18 March, 2013

Sunrise...

This pic, sort of sums me up this morning... Not the best news here at work, which sort of makes me feel sad, but hopefully, with time, something over the sunrise will be better...
Sunrise
Sunrise
Hoo roo for now...
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17 March, 2013

11 Tunnels - Playing With a Car & Darkness

Last night, for something a little 'different' I/we went out to play in the dark, with a camera in, well on a tripod, JAMMED in-between the split fold rear seat for stability...

Whilst I thought I had the setup pretty much 'ok', how wrong was I!! It wasn't that far off, but my tripod just didn't cut it stability wise!! We then headed for the M5, a toll road in Sydney that on any given occasion, is normally a carpark! If someone so much as farts, it backs up for kilometres!!!

So, why '11 Tunnels' I hear you ask?? Well here is a list of the tunnels we used... M5, Cooks River, Airport... Airport, Cooks River... Cooks River, Airport... Airport, Cooks River! Then, Airport, Cooks River and finally M5 home! Oh, hang on, that's 12!!!!

We had used two spots to look at the results, change settings and timings for the next run, and so on... Now, whilst 'happy' with the results, another car, with softer suspension than mine (also a longer wheelbase as well) would be better to remove the vibration that's evident in the photos, but, it was something new, and I had fun at least!!!
11 Tunnels - Playing With a Car & Darkness11 Tunnels - Playing With a Car & Darkness11 Tunnels - Playing With a Car & Darkness11 Tunnels - Playing With a Car & Darkness11 Tunnels - Playing With a Car & Darkness
Hoo roo for now...
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15 March, 2013

White Night Light - Melbourne

The weekend is near, and I can't wait!!! However, I am NOT doing what I should have been doing - driving to Manilla for a friend's daughters 1st birthday (born the same day as me)! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kloey!!!! Sorry I can not be there, but the 'ole' back just couldn't handle the 5 hour drive I'm afraid...

In following up on the recent trip to both Melbourne and then Hong Kong, we spent a night doing some night photography whilst in Melbourne. The plan was to meet some others in, or near, Fed Square, but when the tram pulled up short, it became evident this would be very difficult. The amount of people there for the event, was HUGE, and the following morning, the news wires were reporting in excess of 300,000 people!! there was a lot to see, too many people to get clear shots of things, but here is a sample of some of the local bits and pieces; enjoy!

Richmond Church Spire
Richmond Church Spire

Fed Square and the Eureka Building
Fed Square and the Eureka Building
Fed Square and the Eureka Building

Herald Sun Building (and passing traffic)
Herald Sun Building (and passing traffic)

White Night Melbourne 'ART'
White Night Melbourne 'ART'
Yarra River and Melbourne CBD
Yarra River and Melbourne CBD
So, what will I be doing over the weekend? Apart from resting the back, I am not really sure at this stage, but I am wanting to try a new 'style' of photography. This will be either tonight OR Saturday night, so stay tuned (if it works, and if it doesn't, forget this post...). Seriously, I will post a photo, even if it is a dismal failure!
Hoo roo for now...
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13 March, 2013

Wordless Wednesday No. 75 - A Photographers Kit Bag(s)

Photographers Kit Bags
Photographers Kit Bags

Hoo roo for now...
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08 March, 2013

Friday Fill-Ins - And day ONE in Hong Kong

Friday Fill-Ins

  1.  Life is SO cruel at times... This last week, I heard of a friends battle with cancer, whilst cancer took a mate from school.
  2. A cold wind will soon blow, and cast a little spell. Causing all of the leaves to turn, and make them look unwell, and then a little few will fall, whilst others rather fell. (not quite a rhym, but close...)
  3. I knew it was love when I first saw her, poor sweet Bronty.
  4. When in Hong Kong last week, it lacked sunshine and blue skies.
  5. A little nap is wonderful in the late afternoon, especially when soaking up the autumnal sunshine!
  6. Steak and Chicken, as is Lamb, are my favorite things to eat for dinner.
  7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to editing MORE photos from the trip away, tomorrow my plans include removing the Lavender Hedge out the front, and tidying the front garden and Sunday, I want to have a relaxing birthday, as my in-laws are throwing me a BBQ for lunch!


As you know from Wednesdays Post, I have recently been to Hong Kong. In the first couple of days, we did a few 'tourist' type stuff, whilst on the Saturday, it was a day at the Horse Races at Sha Tin; I will post about that tomorrow (I promise) when I have edited those photos tonight!
After arriving late in the afternoon on Thursday, we caught up with my mate there, and we went to dinner that night; a Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui. Dinner was great, we had a few beers, and then retired for the night quite late.
The following morning though, we had decided to go up to "The Peak", even though it was quite hazy! We walked to the Ferry terminal and caught the Star Ferry across to Hong Kong Island. But, this time, instead of catching the tram up, we caught the bus, which took about 40 minutes or so, but it is actually well worth it (not to mention, it saves time waiting for the tram)! On a clear day, it would be much better, as it winds its way around the suburbs of Central Hong Kong, past Happy Valley Racecourse. We saw the 'Ding Ding's', a Double Decker tram, road workers working 'hard', and some pretty amazing architecture.

Aquarius
Star Ferry Crossing Victoria Harbour
 
Road Works
  When we arrived at the top, yep, not much to see, but I still had fun anyways, so we went and had something to eat at Bubba Gumps! Food was ok, just, but it hit the spot.

The Peak

There's Hong Kong (I think)

We then made our way to catch the tram down, which is an experience in itself, as it is steep, and in reverse! We then headed back to the Star Ferry for the trip across the harbour, and then onto some camera lens shopping. A busy day in the end!!

Descending The Peak
Hoo roo for now...
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07 March, 2013

Thursday Thirteen #20 - Avalon Airshow Special

Thursday Thirteen - Avalon Airshow Special!!

Recently, I went to the Avalon Airshow on the outskirts of Melbourne. We stayed in central Melbourne city itself, and drove out daily for the fly-ins, as we would not actually be there for the show itself. However, I was there on the Trade Day as well, so these photos are a mix of arriving aircraft, display practices, and of the trade day itself... Its interesting to see how 'the other half' commute in some of the photos as well!



  1. USAF F-16C Avalon Air Show XII
    USAF F-16C Take Off

  2. Avalon Orion
    Orion on display

  3. Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor Avalon Air Show V
    Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor

  4. Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor Avalon Air Show IV
    Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor - Bomb Bay

  5. RAAF F-18F Super Hornet Avalon Air Show
    RAAF F-18F Super Hornet Landing

  6. Airshow Spotter
    Shooting over the fence

  7. RSAF Chopper Avalon Trade Day
    Republic of Singapore Air Force

  8. Republic of Singapore Airforce Team Avalon Airshow Trade Day
    Republic of Singapore Air Force Display

  9. COMULUX A319CJ Cabin Shot II Avalon Airshow Trade Day
    COMULUX A319CJ Cabin

  10. COMULUX A319CJ Cabin Shot Avalon Airshow Trade Day
    COMULUX A319CJ Dining Area

  11. COMULUX A319CJ
    COMULUX A319CJ Interior Cabin

  12. RAAF - BAE 127 Hawk
    RAAF - BAE 127 Hawk

  13. RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet CLIMB
    RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet CLIMB
    RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet TURN
    RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet TURN

Hoo roo for now...

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06 March, 2013

Wordless Wednesday No. 74 - A Hong Kong Sunrise

Hong Kong Sunrise
"Sunrise over Victoria Harbour"
Hong Kong Sunrise
"Sunrise over Victoria Harbour"


I've just returned from a hectic short trip, down to Melbourne and then onto Hong Kong. The weather, typically, in Melbourne went from clear blue sky's and sunny warm conditions, to that of pouring rain and cold, yet in Hong Kong, it was typically hazy. However, on our last day, we woke to the most stunning sunrise coming in over Victoria Harbour!

I will post some more photos tomorrow, mainly some aviation though, of the trip to the Avalon Airshow!

Hoo roo for now...

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20 February, 2013

Wordless Wednesday No. 73 - Blast from the past

Family 2008
Family Photo 2008

Ok, just to explain, a little, about this pic... I came across (again) this pic recently when clearing some files on a HDD. An important thing about this one in particular, is it is, possibly, the last 'family' photo taken, as not too long after it was taken, Pa fell ill, and later passed, and then 12 months later, L also suddenly passed as well...

So, it is important to have one in every family; that 'annoying uncle' that likes to take a family photo, right?

Hoo roo for now...

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19 February, 2013

Feeling a little 'overwhelmed'...

Beach Soccer (Jimbaran)
Beach Soccer (Jimbaran) - 2007

Have not 'really' been in the 'mood' for posting this last couple of weeks, as there is a lot going on; work, will I have a job and so on... It seems as though for one reason or another, deleting positions is an easy thing to do. So I have been researching all available options to me, having LOTS of meetings with other staff, and searching out opportunities. At the end of the day, I DO think I will be ok, what ever way it pans out...

Having said that, I also feel like picking up my ball, and going home, which is why I have picked the photo above of the beach soccer game, on Jimbaran Beach Bali.

In other news, a short trip to both Melbourne and Hong Kong is on the horizon, which will be a good distraction at the same time! I will get to catch up with friends and colleagues in both cities! In particular, an old school friend of mine, who moved from Sydney to London and is now settled in Hong Kong, it has been YEARS since I have seen him! I will also be having a meeting in Hong Kong, and a site inspection of the Sha Tin Racecourse!

Otherwise, not much else has been happening, just plodding along...

Hoo roo for now...

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05 February, 2013

Wordless Wednesday No. 72. - Straight Lines at Night

Art Gal by night

Art Gallery of New South Wales


The other night, I was out with a mate and wanted to try something a little new, and different. We had supplies, we had a location and we had the time... But, alas, we did not have the skill, so it was a dismal failure (on this occasion...). However, I will try again soon enough, with the correct stuff!

Plans for a new car are also on hold, for now, so it will mean that the good ole Suzuki will keep on keeping on (as it always has). It just means that passengers in the back seat will have to make do with Bronty's nose art on the windows and a little dog hair on the seat! Oh well... Luckily, for her, she is still cute and adorable!

Plans are also well underway for an upcoming trip to Hong Kong, where I will make a visit to the Races to inspect it turf track. I know the Course Manager there, and this will be a great opportunity to catch up and have a chat about the turf research programs going on in Asia.

Hoo roo for now...

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