Arkara Lagoons

This is a rather large posting, I know, but there is so much to show. I guess I could have split it up into smaller posts. I think I'll do that next time. This extensive array of natural lagoons, with the aid of human assistance, as quantities of sand were extracted from the lagoons for filters at the local waste water treatment plant, extends over several acres, in the range of 6-10 acres I would guess.
Late one afternoon, recently, I walked around the circumference of the lagoon system and took photographs of points of interest. There is prolific bird life around the lagoons but that was not my point of interest this day.
In these early photographs you will notice that the lagoons are wide and open, but this will change as I walk further around.
There is a "Friends of the Arkara Lagoons" group that voluntarily maintains and enhances the flora of the lagoons. This in turn enhances all the bird life in the area.
We are starting to arrive at the thicker forested part now and the sun-light will diminish.
Each area of the lagoons is very different, some open areas are habitat for water lillies.
There is abundant life in the water too. Fishing is banned. I'd wager that there are many fresh water crayfish lurking in these lagoons.
There are probably pythons in the trees, but I have never seen any.
A small patch of sun-light filtering through the tree canopies.
Around every bend there is another view.
All beautiful in there own way.
The flow of water is probably not frequent here.
Room only for one tree here.
It looks like you could walk on this water, but I wouldn't try it!
Quiet and still but the water is still very clear.
Soon be back into daylight again.
Black Swans reside here in the lagoons, the grey coloured juvenile, from last season's hatchlings,  is still with the parent birds.
Both parent swans with two additional juveniles. With a duck in the background.
Back to the open area again, almost back to the beginning.
People live around the lagoons but I was able to take all these photographs plus many more and there is no view of any homes.
We have completed the circuit now. I am so fortunate to live in this area, from this vantage point to my home is less than one mile. That is why I wanted to share it all with you.

Derelict Farm House - Queensland

Old, neglected and derelict farm houses tend not to remain standing for very long nowadays. I hope to capture as many as I am able with my camera before they are "no more". This sad old  house is without any windows and not many doors. I wonder how long it will be before it is demolished?
This is the same house, very same photograph actually, in sepia. I tend to favour viewing these old houses in sepia tone. It seems to me, to reflect the era that it was built. What do you think? I'd be thrilled to receive your comments.

South East Queensland Hinterland Drive

The South East Queensland Hinterland begins something like 20 - 30 Kms from the coast. The hinterland is, on average, liable to experience greater rainfall and cooler temperatures than that experienced on the coastal fringe. There is a geological formation known as 'The Glass House Mountains' located in the hinterland behind the 'Sunshine Coast'. These mountains are actually volcano lava plugs remaining after the surrounding volcano cone has eroded away. The two peaks in the first photograph are part of the formation.
With photograph two, I could not resist capturing the rustic charm of this derelict farm shed. There is an abundance of farm buildings in a similar state of total disrepair in the area. A decent wind would remove this building from the property.
This small cottage is representative of many of the dwellings nestled along the 'hinterland loop' after you leave the town zones. Of course there are many larger and more modern homes as well but they don't make interesting photographs.

Obviously this cattle loading ramp is not used very often, there is an abundance of vegetation taking hold along the full length of the ramp. Unfortunately the afternoon sun was in the wrong aspect for the perfect image. Maybe I'll have to return for a morning shoot.
I could not pass these three horses, peacefully grazing in this lush pasture under a stand of tall trees. This stand of trees was the only one of this type in the area, obviously planted by a past resident many years ago.

Coolum R/C Aero Club

The Coolum R/C Aero Club conducted an open day for interested population to witness what the members do with their time and hard earned cash. I didn't arrive very early and was extremely lucky to gain entry as the number of visitors was overwhelming. The first image here is a true scale model of an early US Army spotter plane. The model has a wing span of about 3 metres and a five cylinder radial engine. The second image here is a true scale model of a more recent US Army plane. This plane is deployed in Iraq and used as an anti tank weapon and also to neutralise vehicle and land based bombs. This model also has a wing span of about 3 metres and is propelled with two jet engines as is the original. The model engines function identically to the full size version except for the lubrication, the full size engine is oil injected and the model has the oil added to the fuel. The third image of this jet model demonstrates the size of the model against the two people beside it. The plane is being readied for flight, this involves the use of a computer to carry out the start-up procedure.

Bribie Island

Less than 1 hour south of Buderim is Bribie Island. The greater part of Bribie is National Park and not developed. There is a surf beach to the east at Woorim, there are many holiday apartments here. On the west and adjacent to the access bridge to the main land is Bongaree. This photograph is the foreshore at Bongaree.

Buderim Park

I, along with my wife Judy, have been fortunate to be house/dog sitting for some friends in Buderim, Queensland. Although we have visited the city previously, on this occasion we are staying for a period of five weeks. This has allowed us to discover the many areas that we overlooked the first time around. Very close to the centre of Buderim is, Buderim Park. A delightful stroll through 'rain-forest' vegetation brings you to this wonderful waterfall at the base of a steep gully.