[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 23 November 2021].
child psychology
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 29 October 2021].
st eugene
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 21 November 2021].
untitled #88
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 20 November 2021].
tenterfield
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 16 November 2021].
Continuing the theme from last week's #TravelTuesday post, this week's photo essay is a series of photographs taken in and on the approach into Tenterfield. Tenterfield was the next town along the New England Highway after we witnessed the bushfire from Bolivia Hill.
In some ways, these photographs seem far less devastating to look at than last week's photo essay.
However, seeing the blistered paint and fire damage on the mileage sign on the outskirts of town made me catch my breath, and I actually teared up a bit.
Even though I'm not connected to Tenterfield in any way, seeing how close the fire had come to the town was overwhelming.
There was still a part of me that quietly chuckled about the content of the billboards that remained in the drought-riddled and scorched earth. But my amusement was tempered by the stark reality of what I was seeing.
At the time, I was aware of having heard the town had no clean water, but I had thought this was due to the bushfires. I didn't realise until just now, on Googling that fact to confirm it, that Tenterfield residents had been without clean drinking water for a month before I drove through. And they were still boiling their water in mid-December 2019, with no sense of when that would end.
Though the fire seemed only to have licked the edges of town when we drove through, it was a sight that had a profound impact on me.
I can only imagine what the residents of Tenterfield were feeling around the time I passed through.
untitled #171
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 15 November 2021].
cat in a lap
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 13 November 2021].
Shiloh photo-bombing another self-portrait shoot back in September on my last day of cat-sitting her and Susie in West London.
shelf life
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 12 November 2021].
Love letters to London: Rivers, canals and waterways
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 12 November 2021].
It's been a long time between drinks, but I'm finally sharing another love letter to London!
This was supposed to be a project I published once a month this year to celebrate my ten-year Londonversary. Despite being well behind target for various reasons, I am hoping to complete the project this year. (Or, failing that, by my eleven-year Londonversary in January 2022.)
So, if you've been thirsting for more, you'll be pleased to know this one is bursting with water. Perhaps not so pleased to hear it's not the potable kind.
As mentioned in my ode to the wild life I've discovered (not that type, this type), the subject of this love letter isn't vaguely exclusive to London or even the UK.
But rivers, canals and waterways are prominent features in this city. Even the subterranean or "lost" rivers.
Here are just a few of my favourites.
River Thames
It's hard to imagine London without the River Thames threading through it from east to west. It's been such an integral element of the city since its establishment, and according to Wikipedia, "has played several roles in human history: as an economic resource, a maritime route, a boundary, a fresh water source, a source of food and more recently a leisure facility."
Probably my first awareness of the Thames' existence was through the title sequence of EastEnders and the Thames Television ident. Both of which I regularly saw on Australia's ABCTV during my childhood.
Growing up in Brisbane and Melbourne, where the Brisbane and Yarra Rivers are central to each city, the Thames just seemed like more of the same. And it kind of is, except at London Bridge, the Thames is about double the width the Yarra is at Princes Bridge, which is what I was comparing it to when I first crossed it.
Like the Yarra, it mostly takes on a muddy brown tinge. But in the right light, it appears a lovely blue. And at night - with the various bridges spanning it and buildings and landmarks lining north and south banks lit up - it has a beauty about it that almost always stops me in my tracks.
It's also one of the ideal ways to explore the city I love. And a place to start when introducing newcomers to London.
If you're ever struggling to decide where to go for a (photo) walk in London: choose north or south of the river and a starting point. Then walk until you run out of steam and find a cosy pub to rest your weary feet.
I've done this many times with many people, and I've still not walked the entire length of it within London.
And, if you want a different angle, there are plenty of spots where the river intersects with docks and basins. And even Bow Creek (the tidal estuary of the River Lea) by Trinity Buoy Wharf.
Regent's Canal
Speaking of basins that intersect with the Thames: Regent's Canal links with the River Thames via Limehouse Basin.
The canal winds its way through the east and across the north of London. Then over to the west of the Regent's Park.
I've not yet wandered the eastern arm of the canal with my D700. My visits to that part of the canal have often been during the evening or while lost after catching the wrong night bus home.
However, the sections from King's Cross to Camden and Camden to the Regent's Park have been the subject of at least two photo walks I've taken with friends. And a pleasant stroll with a former school teacher who was visiting the city a few years ago now.
While Venice and Amsterdam are far more renowned for their canals, coming from Australia, where there are few canals, I've developed something of an obsession with London's canals.
Photographically, London's canals are such a brilliant mix of posh and dirty. They often pass through the grandest suburbs and give you a glimpse at the rear of impressive homes. Whilst littered with abandoned objects, rubbish and plenty of graffiti.
The sections of Regent's Canal I've walked along most often pass through the regenerated King's Cross with its newly established Gasholder Park. Through iconic Camden. Along the south of fashionable Primrose Hill. And through the northern border of the Regent's Park itself.
There is plenty of birdlife to be found on and by the water. And a nice mix of natural and industrial decoration lining it.
The locks, in particular, always intrigue me.
There are always reflections to reward your photographic eye.
And I have something of a fascination with the narrowboats that line the canals of London. I'm not sure how practical I'd find narrowboat life, in actuality. But they have a similar appeal to me as caravans have had for most of my life.
Grand Union Canal - Paddington Arm
A more recent addition to my list of London canals visited, the Paddington arm of the Grand Union Canal has a lot going for it in my books.
As the longest merged canal in the UK, the Grand Union Canal runs from London to Birmingham. And, interestingly, includes Regent's Canal in its length.
I've walked a relatively short stretch of this canal. But it's notable for me as it runs between the Kensal Green Gasworks on the Ladbroke Grove side and Kensal Green Cemetery, one of the 'Magnificent Seven' cemeteries.
Or rather, it did, as the Kensal Green Gasworks started to be demolished in March this year to make way for new residential development (of course).
New River
Which now brings me, finally, to waterways.
More specifically, the New River, which is, in fact, neither new nor a river. But it has a soft spot in my heart as it runs through my part of London.
I'm still to fully explore it to the north, from Hornsey to Enfield and beyond. And from Finsbury Park to its terminus. But I've had a pint by the water's edge in Enfield before, and I've seen (and photographed) its source near Hertford.
I hope to undertake the walk north along the New River Path sometime soon (though possibly not until the weather warms again!) And to share photos from that and my previous walk - from Hornsey south to Finsbury Park - with you in a selection of photo essays.
torrington from bolivia hill
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 10 November 2021].
In some ways, it's hard to believe I took these photographs two years ago already. Simultaneously, it's hard to believe I only took them two years ago.
These were taken on an eight-day road trip from Melbourne to Brisbane in November 2019. For those who may not know: it was a somewhat ill-fated, though, ultimately, successful road trip.
There were limits to what could be seen and done during the trip due to a fractured ankle I acquired about twelve days before departure.
It also involved regular appraisals of the route taken - and ultimately an extensive detour - to avoid fierce bushfires sweeping across large areas of the Australian countryside, from Victoria through New South Wales to Queensland.
Thankfully, this was the closest I came to a bushfire during the journey, albeit nearer than I would ever have liked to come. Though it's not evident from these photographs, my eyes perceived - and one particular photo I took on my iPhone showed - exactly how close the fire still was. Just on the ridge, slightly to the right of the centre of that image.
The spectacle was breathtaking. Devastatingly beautiful and heartbreaking.
The sky was that hazy amber colour for quite a distance before I finally came upon its source. These images were captured on the incline of Bolivia Hill, looking toward Torrington, to the west of the New England Highway in New South Wales.
As alluring as the scene was for a photographer to capture, I was acutely conscious of the dangers of lingering too long so late in the day. There was the nagging concern the wind may change direction at any time and bring the fire back across the ridge.
I can't imagine how those who experienced and fought those fires first-hand - and who were personally affected by the loss and devastation they wrought - would have felt looking at this scene. I imagine a wholly different impression to my own. I was in awe - in the true sense of the word - as I looked upon and photographed it from the safety of a parked car.
In December 2020, I started editing a couple of photographs from the collection I took with my D700 at this spot, but life threw in some distractions. Almost exactly two years to the day from when I took them (11 November 2019), I've finally had a chance to edit them and now share a selection with you.
untitled #161
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 8 November 2021].
untitled #84
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 7 November 2021].
a week in wales
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 3 November 2021].
Speeding toward Wales, I watched the English countryside fly by the train window. It occurred to me then it would be my first visit without my mother to the country of many of her ancestors.
My third visit to Wales also had interesting numerological synchronicity. My first visit had been part of a 'round the world' trip with my family around Christmas 1991. My second visit was in 2001 with my parents and my then-boyfriend. And I was taking this journey in 2021. I trust that number pattern won't repeat itself, leading to me not returning to Wales until 2061!
On top of those realisations, it occurred to me it was just a little more than two years since I'd last left England. Though this time, I was only going across the border into Wales. Rather than through the air, over land and sea to Australia.
So, to say high expectations were hanging over the trip might have been an understatement. There was a lot of anticipation and excitement about what the week may hold.
After a week of kitteh hijinks with Bao and Paczi, there was also a yearning for a low-stress week. One that would allow me to concentrate on things other than kittehs while still enjoying kitteh snuggles and pets.
Despite taking about five hours to travel each way due to train delays and a wait for a cab from Wrexham to Minera, the week and Wales definitely delivered.
As well as being able to complete various life admin tasks ahead of my new flatmate moving in and enjoying many, many kitteh snuggles, Minera proved to be a much-needed change of pace and very picturesque.
Though there was drizzle for at least part of most days. And though there were a couple of days of gusty winds. And temperatures were in the low teens most days. The weather really turned it on for me on Monday.
Once the morning drizzle stopped, it left the landscape and details super-saturated in colour. The beautiful post-rain light across the countryside and across headstones was lovely.
I'm excited to share photos from this trip with you - as I am those from my recent trip to Chichester - as I really enjoyed the mixture of subjects: village life; natural landscapes; manmade incursions into the landscape; derelict buildings; industrial sites being reclaimed by nature and the beautiful graves in St Mary's churchyard.
As I wrote in a post to Instagram a short time into my wanderings around the churchyard that day, "Honestly, if every week started like this, I'd be content". Exploring new places (including their graveyards and churchyards), taking photographs, marvelling at (all kinds of) beauty in the world, and knowing at the end of the day there would be a cold pint of cider and the company of some charming creatures to finish up with.
The 5.5-hour walk was challenging for me in parts (muddy, leaf-strewn paths up and down inclines that made me a little nervous) and left me bone-tired afterwards, but in the best possible way.
I generally love being a woman. The only downside is the trepidation of walking solo off the beaten track while carrying expensive camera gear. Wanting to explore further but thinking perhaps that may not be a sensible course to take. Thankfully, I was able to put aside most of those thoughts that day. Though I didn't venture as far into the Minera Quarry Nature Reserve as I would have, had I not been alone.
When not second-guessing my decisions, as I ventured up hill and down dale, I was able to get lost in the moment and in my own thoughts, which was also something sorely needed. Cathartic and cleansing.
My thanks to Jo, Becky, Meg and Mog for presenting me with the opportunity to get back to Wales after too long.
clustered in the churchyard
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 30 October 2021].
I stumbled across a large cluster of puffball mushrooms in the churchyard of St Mary's Church in Minera last Monday.
Just one of many enjoyable discoveries on my 5.5-hour photo walk that day.
I finally had a chance to import my photos from my travels to Wales last night, and I'm looking forward to sharing them with you!
I wanted to write a post about my visit after returning from my walk that day. But I was so utterly exhausted I fell asleep on the couch and ended up enjoying some kitteh snuggles and TV instead, in recovery from such a great physical exertion.
I hope to write and share that post in the coming week, along with at least one photograph from my time in Wales.
In the meantime, I have no new cat-sitting gigs coming up yet, so I'm looking forward to sharing new work with you more regularly again from the comfort of my own home.
I'll also share the final chapter I'd written of embers back in 2016 this weekend as a patron-only post on Patreon.
I'm hoping to take part in NaNoWriMo again this year. Let me know if you decide to give it a go too. A cheer squad is always helpful!
barefoot and pregnant
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 2 October 2021].