The River and Flannel Flowers
Here we have a combination of two of my favourite sights: the river and Flannel Flowers.
Conditions permitting, I swim in these river baths most of the year. But the sight of the Flannel Flowers is not nearly so continuous. They flower only in the warmer weather.
Enjoy!
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River scene
Whenever possible, I like to spend time on the shore, admiring this view. On most days it’s quite calming. Sometimes, though, speed-boats tear along, disturbing the tranquility.
Enjoy!
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Here in Sydney, the swimming season doesn’t officially start until October. But today’s sunshine and milder temperatures tempted more than myself into the water.
In fact, it looked perfect. The calm, clear water seemed so inviting. Until… I stepped in.
Let me clarify this. Last year, the water warmed up early. Several of us braved it in early September and were pleasantly surprised to find it a relatively comfortable eighteen degrees Celsius.
More– just yesterday I tested the temperature in the shallows. It registered a profoundly reassuring eighteen and half.
Problem is, I can’t swim in a few inches of water.
Reality: a bare sixteen degrees awaited me . And if anyone thinks that a couple of degrees difference in water temperature is irrelevant, I suggest they think again. 🙂
The final crucible: the hot water system had broken, so cold showers were all that was on offer.
Anyway, at least three swimmers, including me, faced the water. And I actually clocked up a couple of hundred metres.
Not bad for the first swim of the season…
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It looks inviting
Come on in…
Lately, Sydney has had a run of cool, cloudy weather. Though light, showers have been hanging around day after day.
Nevertheless, the water’s still fine. Its temperature is hovering above 20 degrees, well clear the 18 degree mark that equates to ‘cold’.
So, is it really surprising that a few keen swimmers, myself included, are still taking the plunge?
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Step into the River
Step into the river!
To say the truth, these steps are more familiar to me as the way out…
Usually I get in via the steps nearer to the wharf. These are the best option when the tide is low since there is greater stability. It’s much easier to walk barefoot on wet sand than slippery, slimy mud. 🙂
Enough of that.
Let’s enjoy the scene.
I particularly love to look at the overhanging Gum. Generally I finish off my swim by relaxing on my back in the water and gazing up into its well-foliaged branches. These are a favourite resting place for birds such as Magpies and Noisy Miners. In its shade stands a gazebo or two, a perfect spot for picnickers or folk just wanting to sit and admire the view.
One of the joys of living near the Georges River in Sydney, Australia.
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The View from the Baths
I’ve often showed you photographs of the baths. So far, all these shots have been taken from dry land.
Today I’m about to show you one of the many views from within the water.
This is just a glimpse of what swimmers and others who dare to set foot in the baths can see. Unfortunately I haven’t yet taken a photograph of one of my favourite sights: a skyward view of a delightful gum tree that overhangs the steps into the water. Perhaps some other time…
Meanwhile, here’s a sight familiar to me as a regular swimmer there.
Enjoy!
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Love a Duck!
Love a Duck!!
Readers of this blog will be aware of my fondness for these sweet feathered friends that so often bring a smile to my face….
Here’s a photo of a handsome male, swimming in a suburban Sydney river baths.
Enjoy!
This is where I’d like to be…..
And had it not been for Sydney’s predicted extreme weather, I would be….
Ron drove Chicki and me to the park gates earlier today, but that was as far as we got. The park had been closed to both vehicles and pedestrians…..
At that time, the temperatures were quite mild, and the wind not particularly strong. But this afternoon, it’s likely to be a different story.
Oh well, hopefully, tomorrow (in the cooler, showery weather), we’ll be allowed in to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the bush and the river.
Where I’d Like to Be….
Chicki in the doorway: ‘It’s raining, Mummy!’
What a difference a day makes!
After a lengthy spell of dry weather, the heavens opened up today here in Sydney, Australia.
I for one quite enjoy walking in the rain, and Chicki our Maltese doesn’t shirk from accompanying me.
There’s nothing quite like observing the effects of rain on water and surrounding areas. Misty vistas and intriguing patterns on the water are special highlights.
Enjoy!
The river in the rain
They say time and tide waits for no man.
Having lived near a river for most of my life, I’ve had ample opportunity to observe the the ebb and flow of the water. What a difference it makes!
At extreme low tide, swimming in the baths is impossible. Christmas tides peak at extraordinary levels, but the corresponding low level is just as spectacular in its own way.
Here’s a photo taken at low tide at an area just beside the baths.
Low tide
Enjoy!
margaret lynette sharp 