Sunday Selections #574

 

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files. 

Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image. 

The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle. 

 

The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.  

 

I usually run with a theme.  I am continuing to post about the Balloon Spectacular this week.  After the success of my first visit with my brother, with weather conditions looking promising, I decided to go back the next day - to a different vantage point.  Himself indicated he would like to come which surprised and worried me.  He loathes early starts and the launching of the balloons is by no means a given.

 

So I woke him up early, and we headed down to the lake...

 

It was still fairly dark when we arrived.  Dark and still.

 
 And then the sun came up - in a truly dramatic fashion, and balloons started to appear...

 

 

Kayakers, canoeists and paddle boarders flock to the lake, for the view, and because some balloons will give lucky people a tow.  Mind you, the previous day I heard a balloonist say that when he misjudges the landing on the lake he spends the rest of the flight dripping wet.

I really like the Air Force's feature balloon - though that mask always makes me think of Darth Vader.

 

It really was a delightful morning, and the spectacular sunrise perfectly suited the occasion.  When asked later himself (grudgingly) admitted it was worth getting up early for, and that he liked the vantage points I had chosen.

 

We finished the morning watching some of the balloons land, close to the arboretum and our Governor General's residence.  

 

 

There will be more colour and whimsy in the next few posts too, but (probably) no more balloons.   I will try and be a bit more restrained with the photos too.  Have a wonderful week.

 

PS:  For Australian readers the Dignity Drive is on again (finishing at the end of the month).  Woolworth's Supermarkets (and I believe Bunnings) have drop boxes where you can donate period products (tampons, pads, cups and period pants) and continence products for distribution to those in need.  No-one should be forced to choose between food, paying rent and their dignity.  And sadly I suspect dignity is often the loser in that choice.  The goods and services tax has finally been removed, but they are still a significant and ongoing expense.

Another Antarctic post

Some of you will remember that some years ago after my mother's death I spent significant amounts of my inheritance on going to Antarctica.  It was probably not the most prudent decision I have ever made but it was a dream come true, I loved it and I don't regret it for an instant. 

I have recently been asked by others who have found my blog more recently whether I would repost some photos.  Of course I will - with pleasure.

I spent my three weeks away with my jaw dislocated on a daily basis as I oohed and aaahed at the wonders in front of me.  There are regulations about how close you are allowed to come to the wild-life, but no-one told them that.  I had a baby seal gumming on my knee and penguins pecking at my boots.  I was appallingly sea-sick, and it didn't matter.

And I swam there twice, on the principle of never letting a chance go by.  All these memories are things are hug to myself on dark days and darker nights.

Enough rabbiting on - the photos can speak for themselves.  Some of them I know I have posted before but I think (hope) that they will stand the repetition.

Adelie Penguin

King Penguin in its first moult

Blissed out Elephant seal

Chin-strap Penguins

King Penguin rookery - with baby King Penguins to the front

Gentoo Penguin

Magellan Penguins