Friday, February 29, 2008

Orontes Beacon


This beacon marks the northern end of the Orontes Bank. When sailing from Adelaide to Port Vincent one needs to pass this beacon to port.

When we sailed across the gulf we navigated using a GPS, but found out that the coordinates we had for this beacon were inaccurate; about half a nautical mile out. When we passed the beacon we marked it on the GPS, so now I have an accurate reading for the next voyage.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Sheltered haven

I have previously mentioned one of my pastimes - sailing. Adelaide is located about halfway up the Gulf of Saint Vincent. The gulf affords great sailing conditions, but unfortunately there are no natural inlets or bays that offer all round protection for anchoring.

Apart from the facilities in Adelaide there are now two marinas in the gulf; one south of Adelaide and the other across the gulf at Port Vincent. Yesterday a friend and I sailed 35 nautical miles across the gulf and docked for the night in this lovely marina; a nice onshore amenities block and about a kilometre walk into the town.

To my ABC Wednesday visitors - as I was away on Wednesday and have only just returned after a tiring day, I will endeavour to catch up with visits to your sites tomorrow.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

ABC Wednesdays - F for Flinders

The Flinders Ranges start several hundred kilometres north of Adelaide and are one of the top tourist destinations in our state. Nowadays they are easily accessible in a standard vehicle as there are bitumen roads to the main towns. For the more adventurous there are still many offroad tracks to explore; in 4 wheel drives and on foot.

In 2002 when I took this photo I was on a cycling tour in the northern Flinders Ranges with a local Adelaide based cycling group.; another great way to explore the beautiful countryside.

The Flinders Ranges were named after the English explorer who mapped our coastline in 1802. His favourable reports lead to the establishment of the new colony of South Australia.

To find out more about ABC Wednesdays and see links to other participants' sites go to mrs nesbitts place

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Clipsal 500 Sunday Concert

Click on photos to enlarge
As mentioned yesterday after each day at the Clipsal 500 there was a free concert. We went on Sunday, partly for the race and partly for the concert. Long before the end of the race people started to claim a spot in front of the stage. The concert started at 5.15pm and ended about 4 hours later and featured two world class performances; Doc Neeson's Angels and Santana.

Doc Neeson was the frontman for the highly popular band the Angels in the late 70's and 80's. His current band's performance certainly got the crowd going and into a party mood.

Carlos Santana is a legend, having been in the business for over 40 years. This concert was included in his current Australia tour. He certainly is a master on guitar and his supporting band also are accomplished musicians. We were treated to two hours of non stop exciting and rhythmical music; fantastic!

Monday, February 25, 2008

The Clipsal 500

Not only did Adelaide have the opening of the Fringe last weekend, it was host to its 10th V8 Supercar race, the Clipsal 500. Steeets on the eastern side of the city are transformed into a racetrack. The event runs for four days, with the main race being held on Sunday. The cars are Australian designed and built Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon street cars; highly modified for racing.

Obviously not everyone loves this event; street closures cause major disruptions in the days prior to and during the event. It is good for the state financially as it attracts many interstate visitors. Each year the number of spectators grow; this year 294,400 people attended over the four days.

After each day's racing, patrons are treated to a free concert; more on this tomorrow!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

The Stag Hotel

The Stag Hotel was well patronised on the Fringe Festival opening night. This 158 year old heritage listed hotel is always popular; especially on nights like this. Behind me is a stage in Rymill Park where several bands played throughout the night, so the patrons would have had a bird's eye view.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Adelaide Fringe Street Party

Last night my wife and I went into the city for a street party that celebrated the opening of the 2008 Fringe Festival. There were several performance pods along the street and numerous roaming performers like this tall beauty; a member of the Queens of Wild Frontiers.

It was estimated that there were 40000 people attending. It sure felt like it as we wove our way through the crowd as we made our way along the Rundle Street - the things I do to get photos to share :-)

This year's Fringe Festival program has 543 events and will continue until March 16.

Friday, February 22, 2008

The Magdalene Window

Like all cathedrals, St Peter's has many stained glass windows. Many of these are traditional and were made in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

The Magdalene Window is contemporary; installed in 2001. A publication from the cathedral describes it as follows: The Magdalene Window acknowledges and celebrates the role of women in the Scriptures, in the history of the Church and in the forefront of social change in South Australia.

It was designed by David Wright, a glass artist from Melbourne.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

The reredos in St Peter's Cathedral

A reredos is an ornamental screen or wall at the back of an altar.

This magnificent work of art behind the altar in Adelaide's St Peters Cathedral dates back to the first decade of the 20th century.

The reredos was designed by Thomas H Lyon, an English architect and was crafted using English oak by Herbert Read Ltd in Devon. Nathanial Hitch of London carved the figures and panels.

The completed project was shipped out to Australia and assembled. Originally the figures were left with their natural timber tones. Whilst everyone agreed the work was beautiful, people complained because they could not really see them. After some negotiation with the makers, it was decided to disassemble the reredos and send it back to England to be painted.

The story goes that a cart carrying the goods broke an axle and they consequently missed the ship. This was indeed quite fortunate as the ship sunk on its voyage to England. The reredos was sent on another ship, the work was done and subsequently it arrived back in Adelaide to be reassembled. It was dedicated in 1910, by Bishop Arthur Thomas.

See previous posts about St Peters Cathedral click here and here.


Wednesday, February 20, 2008

ABC Wednesdays - E for elephant


No - elephants are not native to Australia and this isn't even a real one!

A few weeks back this and other 'living' creaures caught my eye. The display is in the front yard of a company that makes a range of interesting models, large and small.

My daughter collects elephant mementos, but I think this one would be out the realm of practicality!

To find out more about ABC Wednesdays and see links to other participants' sites go to mrs nesbitts place

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Warriparinga Wetlands

Just beyond where yesterday's photo was taken is the second of four lakes in the wetlands. The wetlands are visited by more than 30 species of birds; about a dozen are waterbirds.

Some key facts about the wetlands:
- located on a 3.5 hectare reserve
- 45,000 cubic metres of earth was shifted to the wetlands
- have a capacity of 23 million litres
- more than 8,000 local native plants were planted

The wetlands have been built to compensate for the damage done to the Patawalonga system by the building of a concrete drain; shown in a previous post.

You can read an article about the Warriparinga Wetlands here.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Morning feed

By the way the birds scurried towards this lady, I suspect she is regular visitor. The lake is part of the Warriparinga Wetlands, which is part of the Sturt Creek catchment. The wetland was created in 1998 to assist in cleaning up the water that flows into the Patawalonga.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Twilight lawn bowls

For the last couple of Wednesdays I have been a fill in in my son's team at a local lawn bowls club. Traditionally lawn bowls has been played during the day and the players adorn white clothes. In recent years a more relaxed evening competition has become popular at many suburban Adelaide bowling clubs; it attracts people of all ages and is open to men and women.

I went to a bowls club "come and try" open evening about 30 years ago, but did not take it up as I considered bowls as a game for the oldies. Maybe now the time is right for me to begin!|

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Amphitheate wall mural.

This mural is painted on the rear wall of Adelaide's Festival Theatre; at the rear of the Amphitheatre. It was painted by six local artists in 1992 from a design by Adelaide born Aboriginal artist Trevor Nickolls.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Yerrakartarta


Yerrakartarta is a contemporary Aboriginal art display in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel on North Terrace. The work was designed and directed by an Aboriginal artist, Darryl Pfitzner. It incorporates fossil-like animal forms and includes a large ceramic mural about the Tjilbruke Dreaming story.


The name Yerrakartarta means 'without design' or 'at random'.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

We're sorry

Yesterday Kevin Rudd, the Prime Minister of Australia, made history by apologizing for the actions of past governments in relation to the treatment of indigenous Australians.

The historic event was telecast live, and in Adelaide it was shown on a big screen on the banks of the River Torrens to a large gathering of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

He tabled a motion in parliament apologizing to Australia's Indigenous peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations and their families and communities, for laws and policies which had 'inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians.' The apology included a proposal for a policy commission to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in 'life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity.' (Quote from http://www.acn.net.au/articles/sorry/)

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

ABC Wednesdays - D for dunny

His and hers; these dunnies are located at a camping ground near Purnong on the banks of the River Murray. These toilets are longdrops; the seat is positioned over a deep hole - no flushing required. The buildings are constructed in a way that they could be moved to a new location if the hole gets filled up.

When I was child, just after the second world war, my parents had a dunny like this out the back in metropolitan Adelaide. My father then built a new house and its toilet was connected to the sewer; no need for the outhouse then.

PS. Even at this campsite there are 'proper' toilets and showers available.

To find out more about ABC Wednesdays go to mrs nesbitts place

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltenham Racecourse, which was established in 1895, is in Adelaide's western suburbs. Its owners, the South Australian Jockey Club, have put it up for sale. The current redevelopment plan for the area includes about 900 houses; 35% of the land will be retained as open space, with a wetland and walking and cycle paths to be developed.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Horse and rider gateway


























I found this gate the other day when cycling. This is an entrance to the Cheltenham Racecourse, one of Adelaide's three horse racing venues. I thought it was pretty unique; the horse and rider are sculptured from pieces of steel.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Chinese street party food

This stall was doing a roaring trade. They were selling XinJiang Lamb Shaslicks for $2.50 each; they were delicious. The chap with the black hat drew the crowd in; describing what he was doing and telling how nice they were. You can see by the queue that they were very popular.

There were lots of other food stalls set up in the street and the regular stalls in the adjacent food courts were busy too. I am sure the event organizers would have been pleased with the number of people in attendance.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Chinese Lunar New Year Street Party

Today there was street party in Adelaide's Chinatown to celebrate the beginning of the lunar new year; the year of the rat. A highlight was a lion dance; very colourful and energetic.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Ok, I'll follow you.

Really, I wonder what the pelican at the rear was thinking? I took this photo back in October whilst on a very relaxing camping weekend at Purnong, on the River Murray.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Inside St Peter's Cathedral

This a view inside St Peter's Cathedral. I will post more photos at a later date after I go on a guided tour; I will be more informed then!

The more I get into this daily photo blogging, the more I am enjoying it. It is opening my eyes to the beautiful and interesting places in my own backyard and I am so enjoying seeing and reading about other places throughout the world.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Abc Wednesdays - C for cathedral

This is St Peters Cathedral, the head place of worship of the Anglican Church in Adelaide.

Last year we travelled to France and saw many beautiful churches and other old buildings. Whilst this cathedral is not as large or as old as the Notre Dames in Paris and Lyon, it is none the less a significant and beautiful building.

The first stone was laid in 1869 and the cathedral was officially opened in 1904. Architect Edward John Woods used plans purchased from William Butterfield of England. Wood's work was influenced by French Gothic architecture; there are features similar to the Notre Dame in Paris.

Tomorrow I will post a view of the inside of the cathedral.

To find out more about ABC Wednesdays go to mrs nesbitts place.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

A metropolitan train

This is a three car 2000/2100-class train en route to Adelaide from Noarlunga. Despite their age they are air-conditioned and quite comfortable. However, recently there have been a growing number of problems with breakdowns and mishaps. Many people have lost confidence in the reliability of catching trains and hence the call for a major upgrade. 

Tickets used on trains can also be used on buses and trams. Once activated you can use the ticket for two hours, and you can transfer to another service. A range of tickets are available; singles, multi-trip and daily. On a daily ticket you can travel anywhere on the network and can transfer as often as you like; great for tourists.

Areas are designated for the carriage of bicycles; free of charge in off peak periods. All stations and trains also have wheelchair access and elderly and disabled people can also use their four wheel motorized chairs on trains.

See the Adelaide Metro website for detailed information and prices.


Monday, February 4, 2008

Adelaide's trains

This photo shows Adelaide's metropolitan train depot; on the north-western outskirts of the city. Adelaide's trains run on diesel fuel and and are an aging fleet. All other capital cities in Australia have electric trains.

Currently there is a lot of discussion about what to do in the future to modernize them and improve the services; including a proposal to go electric. The State's opposition political party has costed the project at 1.5 billion dollars and is suggesting it will make it part of their election campaign in 2010.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

A brisk sea breeze

In stark contrast to yesterday's photo, the conditions are perfect for kite surfing. This sport, together with wind surfing, is growing in popularity on our metropolitan beaches.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Twilight sailing

This photo was taken in late autumn. At that time of year we have many days with light winds in the afternoon, unlike now in the summer when we nearly always get strong afternoon sea breezes.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Adelaide - Festival City


When people think of Adelaide they think of a place with a relaxed lifestyle. It is a convenient sized city which offers plenty of sporting, cultural and natural activities; nestled between the hills and the coast, there is something for everyone. It is also blessed with a temperate climate with plenty of sunshine.

Historically, Adelaide has been dubbed the City of Churches; a reflection of the religious freedom and a range of ethic peoples that have settled here.

In recent years, Adelaide has been promoted as the Festival City. In March we have the Adelaide Festival of Arts which has been held biennially since 1960.

Also we have the Fringe Festival, the second largest in the world, which is now held annually in March. The 2008 Fringe has 543 shows in 281 different venues.

The photo above shows the entrance to The Garden of Unearthly Delights, one of the venues which was set up in the parklands for last year's Fringe. The following photo shows the festive atmosphere in the gardens; several large tents were set up for performances.

Other festivals include the Adelaide Festival of Ideas, Adelaide Writers' Week, Feast Festival, WOMADelaide, Adelaide International Guitar Festival and Adelaide Film Festival.

I guess if I cover all of these in my blog I will not be short of material!


Today is a CDP theme day (When people think of my city, they think of...)
This month there are 135 participants. Please pay them a visit but keep in mind that not everyone lives on the same time zone so some blogs may not yet be posted.

Portland (OR), USA - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Memphis (Tennessee), USA - Manila, Philippines - San Diego (CA), USA - Anderson (SC), USA - New York City (NY), USA - San Diego (CA), USA - Mexico City, Mexico - San Francisco (CA), USA - Mumbai (Maharashtra), India - Mainz, Germany - Weston (FL), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Turin, Italy - Las Vegas (NV), USA - Hobart (Tasmania), Australia - Bicheno, Australia - Durban, South Africa - Joplin (MO), USA - Nashville (TN), USA - Stockholm, Sweden - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Brussels, Belgium - Chicago (IL), USA - Montpellier, France - Seattle (WA), USAMazatlan, Mexico - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Sharon (CT), USA - Sesimbra, Portugal - Toulouse, France - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Susanville (CA), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - Helsinki, Finland - Pilisvörösvár, Hungary - Lisbon, Portugal - Mexico (DF), Mexico - Trujillo, Peru - Dunedin (FL), USA - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - London, UK - Baziège, France - Jefferson City (MO), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Selma (AL), USA - Mumbai, India - Naples (FL), USA - Norwich (Norfolk), UK - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Setúbal, Portugal - Stayton (OR), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Sofia, Bulgaria - Arradon, France - Montego Bay, Jamaica - Athens, Greece - Austin (TX), USA - Singapore, Singapore - West Sacramento (CA), USA - Jackson (MS), USA - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Budapest, Hungary - Rotterdam, Netherlands - St Malo, FranceChandler (AZ), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Port Vila, Vanuatu - Cleveland (OH), USA - Nottingham, UK - Kansas City (MO), USA - The Hague, Netherlands - Crystal Lake (IL), USA - Wrocław, Poland - Chateaubriant, France - Cheltenham, UK - Moscow, Russia - Monrovia (CA), USA - Saigon, Vietnam - Toruń, Poland - Grenoble, France - Lisbon, Portugal - New Orleans (LA), USA - Sydney, Australia - Boston (MA), USA - American Fork (UT), USA - Boston (MA), USA - Montréal (QC), Canada - Wichita (KS), USA - Radonvilliers, France - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Christchurch, New Zealand - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Wailea (HI), USA - Aliso Viejo (CA), USA - St Francis, South Africa - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Seattle (WA), USA - Pasadena (CA), USA - Vienna, Austria - Orlando (FL), USA - Torun, Poland - Delta (CO), USA - Santa Fe (NM), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Haninge, Sweden - Paris, France - Stavanger, Norway - Niamey, Niger - Le Guilvinec, France - Bogor, Indonesia - Saarbrücken, Germany - Auckland, New Zealand - Wellington, New Zealand - Budapest, Hungary - Juneau (AK), USA - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Glasgow, Scotland - Chicago (IL), USA - Jakarta, Indonesia - Adelaide (SA), Australia - Sydney, Australia - Riga, Latvia - Subang Jaya (Selangor), Malaysia - Terrell (TX), USA - Terrell (TX), USA - -