There are so many beautiful walks around this area, and I never tire of them. There is always something new to see. The changes in light, colour and detail depends on the time of day. The Australian bush is ever changing, an aspect that I did not always appreciate here.
I go out with the walking group, but as this involves talking and listening to others I am not always aware of my surroundings. But it is important to be out with people. So I forego the scenery.
The walks that Walter and I complete and the ones I do on my own with Piper, are the occasions when I take the most notice of the surrounding countryside.
This photograph was taken on a late afternoon walk along the Onkaparinga River in Old Noarlunga. The cliffs on the other side of the river, had interesting rock strata.
The river was dark and mysterious. Excuse my fingers on the left of the photograph. An added feature!
There were two pelicans high up in the gum trees.
When we walked around the wetlands Donna took a photograph of the startled looking kangaroos. The photograph was taken before we had rain, when the countryside was parched and very dry. Those poor kangaroos had come over from the scrub to find some grass. Piper always stays on the lead here, due to the snakes, plus the kangaroos who would tear her to pieces with their sharp claws if she cornered them.
On this day the water level was very low due to the lack of rain, and the bird life was equally as scarce. The wetlands in Aldinga, and I think the same applies to much of the south coast, were established to cater for the large run off of water from roads and houses. It is all part of the planning process for the area. The rain water is channelled into a series of wetlands, where the water is filtered through reed beds before it enters the sea. There are also underground tanks which collect all the rubbish, and this is also part of the filtration system. It is a marvellous ecological system and certainly protects the ocean waters and provides an area for the bird and animal life.
A walk on the west side of the Onkaparinga River, which was once a farm. A lovely scrub area, called Pringle Farm, now home to lots of kangaroos. Sadly new houses will soon be built close to this area. The land was sold off years ago and there is now nothing that can be done. There have been a committed band of protesters who put great effort into trying to save the area for the kangaroos that live there, but to no avail, the developers won out. They had more money and influence!
A view back to the old farm buildings.
Port Willunga beach, which currently has a level sloping beach, and even a small sandbar. During summer the beach sloped down very sharply, and the water became quite deep within a few metres. Storms change the beach regularly, and it is amazing to see rocks appear or disappear after each storm. I love this beach most of all. There will always be plenty of photographs of Port Willunga!
And behind the beach there is a large reserve, which I have discovered recently. A huge area, and perfect for throwing a ball to Piper. There are no kangaroos here, just piles of rabbit poo, so quite safe to let her off the lead. The reserve is part of the flood plains for the Willunga Creek which flows through here, when it rains of course. Currently the snakes are in hibernation so altogether quite safe for dogs.
Alongside the creek there is a beautiful tree lined path, with houses running beside it. A lovely setting for sure.
And at the end of the path, just before the board walk over the sand dunes there was a derelict house, built around 1880 and occupied until 1966. It used to be the Harbour Master's cottage when Port Willunga was a port. I found this information on line as there was no sign outside the house, but the ruin was well cared for by someone.
The rock strata, limestone, and granite plus soil. Such fascinating cliffs here.
Last Sunday, the Southern Harriers organised a 10 km run and a half marathon, which started at the Aldinga Surf Life Saving Club. Emma and Donna completed the 10km run and Steve completed the half marathon. Piper and I were the supporters, although Piper really wanted to run with them, and it was difficult to hold her back.
The scenery for the run was pretty spectacular. It included running on the beach, around the scrub area, and for the half marathon runners a stretch of the esplanade too.
Emma and Donna, plus a keen Piper, waiting to start their run. There was certainly a great turnout. It was also well organised too.
The start of the run went towards Sellicks Beach and then returned to the Surf Life Saving Club.
Emma and Donna were in this group. I can see Emma in the photograph, in blue, and I think Donna is waving to me, on the other side of Emma.
Emma was just about at the finish in this photograph.
And Steve running towards the finishing line.
My apologies Donna, as Piper kept wanting to run towards you every time I tried to take a photograph! Stopping her from running away and taking a photograph at the same time was a near impossibility.
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