Sunshine Coast Daily Photo

@browns

2009-12-22T06:00:00.008+10:00

No one in the Queue seems to be packing a computer, but the crowd @browns are ready to order!

Close of play.

2009-12-21T06:00:00.002+10:00

It's late in the evening, just on dusk, and the surfing gear has surfed it's purpose for the day, just time for an end or two of boules before the light finally disappears.

Sadly, the playing surface is actually grass, not sand or bare earth; just brown thirsty grass. We are not formally in drought, but it's been almost four months since we've seen enough rain to give the plants a drink.

© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

Reflections on the weekend

2009-12-20T06:00:00.008+10:00

The family pre-Christmas get together happily reflected in the window of the Chrome Plated SUV. I wondered what purpose such a vehicle could possibly have in a salt laden sea-side atmosphere.

Then I found it.

Blue

2009-12-19T06:00:00.014+10:00

In the Australian vernacular, a "Bluey" can be an infringement notice, a cattle dog, a heavy wool jacket or even a backpack, while "Blue" can be an argument, a redhead, a mistake, or simply the colour of the Fishing Co-op's wall.

Mooloolaba

2009-12-18T05:00:00.001+10:00

This sculpture by Mooloolaba Artist Wayne Strickland was erected at the entrance to Fisherman's Park on the spit at Mooloolaba, and is dedicated to fishermen who have lost their lives at sea.

I understand that the model for this piece was, in a sad irony, himself lost when the trawler on which he was working, Miss Melissa was washed ashore no more than a few hundred metres from this spot.

A rather sombre Skywatch perhaps, but occasionally we need to remember bringing food to our table is not always a simple process to be taken for granted.

More Skywatch pictures as always at Skywatch Friday.

© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

Fishing Boat

2009-12-17T06:00:00.004+10:00

There's a certain no-nonsense air exuded by fishing boats. Valdon was left on her lonesome in Mooloolaba harbour on this evening when all the others had gone to sea, perhaps she's a superyacht heavily disguised to discourage paparazzi.

It takes more than a mere disguise to throw me off my game! Come on Tiger, we know you're in there! ;-)

Empty Jetty A Watery Wednesday Photo

2009-12-16T06:00:00.023+10:00

Once the trawlers go to sea, it only seems natural to use the last of the sunlight on their moorings for a bit of recreation. So if there are fish here, why do they need to go to sea?

In the mood for more water? Why not pay a visit to Watery Wednesday and check out some of the links.

Empty Harbour

2009-12-15T06:00:00.002+10:00

It's late evening, and the harbour is deserted. All (almost all) the fishing boats are out at sea, ready for another night at work, the owners of the apartments at Point Cartwright no doubt anticipating watching their lights disappearing over the horizon, perhaps to return with the seagulls and sharks feeding on their bycatch at first light.

Double Standards

2009-12-14T06:00:00.002+10:00

Sure, we all need electricity and the services have to go somewhere, but this photograph doesn't even show a quarter of the installation on a busy Maroochydore Road.

I can't help but feel sorry for the developers of the brand new showroom next door, as I imagine them negotiating with the planners over the exact shade of blue to match the neighbouring structure.

Wouldn't it be good if Goverments actually had to abide by the planning regulations they impose on everyone else?

Credit Where Credit's Due

2009-12-13T06:00:00.004+10:00

Some may remember back in August, I published a series of bike path photographs, and may have inadvertently implied that some places were less than satisfactory from a cyclists perspective. One of those photos is shown below, and the new look path above in the main picture. While neither of the photos in today's post could be described as art, but the new superwide path and retaining wall could be!

My goodness, they've even chopped out the bushes on the corner so we can actually ride around it now.

I can't take any of the credit other than that for waiting till the sky matched the colour of the new concrete, but I can thank whichever Council Officer was responsible for the upgrade, and wish them all the best with their continued efforts!

Safe Cycling

2009-12-12T06:00:00.001+10:00

After four months in some of the world's most cycle-friendly countries, it's come as a shock to be back home where bicycle safety means a pole with a sign on it!

As the wagons circle, one wonders just what one is supposed to do with one's bike. Stand by the post to lessen the impact perhaps? Or is this the stake where cyclists, once captured are tied as punishment for their transgressions?

Alex - not quite sunset.My first Skywatch in quite a while!

2009-12-11T06:00:00.009+10:00

The sun has an hour or so in it, but the deep shadow is cast by an enormous storm front coming over. Two or three kilometres away, the buildings below Alexandra Headland are still in the clear, and seem quite unconcerned.

As there are every week, there are hundreds of links to more Skywatch photos at Skywatch Friday.

© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

My Hat!

2009-12-10T06:00:00.002+10:00

No, it's actually not mine, but I do have one like it.

Even late in the afternoon it's great for keeping those nasty rays off, but sometimes in the evening breeze it needs a steadying hand.
© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

Rockpool

2009-12-09T06:00:00.002+10:00

There's a storm coming, yet one cloud illuminates the beach and reflects in the rockpools.

I think I could spend a year photographing them without becoming bored.

© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

Splash

2009-12-08T06:00:00.003+10:00

It looks like a great way to cool off, and on the face of it it's harmless enough, but the ocean claims many souls by sweeping them away off the rocks on the Australian coastline.

Thankfully, accidents here are rare, and I'm pleased to relate that no rescue was necessary this time!

© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

Small Boy

2009-12-07T06:00:00.000+10:00

When our children were small, we'd wait till late in the afternoon, and wander on the beach for an hour or so before sunset when the crowds had gone home and the sting had gone from the sun.

With Mr Three yesterday, all those warm and fuzzy memories came flooding back.

© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

Boardwalk's End

2009-12-06T06:00:00.001+10:00

And then one reaches the end of the boardwalk, and turns for home.

Looking north towards Noosa, from Point Perry.

© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

Sea Art

2009-12-05T06:00:00.001+10:00

There's a terrific clifftop boardwalk between Coolum and Pt Perry, interspersed with shaded seating and artwork. Surely it's not coincidence that the ceramic panels reflect the view? No? I didn't think so.

© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

Salt Air

2009-12-04T06:00:00.001+10:00

Still closer to town, in the shadows of the Norfolks the sea haze rolls over the buildings still to come.

© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

Closer to town.

2009-12-03T06:00:00.001+10:00

Flats

2009-12-02T06:00:00.002+10:00

I'm sure the owners call them apartments, but it doesn't matter, with views north over the ocean, and surrounded by bush, a few kilometres easy stroll to the shops, these may just be the perfect coastal location.
© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

Hard Bits

2009-11-30T06:00:00.001+10:00

We're not just about sparkling white beaches and perfect surfing breaks you know.

© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

Waves

2009-11-29T06:00:00.001+10:00

Point Arkwright

2009-11-28T06:00:00.001+10:00

Point Arkwright from Point Perry.

Yes indeed, Coolum is a very very pretty spot!

© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia

Colours

2009-11-27T06:00:00.001+10:00

While in this part of the world, we don't really experience the change of colours that marks the new seasons among deciduous trees, we do have many opportunities to find vibrant textures and colours through sunlit canopies. We just need to get closer to see it, that's all!

© Sunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia