Robert's Ramblings

A few weeks back while exploring the Victorian Pyrenees we stumbled upon what is probably one of Country Victoria’s best kept secrets.

Looking for a bit of lunch we found ourselves in the sleepy town of Avoca. A bakery was our wish and boy did we find a bakery we will never forget. We knew we were somewhere special when we walked in the door and started reading the pies on offer.

Crocodile in Malaysian satay, camel in honey soy, venison in black bean, Moroccan kangaroo, barbecue emu, buffalo in napolitana, seafood marinara, scallop in lemon and salmon with lemon and potato were just the start!

I settled for the kangaroo, Jennifer went for the cauliflower cheese and both of us agreed these were some of the most amazing pies we have ever had. Clearly we were not alone in our culinary admiration as half the town flocked in behind us for their lunchtime break.

We have to come back to try the rest. And soon!


#Pies #bakery #pyrenees #avoca #pyreneespies #goldfields #victoria #country

You were a mentor, a role model, a peer and a friend.

During the years we have known each other you taught me so much about this craft we love.
You encouraged my critical eye, you never tolerated mediocrity, and you always spoke your mind.

A week ago you said goodbye for the last time.

Thank you for everything, we all will miss you dearly.


#blackandwhite #silhouette #twilight #sunset #monochrome

I love night photography, its challenges and the reward of capturing the feel of urban lighting.

With the iconic Glenelg Town Hall clock tower, beachfront Friday nightlife and the ferris wheel in full motion the scene was set for a great photo opportunity. Set up the tripod, plan a set of HDR exposures and capture some images. What could be easier?

Last night was an extraordinary night with the temperature around 30 degrees all night so I suggested to the family we head out for an evening on the water and maybe I’d bring my camera along just in case.

Here a half a kilometre off Glenelg beach rocking about in a little boat there was no stable platform for a tripod and no opportunity for a set of HDR exposures but the view was so lovely I needed to at least try. This single hand held (in a rocking boat) shot at 1/80s was the best I could do.

Regardless it was a fun evening with my family so a bit of photography was simply a bonus.


#Glenelg #ferriswheel #nightlife #night #nightphotography #boating #beach #southaustralia

It’s late and the choppy seas are just a lingering tell of the heady afternoon sea breeze now gone.

No point in having sail up anymore, it will just slow us down.

It’s motoring from here, and another diesel homecoming.


#Yacht #boats #marinorocks #sunset #twilight #ocean #aerial

Friday’s commute home was a real treat with an unplanned exploration of the Port River and the little spit of land adjacent to Section Bank.

I don’t know what this little island is called but there is always some waterfowl action going on here. On this occasion I discovered this social gathering. With no sign of nesting here I guess it’s a full on pelican party!

Yet another untouched wild place on my doorstep.

#Pelicans #beach #aerial #sectionbank #portriver #outerharbour

The problem with capturing birds in flight is that; well they’re in flight! Unless of course they can hover under joystick control. Jokes aside it took me a while before I was convinced that this bird was worth capturing.

It will never compete with a full size DSLR hanging under a five figure professional drone, nevertheless it does an incredible job for what it is. Even that gimmicky telephoto second camera has made possible some shots I’d not have been able to capture any other way.

Drone photography creates opportunities for unique vantages and perspectives. Often it’s not even about height, but attaining an otherwise impossible vantage point.

Obviously it will never compete with a DSLR for image quality but might just be the most fun camera I will ever use!


#drone #mavic3 #dji #bokeh #dof #flight #wildlife #portrait

It might look like the Gotham City fictional superhero’s ride but rest assured this stealthy piece of French hardware would have the batmobile for dinner and spit out the bones.

The Ligier JS P320 is a Le Mans Prototype class (LM) racing car that – believe it or not – is pitched at ‘entry level’ drivers! Clearly we are not talking graduates from the local driving instructor. Anyone even thinking about getting into the cockpit of this bombshell is already in a completely different league to the average road car driver.

Despite having only 460 brake horsepower from a Nissan 5.6 litre V8, there are people on my street who claim to have more grunt under their own bonnets, it’s how you use those horses that counts.

I’d rather this French beauty than the local street muscle any day but sadly there’s no chance for a ride here as it’s a single seater.

For now I’m just happy to watch!


#Ligier #lmp3 #motorsports #thebend #cars #Onroak
#Batmobile #nissan #jsp320