearby, they are flying from nowhere, heading somewhere. I lay out my towel and take off my hat, the sun indeed is beginning to bring a few beads of sweat to my face and my cheeks are red from walking down the winding beach track……ooohh to cool off will be so very delectable, I saunter into the blue, vivid, sparkling sea. Lowering my hot body into the water and washing away the day’s vibes. I begin to swim along the shoreline and am feeling so cleansed and beautiful. My feet touch the sandy bottom. My mind embraces the distant horizon, where I see a white sail, heading east. My thoughts relax, and slowly start to enjoy the moment….

What I was doing was  replacing all those negative thoughts with new thoughts.

Roms 12.2. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

And by the way it was not easy, it felt like a fight, that I must win. But win I did. I slept soundly that night for the first time in months.

Then the next night the battle began again and again the next night, I was facing the storm front on, and defeat was not an option.

A determination took over my being. In a few weeks I found I had a reasonable control of my thought patterns and it was imperative that it stay that way.

To this day I have never had trouble with those particular thought patterns again. I have faced other issues, and once again have had to be courageous and strong.

One good thought can replace one horrible thought, with Gods help all things are possible. Life is a journey of faith. Doing the impossible and proving that it is possible.

 

My photographs are of the beautiful ocean birds who either seem to fly high and have fun in a storm or get down low and brace themselves head on to the storm.

Facing the wind seagulls
Spoonbills in the pink sky
Terns facing the wind
Flying in the mist
Spoonbills flying
Seagulls flying past a cliff face
Birds on a stormy day
Two pelicans resting
Seagulls flying away
Osprey
Sea birds sitting
Seabird flying

Think on those things which are good and noble, and rest and trust that everything will be okay.

Why we built a beach house by the sea, part 2.

Why we built a beach house by the sea, part 2.

Progress has been slow over the winter. Heaps of rain so the water tanks are over flowing. However we have been able to work on the inside as most of the outside is finished.

I have made a tiny garden of local plants. All the same type of grasses for a unified, coherent kind of effect. The ground is very sandy and it is certainly best to choose local plants as not much grows in this area.

We still have plenty to do, but at least we can sleep in the beach house and not in a caravan any longer.

I chose wood for the walls due to its warm feel and the natural vibe it adds to any home.

I’ve made a path out the front from some old left over slate and put white rocks along the front. These limestone rocks are everywhere here. I don’t think I’ve seen one beach shack without these limestone rocks.

It is such a lovely place so peaceful and relaxing. Nature at its finest.

 

Emus walking past the beach house
Sun hats hang up at the holiday house
Bathroom
bedroom in holiday home
Light shade and wooden walls
Shells collected and put on a shelf
Empty room with wooden walls

Growth of plants is slow and keeping bugs away is a constant chore. We are trying to be as natural as possible but some of the insects are so resistent I have resorted to getting the spray can out and try slaughtering them this way. White vinegar was just not working. Soon we will put in more furniture and some homely touches.

Living here is very peaceful as most of the holiday homes are vacant year round. They soon fill up around Christmas and Easter, dogs, kids, bikes, music, but hey, when it’s only for around 10 days I  will put up with anything!

A dream coming true, photography by the sea.

A dream coming true, photography by the sea.

In the last few years we have found ourselves on an endless quest in search of a place to live, a place that belongs to our heart and gives us peace, happiness and quiet.

 

We believe we may have found this perfect spot, a place beside the ocean, a place with memories a place that is quiet, a place to build the dream……

 

The love one has for the ocean is beyond all boundaries and can often be traced back to childhood. Long days spent lying on sunny sands and cool nights awaiting sleep while listening to the sound of the crashing waves on worn grey pebbles.The fisherman is indeed married to the sea and the surfer has inexplicable longings to master the relentless, whitecapped wave. The ocean never leaves or forsakes its lovers, it permeates deep into their soul, where water meets water. And the sky meets the horizon, and the sandy land is impressionable upon its inhabitants.

Our family have been holidaying in Yorke Peninsula for over thirty years. On the very first visit, in Casurina camping ground, we encountered a rustic, rugged, and dramatic environment, which tested our bodies and camping abilities to the extreme.Things have not changed much from that time. The huge waves, the rugged surfer, the strange but friendly emus, the orange kangaroos, the enormous cliffs, the lonely uninhabited islands, the shipwrecked coastline, the sultry fisherman, all of this has made for a holiday destination which captivates the heart of the adventurer, the explorer, the sun soaker, the swimmer, the surfer and any other who enjoys the saturating experiences of nature.
All and everything in its finality that we have learnt, is that whilst we are packing to drive back to our homes, our hearts are full and yet silently empty. We cannot speak, words would destroy the beauty of our holiday experiences, and any sound is a sign that we are departing this strange but very magnificent place.

 

The one point of hope is that we will return, for now/today we have made a claim to a small portion of sandy land and our dream is to build a tiny holiday home to bring all those old memories back to life again!

A photographic diary of this journey is now possible with my camera and my heart melded together. I started this blog to record and relive all the moments, that we have experienced. I intend also to record the travels to and from our holiday home, as the innumerable golden canola and wheat fields, salt lakes, small towns and animals are all part of the dream.

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