I’m no longer counting how many trips I have ahead of me. It seems easier at this time of year to look at the ones I’ve completed. It brings a sense of satisfaction but in the case of Narrogin, a sense of sadness, too.
Yesterday morning was my last visit to Foxes Lair for this year. Saying goodbye three times in one morning, I was obviously reluctant to leave. The flowers are almost gone. At least the obvious ones. The grass is less green and more blond by early summer warmth. Some trees have shed leaves. They reminded me of chocolate curls, so I trudged around planning my Christmas menu. It helped keep happy thoughts forefront.
I don’t recall seeing these large shrubs before. They were everywhere and pretty in pink. That’s what I find so amazing about being in the bush. What looks ordinary one season, is eye catching, the next.
There were tall grass tree spikes bursting in flower. They look ordinary from a distance, just tall and white. Close up, well, a star studded sabre, comes to mind.
These flowers grow on flannel grey shrubs. There are thousands of these flowers in bloom, or waiting to bloom. Ordinary? Not to my eye.
There were a few of these still fresh and blooming. They are exquisitely tiny. And yet, each puff is several flowers within a flower. I kept walking up to it and could see it up close but stepping away, lost it numerous times in the grass. Got to get that shot became a mantra! Photography has taught me patience and persistence.
And some were still beautiful, well past their bloom. I had to tripod my legs to steady my hands that shook with the delight of each little flower. The fragility! And, tenacity!
I heard strange sounds above me. Sounds I haven’t heard before. They, more than likely, came from young parrots, hiding in tree hollows.
I bought coffee in town and headed back to the Lair. I saw a young kangaroo family, three in a mob. The male, impressive! He was almost as big as a deer.
His face veiled by cobwebs, his gorgeous ears, twitching, alert. We were eye to eye for a few minutes, each sizing the intent of the other.
There were no small birds at all, but seeing these flowers growing profusely, who can complain.
On the way home I spotted this in Crossman, growing just off the road among a grove of shady trees.
I stopped my car to take some pictures, forgetting this is Western Australia in spring. I was covered in bush flies within seconds! If you only knew what I went through for this pic!
The coming few weeks will be a round of goodbyes. They will be made easier in the knowledge, I’ll have new adventures next year.
This chosen lifestyle is a continuum. I’m happy, grateful and feel blessed with the choices I’ve made.
Until next time
As always
a dawn bird
Summer seems like a lazy time. A time for rest. You should rest too, like your beloved bush.
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Yes, a few weeks coming up. I’m limping over the line!
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So many beautiful plants, always exciting for me to see. I’m glad you share them. 🙂 I really love that prickly, orange pea blossom especially.
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Thank you Eliza. So glad you enjoyed the pics.
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They are lovely photos, and a great reflective post.
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Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the pics and post.
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