Visit to Australia
In August 2014, I received the sad news that my Uncle in Australia (actually my ‘true’ Aunt’s husband) had died. Although I only met Geoff a handful of times, either here in England, when they would visit my Aunt’s family, or when my own family would go over and visit them and their four kids (my cousins) and their own families.
Geoff was a really likeable guy, who knew a lot about a lot…… and I can truly say he was one of the most pleasant and knowledgeable guys I have ever met… We would walk in the bush, he would show us the native flora & fauna, and explain the in’s and out of everything. So when I heard of his death, I flew out to support my Aunt, and in fact although I only arrived in the small hours on the day of his funeral, managed to give a eulogy at the service.
Myself and A. Pam, meeting up after arriving, ready for Geoff’s funeral.
In happier times, and previous visits, we would often go out for meals, with the family and visit the local beauty spots around Perth, were we would laugh so much… and simply enjoy the day in each other company…
A meal in Pam & Geoff’s favourite restaurant… L-R… Pam. Ann (my wife) Graham (Jacky’s husband). Jacky (Pams eldest daughter), Me… and Geoff
A night out. round at Pam & Geoff’s, son Ian. and his wife Emma.
After Geoff’s funeral, we went once again to their favourite restaurant for the funeral breakfast, along with all the family including Pam’s Grandchildren, were we laughed joked and reminisced, on Geoff’s childhood in the arid North-west of Australia, to his time in the Australian Merchant Navy. and him meeting Pam at a seamen’s mission dance, in our home town of Liverpool…
The Family
L-R… Dianne (P&G’s 2nd daughter), Andrew (Jackies eldest son), James (Jakies youngest son), Pam… Jackie (P&G’s 1st daughter), Graham (Jackie’s husband), Yvonne (P&G’s 3rd daughter), Dave (Yvonne’s husband)
below is a short (5:30min) video of some of the Flora & Fauna, I photographed whilst I was there, and I dedicate it to Geoff, a man who taught me much about Australia itself… to view it in HD… click on the cog and choose a quality option to view….. The video comes with sound… so turn the speakers on… or better still…. get the earphones/headphones out !!! lol
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Well….l’ve lived here all my life and not seen most of those birds you captured photos of.
That video absolutely blew my mind…it was amazing.
The opening photo (0.18) of house steeple in background, rotunda at 1.49, lake at 3.24, bridge shot at 3.40…where are they taken?
Great voice over by Catherine 🙂
l look forward to more although you have set the bar very high and it will be hard to top that one.
Gail…… So glad you enjoyed it… feel free to pass the link to friends…
0:18 was taken at Yanchep…. 1:49 was a small lake on Kings Park… 3:24 was a small lake in the Piney Lake complex near Booragoon Lake (where my Aunt Lives) and 3:40 was taken near the boardwalk to view the Quokka’s over on Rottenest.
Finding where the birds hang out is the easy part…. getting close enough to photograph them is the HARD part lol. patience and a good pop-up hide is the name of the game here…