Holdfast Shores - outer marina

Click on the photo to enlarge

Tonight there will plenty of New Year's Eve partying here; on the boats and in the cafes and restaurants. Nearing midnight many of the boats will head out to sea to view a fireworks display at the end of the jetty. Crowds of other people will line the shore to watch the spectacle.

Today has been sweltering, 42C maximum, so I suspect tonight there could be record numbers at the beach trying to cool off. Usually I would be part of the action here, but tonight for a change Bev and I are going to a party at a friend's house in the hills. Let's hope there are no FIREworks there; unfortunately bushfires are a real threat at this time of the year.

Happy New Year!

Bay Sports Paddles-Fest

Click on the photo to enlarge

Another Bay Sports Festival event. The Patawalonga is an ideal venue for watersports; sheltered and safe. A few years back it was not considered safe due to contamination, but since the building of the Barcoo Outlet, most storm water that used to flow into the waterway, now flows directly into the sea. Water is also flushed through the weir.

Bay Sheffield Athletics Carnival

Click on the photo to enlarge

Yesterday was the final day of the 121st Bay Sheffield. The two day carnival, held in Colley Reserve at Glenelg, attracts some of the best runners from all over Australia. This year's Bay Sheffield Gift final was won by Damian Tohl. His father won the race back in 1981; history was made as they are the only father/son duo to have won.

The photo is of one of the women's heats earlier in the day.

Proclamation Day

Click on the photo to enlarge

December the 28th is Proclamation Day. On this day in 1836 Governor John Hindmarsh's secretary, George Stevenson, read a document known as the Proclamation of South Australia. Every year since a ceremony has been held under the "Old Gum Tree" at Glenelg.

Today's ceremony was attended by hundreds of descendants and other interested persons. The Proclamation document was read and addresses were made by the Mayor of Holdfast Bay, the Governor of South Australia and a representative for the state's Premier.

Glenelg - view from the sea

Click on the photo to enlarge

Today was a glorious day, 30C with a clear blue sky and light winds. I took a friend and his Swedish guests sailing. Just before we returned to the marina, I took this photo of Glenelg. This is beachside Adelaide at its best; the buildings glowing in the rays of the late afternoon sun.

In the foreground is the Glenelg Jetty. The historic town hall is in the centre. On its left is the Beach House, a carnival type complex. To the right of the town hall is the Glenelg square, which includes the tram terminus. The large building further right is the Ramada Grand Hotel

Bay Sports Festival

The Bay Sports Festival runs at the Glenelg foreshore from 26th to 31st December. Events include running, swimming, cycling, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, canoeing and chess (one for the brain!) . This was the start of a fun run from the Glenelg Jetty to the Brighton Jetty and return - a good way to burn up calories from the excesses of yesterday's Christmas lunch!

Christmas gifts

Today was the day. Children all over the world would have had expressions of excitement when receiving gifts. Children in this photo, taken at a community carols event last week, are truely excited at the prospect of receiving a gift from Santa - a lolly (a sweet)!

Christmas Lights

Many private houses are decorated with lights at Christmas time. This is my son's display.

I extend seasons greetings to my new-found friends in the CDP community.

Going nowhere

When I was photographing in the upper reaches of Sturt Creek yesterday, I noticed this duck. The water was flowing quite swiftly, and the duck paddled into the flow, but remained in one spot; motionless.

Up the creek

Today I went up the Sturt Creek to see the river in its natural state. I took this shot a few kilometres upstream from the start of the concrete drain. Even here the water was dirty from the storm water run off, but unlike water flowing along a drain, nature here can play a part in filtering it.

A lot is being been done to try to clean the water before it reaches the sea - pollutant traps, trash racks and wetlands. We are still "up the creek" with the state of our water - more has to be done!

Rain at last

It has been very dry in Adelaide, with less than average rainfall throughout the year. We are on level 3 water restrictions, which means limited watering of gardens. Today we had soaking rain; about 26mm (1 inch).

When the rain eased I headed to my local "river" to have a look. This concrete drain used to be the Sturt River, but about thirty years ago the drain was built to prevent flooding of surrounding areas. The water flows to the sea via the Patawalonga Basin.

Glenelg Town Hall

Just across from the tram terminal is this historic building. Built between 1875 and 1877, it was originally the Glenelg Institute. It became Glenelg's townhall ten years later. It now houses the Bay Discovery Centre.

Glenelg tram

Last Sunday I spotted one of our old H type trams and remembered this photo I took last January at the Glenelg terminus. New Flexity trams were introduced last year, but one heritage tram runs on weekends as a tourist attraction.

Street party

Last night we joined with about 30 neighbours for a get together before Christmas. In some districts people actually have their parties in the street, but we have it in my next door neighbour's front yard. People bring salads and sweets to share. The host very ably cooks everyone's meat on his barbecue; char-grilled. Yum!

Man-made waterfall

The sight of flowing water is rare in Adelaide at this time of the year. This waterfall is at the Thorndon Park Reservoir Reserve. Water flows from one lake into another and is recirculated with water transfer chutes. The reserve, opened to the public in 1979, underwent major redevelopment in 2003.

Thorndon Park Reservoir Reserve

Today I went on a cycling ride and had lunch at this scenic spot. Thorndon Park Reservoir was built in 1860 to supply water to the new growing city of Adelaide. The reservoir was decommissioned in 1986 and a recreational reserve was established. A photo and information about the reservoir can be viewed here.

Christmas sand sculpture - completed

This sand sculpture took four world class sculptors six days to complete and used over 40 tons of sand. They used "brickies" sand which is heavier than beach sand. It is a square grained sand and has some clay content. Before sculpting the sand is tightly compacted. Finished sculptures could last for up to three months, but this sculpture will only be on display until just after Christmas.

Christmas sand scultpure

A Christmas sand sculpture entitled "Musical Honky Tonk Christmas" has been built in Rundle Mall by a team of international sculptors. This photo was taken on Wednesday partway through its construction. The completed sculpture will be on display from tomorrow (Saturday), complete with lights and music.

Photo by Bev

Farewell assembly

This morning I attended a special school assembly to honour the departure of some staff members. This was no ordinary farewell! Each person was presented with a book which was individually signed by students from all classes in the school. The whole event was cleverly choreographed by Barb, a teacher at the school. A music/dance segment was performed in honour of each of the departees.

Port Stanvac

Today I sailed along the coast to Port Stanvac. The oil refinery here closed in 2003 after operating for 40 years. The state government is now proposing to build a desalination plant on the site. The plant would supply Adelaide with about 20 percent of its water.

Out to sea

This is view from inside the lock at Glenelg. The lock gates slide across once the water level is equal to that outside. This photo was taken last week, but I am looking forward to another pleasant day in the gulf tomorrow. The forecast is for 29C (84F) with light to moderate winds. Perfect!

Sea Rescue Services

In South Australia marine rescue services are provided by volunteer groups. In the Adelaide area there are two main organisations - the SA Sea Rescue Squadron and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Patrol. In addition to organization owned boats such as the one shown, members' private boats are called upon in the event of a major emergency. The Surf Lifesaving South Australia jet boats (pictured yesterday) may also be involved.

Mock sea rescue

This morning there was a joint mock rescue exercise at West Beach involving sea rescue groups, and police and ambulance services. It was a simulation to rehearse rescue procedures in the event of a plane crash off the coast.

An Aussie Gardener

This morning I went back to the West End Brewery's riverside display to take some daytime shots. I think this fellow has been taking good care of the plants.

Jazz Club

Last night we had an enjoyable night out listening to some great music at a local hotel; the Southern Jazz Club features different bands there each Thursday night. My wife and I went along to especially hear a friend playing. It was special night for her as it was the first time she has played her double bass for many years. She plays bass guitar in the concert band I belong to.

A pipe smoking Frosty the Snowman

Another shot from the riverbank Christmas display. I really wonder about this one! In a country where smoking is being strongly discouraged, we have a pipe smoking snowman in a family oriented display. In South Australia there has been a ban on advertising smoking on billboards, TV and radio and in newspapers and at sporting events for many years. Smoking is banned on school grounds, workplaces and shops and just recently has been banned in clubs and hotels. So is this appropriate?

Brewery Riverbank Display (2)

Another view of the riverbank display. The Christmas display remains until early January, but occasionally other displays are set up to celebrate special events in the city. The gardens on the river bank were first established in 1958 by workers at the Southwark Brewery, and have been progressively developed and maintained since then. The displays are sponsored by various private companies.

Brewery Riverbank Display

On Sunday night after our carols event, a group of band members visited the Christmas display on the south bank of the River Torrens at Thebarton. The display was first set up in 1959 and now more than 100,000 people visit it each year.

Captain Charles Sturt's Cottage

Captain Charles Sturt was one of Australia's most famous explorers. His most significant exploration expedition was the one in which he navigated the River Murray from the east of Australia to its mouth at Goolwa in South Australia.

This cottage at Grange was built in 1840, four years after South Australia was settled. It was home to Sturt and his family until 1853. The cottage was restored as a museum in 1960 and houses many original items of furniture and artifacts.

Carols at Sturt Cottage

At this time of the year there are many Christmas events. I play in the Henley and Grange Concert Band (a community band) and we play at several carols nights. Tonight was our first; in the grounds of Sturt Cottage at Grange, a western seaside suburb of Adelaide.

Theme Day: Bridges

I have not registered for the theme day, but am posting a bridge photo anyway. This is the King Street Bridge which spans the Patawalonga. It is in need of major repairs or replacement. The bridge was named after Thomas King, mayor of Glenelg from 1882 to 1884.

There are 128 blogs participating in this theme day:
Boston (MA), USA - San Diego (CA), USA - Stayton (OR), USA - New York City (NY), USA - Portland (OR), USA - Montego Bay, Jamaica - Inverness (IL), USA - Singapore, Singapore - Stockholm, Sweden - Setúbal, Portugal - Brussels, Belgium - Phoenix (AZ), USA - Seattle (WA), USA - Hyde, UK - Manila, Philippines - Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA - London, England - Austin (TX), USA - Toulouse, France - Weston (FL), USA - Sesimbra, Portugal - Selma (AL), USA - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Saarbrücken, Germany - Cleveland (OH), USA - Crystal Lake (IL), USA - American Fork (UT), USA - Seoul, South Korea - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Norwich (Norfolk), UK - North Bay (ON), Canada - Arradon, France - Paderborn, Germany - Durban, South Africa - Philadelphia (PA), USA - Cypress (TX), USA - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - Portland (OR), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Boston (MA), USA - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Wichita (Ks), USA - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Petaling Jaya (Selangor), Malaysia - Grenoble, France - New York City (NY), USA - Nottingham, UK - Hobart (Tasmania), Australia - Arlington (VA), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Miami (FL), USA - Cheltenham, UK - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Saratoga Spgs. (NY), USA - Las Vegas (NV), USA - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Nashville (TN), USA - Toruń, Poland - New Orleans (LA), USA - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Melbourne, Australia - Moscow, Russia - Trujillo, Peru - Château-Gontier, France - Quincy (MA), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Port Vila, Vanuatu - Joplin (MO), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Brookville (OH), USAChateaubriant, France - Chandler (AZ), USA - Stavanger, Norway - Baziège, France - Auckland, New Zealand - Wellington, New Zealand - Ocean Township (NJ), USA - Subang Jaya (Selangor), Malaysia - Detroit (MI), USA - Riga, Latvia - Nelson, New Zealand - Budapest, Hungary - Cape Town, South Africa - Sydney, Australia - Dunedin (FL), USA - Sofia, Bulgaria - Radonvilliers, France - Turin, Italy - Montpellier, France - Kansas City (MO), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Haninge, Sweden - Wailea (HI), USA - Lubbock (TX), USA - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Terrell (TX), USA - Mexico City, Mexico - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Budapest, Hungary - Montréal (QC), Canada - Sharon (CT), USA - Le Guilvinec, France - Jefferson City (MO), USA - Saigon, Vietnam - London, UK - Crepy-en-Valois, France - Orlando (FL), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Paris, France - Mainz, Germany - Newcastle (NSW), Australia - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Darmstadt, Germany - Naples (FL), USA - Torino, Italy - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Bogor, Indonesia - The Hague, Netherlands - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Anderson (SC), USA - Melbourne (VIC), Australia - West Sacramento (CA), USA - Christchurch, New Zealand -

Boat on slip

The joys of boating! Most of the time sailing is fun, but there is always the inevitable day each year one must pay attention below the water line. This means slipping the boat, cleaning off the slime and growth and applying new anti-fouling. Today was the day!

Photo by Matt

Patawalonga weir

The Patawalonga Basin was successfully created with the building of this weir and a lock in 1960. In the redevelopment several years ago, the basin was dredged to create the fine marina we have now. A new larger lock was built to accommodate larger vessels. I took this photo this morning; we do have some beautiful weather at this time of the year!

Australian fur seal

Like a fish out of water, this seal has found a "rock" in the marina so that he can bask in the sun. (I am not really sure whether this is a fur seal or a sea lion; both are similar. It is unusual to see these mammals near Adelaide as their colonies are further south. It is certainly rare to see one in the marina.)

Holdfast Shores Marina

My second home! I spend quite a lot of time here, maintaining my yacht or preparing for a sail. This is the inner Holdfast Shores marina in the Pat (Patawalonga). To go out to sea we need to go through a lock, which is operated with a remote controller; a bit like a garage roller door.

Sailing

Sailing is one of the many popular activities on the water along our coast. It is one of my passions and I take to the water as often as possible. This photo was taken off West Beach; with the Adelaide hills (Mt Lofty Ranges) as a backdrop.

Dune preservation

As part of Adelaide's coastal protection plan, the remaining dunes along the suburban coast are being preserved. These dunes are at West Beach, a few kilometres north of Glenelg.

Moving sand

We love our white sandy beaches, but sadly they now come at a price. There is a natural drift of sand northward along the coast. For many years now sand has been trucked from our northern beaches and dumped on southern beaches.

Additionally sand is trapped due to man made features like the Holdfast Bay Marina at Glenelg. This photo shows sand being scooped up ready for transportation to the beach at North Glenelg or to one of the southern beaches.

Glenelg Beach

The first European settlers went ashore at this spot. Now the beach is playground to many beach goers; today there was a schools' beach volleyball competition. The first settlers climbed over the sandhills to the Patawalonga Creek where they pitched tents and erected temporary shelters. They lived there until they were allocated land in Adelaide; 12 km inland. Things have certainly changed in 170 years; the sandhills are gone, but the beach is the same ...... or is it?

Buffalo Restaurant

Where to start? I have chosen to post this picture of a replica of the Buffalo; the ship that brought South Australia's new colonists here in 1836. The boat shown is actually a restaurant and is located on the east bank of the Patawalonga at Glenelg.