Silent Sunday May 10th
Silent Sunday
Tag: nature
The Beauty of Poppies Along the Road
For The Flower Hour on May 6th, I want to share these striking poppies I noticed by the roadside; they truly stood out in their vibrant brightness.
Silent Sunday
Lens-Artists Challenge # 396 – Pick a Favourite Quote and Illustrate it.
This week, you have the option to select either one quote along with up to five images, or up to five quotes each paired with a single image. Let us experience your quote(s) through your captivating pictures! This is the challenge presented to us by Ann-Christine.
I chose to do this the other way, I opted for a photo first and then put my creative energy into crafting a quote that resonates with the image. This approach feels easier and more intuitive for me as it allows the visual element to inspire my words. By focusing on the imagery, I find it simpler to capture the essence of a moment or an emotion that the picture evokes. Each photo serves as a unique spark, guiding my thoughts into meaningful expressions that reflect the sentiment captured in the shot.
Lets start with love: Love is a profound and multifaceted emotion that inspires, connects, and transforms our lives.
My Fashion motto is “Buy less, choose well, and make it last.” — Vivienne Westwood, the photo does not really say that 😂
Art -“Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter.” — Oscar Wilde
Nature: “Beauty is found in the tangled and the wild.”
This week I was mindful and kept it short and hopefully sweet. Please share your chosen and illustrated quote(s)! us and with Ann-Christine. Please use the Lens-Artists tag and link to her original post.
A big shoutout to Beth for last week’s reflective challenge. I was fortunate to have recently come back from an island hugged by the sea; it seems we all share a love for water. The variety and beauty of your posts offered us plenty of inspiration for what’s to come! Next week, it’s Anne’s turn to guide us, so be sure to check out her lovely site for some inspiration.
Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history. If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.
Here we are The Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset
Now, Let your imagination run wild
Could this be a large, light-colored marine animal, which could be a shark or another large marine mammal, such as a manatee or possibly a dolphin, or perhaps something totally different altogether?
Participating in Six Word Saturday
Last on the Card – April 2026
By the beach in Maleme a pair of weathered wooden benches positioned on a grassy patch adorned with small purple and yellow wildflowers, a large, leafy tree with a thick trunk, providing a natural backdrop and some shade. The sky is overcast, casting a soft, muted light over the scene. In the blurred background, distant buildings and conifer trees are faintly visible, adding depth and context to this tranquil outdoor setting. My last on the card is from Crete.
A timeworn monastery in Crete, known as the Gouverneto Monastery (or the Monastery of Our Lady of the Angels), is an active place of worship that beautifully showcases its yellow, textured facade, with signs of peeling paint that speak to its age. Notice the small wooden-framed windows and distinctive terracotta-tiled roof, topped with a dome and cross? This architectural detail certainly highlights its importance as a historical and religious site. In the foreground, verdant greenery, including a leafy tree and tall cypress bushes, frames the scene, introducing a natural element that adds depth to the composition. Meanwhile, the rugged hills in the background sit beneath an overcast sky, contributing to a tranquil and timeless ambiance. Established in 1537, the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and serves as a starting point for a popular hiking trail leading to the Arkouditissa Cave and the ruins of the abandoned Katholiko Monastery. It’s interesting to note that it was originally built as a Venetian-style fortress to protect the monks from pirate raids, featuring thick walls and defensive towers, which further emphasizes its significance on the island of Crete.
A serene night scene featuring a bright full moon partially obscured by thin, wispy clouds. Silhouettes of various trees, including leafless branches and a spruce, frame the moon and enhance the depth of the composition. The sky exhibits deep blue tones transitioning to lighter shades near the horizon, creating a mystical and tranquil atmosphere. Back home or our summer house, emphasizing the natural beauty of a quiet night in the countryside. Taken at 23:19 before May 1st – a day of celebration in Finland.
Participating on Brian’s Last on the Card April 2026
The Charm of Crete in Black and White Photography
I am currently facing some challenges in getting back into the rhythm of blogging, but I’m determined to overcome this creative block. I’m excited to participate in one of my favorites, Leanne’s Monochrome Madness, as black and white photography is a passion of mine. I look forward to showcasing my unique perspective through this medium.
Recently, I have been editing photos from a delightful short trip to Crete, where the stunning landscapes and rich history offered countless opportunities for captivating black and white images that truly reflect the island’s unique charm. Each photo tells a story, capturing fleeting moments of beauty, and I can’t wait to reveal the allure of Crete in this timeless art form, hoping to inspire myself to embrace the joy of photography once again and foster a deeper connection with my creative side. Although we initially sought warm and sunny weather for our exploration, we were only fortunate enough to experience two beautiful days, with the rest unexpectedly turning cloudy and windy, which transformed our plans in unanticipated ways and added an element of spontaneity to our journey. Renting a car for four days provided us with the freedom to explore breathtaking mountains with dramatic vistas, charming cities adorned with historical architecture, and stunning sea views that left us in awe of nature’s artistry. While the weather shift made our adventures more challenging, especially considering my wardrobe choices that were geared towards sunnier conditions, the comfortable travel clothes I wore helped me adapt to the cooler temperatures and unpredictable winds, allowing me to fully enjoy discovering new places without the discomfort of being underdressed. Each day brought new experiences, moments of laughter, and a reminder that sometimes the best parts of a trip come from embracing the unexpected.
Monday Blues
In Koukouvagia, the captivating interplay of sea and sky unfolds through varying cloud formations and hues. From the deep blue ocean to tranquil soft clouds, the scenes evoke a sense of calm and beauty. This serene environment highlights nature’s vastness and offers moments of hope amid a potentially overcast atmosphere.
As I gaze out at the vast expanse of ocean, its deep blue waters seem to stretch endlessly toward the horizon, mesmerizing and profound. Above me, the sky is alive with an array of cloud formations—darker, denser clouds mingle with lighter, wispy ones, hinting at the possibility of an overcast day or storm on the horizon. The muted colors create a calm yet somber atmosphere, while a hint of brightness peeks through the cloud cover near the horizon, offering a moment of hope amidst the gray.
I’m witnessing a tranquil seascape unfold before my eyes, with a vast, soft blue sky dotted by light, fluffy clouds. The horizon line gently divides my view, as the deep blue ocean fills the lower portion and the expansive sky stretches above. I can see the gentle blending of blues and whites, crafting a soothing and peaceful atmosphere. This minimalist view draws my attention to the natural beauty and vastness of the ocean and sky, filling me with a sense of infinite space and quietude.
The calm blue sea. Soft, white clouds stretch across the horizon, water’s surface. A minimalist style, emphasizing the natural connection between the sea, clouds, and sky, while showcasing subtle variations in color that reflect the time of day.
Lens-Artists #395 – Looking Back to #155 “On The Water”
This week, Beth’s challenge is to revisit #155, “on the water.” I didn’t take part in these challenges back then, so it’s new for me and am I going overboard with this theme.
For this challenge,she is looking forward to seeing our interpretation of “On the Water”. It can be rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, oceans, puddles, swimming pools or water parks. Think about scenic views of water, people having fun on the water, watercraft on the water, macros of water drops, or animals, birds, and plants floating on the water.She does give us lots of options.
What I am sharing in these images is my fascination with the waves and the rhythm they create as they roll and crash against the shore. The smooth pebbles, worn down by years of continuous motion, invite you to touch them, and you can be calmed down by rubbing your fingers across the surface of each one, feeling their coolness and texture. I am totally aware of the abundance of images I have taken, but if you open the galleries, you can quickly scroll through them and perhaps pause on a few, giving yourself the chance to truly appreciate my admiration for the power of water.
These memories were captured on a beautifully windy, cloudy, and cool day in Crete, our last day, and they resonate deeply within me. I spent a couple of hours observing as the waves with gust crashed against the shore, each crash echoing ln my heart, a melody only the sea could compose. As I sat there, drawn to the rhythm of the ocean, I appreciated the horizon, where the sky met the water in a endless embrace. The invigorating spray of sea water touched my skin, refreshing and full of life, while the salty breeze provided a familiar comfort, reminding me of my connection with the sea, a bond formed through countless sunrises and sunsets. With each gust of wind, I was more in touch with the moment, a clear sense of peace and tranquility.
This concludes my week! I thoroughly enjoyed reflecting on this old challenge and considering how to approach it. It was a new experience for me. A huge thank you to Beth for her guidance—make sure to link your response to her post here. Additionally, your contributions to John’s “History Through the Lens” challenge last week were fantastic. Remember to return on Saturday, May 2 at noon eastern time, when Ann-Christine will lead the next challenge.
If you’re participating in the Lens‑Artists Challenge for the first time, welcome—we look forward to visiting your post. To join in, simply publish your take on this week’s theme, link back to Beth’s page, and add the Lens‑Artists tag so that others can find your work.
Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history. If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.
Here we are The Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
Move on, move on, move on
After a week in Crete, I am back For Debbie’s Six Word Saturday.
Something we don’t see that much, or at all in Finland.
Lens-Artists Challenge #393 – Lucky Shot
Sofia is in search for our – Lucky Shots. Just like her my photography is largely influenced by chance. For me, I’d estimate that around 80% of it hinges on either the moment of capture or the editing process. This week, the request is to explore how that element of luck often results in our most remarkable images. Whether it’s being in the right spot at the right time, having faith in your camera, or experiencing pure serendipity, these unexpected moments create the types of shots that brighten our day.
The last one is lucky in many ways 😊so I set it as the featured image.
How wonderful it is to capture the shot of your dreams when all you had to do was press the button and let luck take care of the rest. I don’t know if these are the luckiest shots, but I do like them a lot. I hope you enjoy reminiscing about those fortunate moments and share them with us. Don’t forget to link back to Sofia’s post and tag Lens-Artists, so we can all discover your work easily in the Reader.
Last week Patti’s challenged focused on working with the three grounds as compositional tools and it was great to see your takes on this theme. John returns with our next challenge on Saturday, April 18th at noon EST. Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset.
Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history. If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.
Here we are The Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
Nature Meets City: A Minimalist Perspective
Here is my submission for Monochrome-Madness #57 {Minimalism}, hosted this week by PR at Flights of the Soul. I tried to bring different topics and moods to this challenge.
I tried to expand the concept of minimalism; flowers are clearly minimalistic, showcasing their delicate beauty in simplicity, but how do you feel that other images work within this framework? I wanted to play with light intricately, experimenting with shadows and highlights to bring this artistic vision to life in urban pictures, emphasizing the contrast between nature’s elegance and the bustling city landscape. By incorporating various perspectives, I aimed to capture the essence of minimalism in a way that resonates, urging the viewer to reconsider their understanding of both nature and urban environments in harmony.
The black and white image depicts a small, childlike statue enclosed within a tall, rounded iron cage. The statue wears a hooded cloak and holds a rectangular tray or book, with hollow, dark eyes that give it an eerie appearance. The cage’s bars cast sharp shadows, adding to the ominous mood, while the background shows a window and some foliage in soft focus. The overall composition and lighting create a mysterious, haunting atmosphere, emphasizing themes of confinement and isolation. IS this minimalist and creepy ?
A close-up black and white photograph of a rose, my aim is to show its delicate petals in sharp detail. The petals are softly lit, creating a striking contrast between the highlights and the shadows, which enhances the textures and intricate folds of the flower. The background is dark and blurred, drawing full attention to the rose and giving the image a dramatic and intimate feel. Hope is that the overall composition emphasizes the natural beauty and complexity of the flower, evoking a mood of quiet elegance and subtle grace.
A delicate stem of lily of the valley flowers arches gracefully from left to right across the image. The small, white, bell-shaped blossoms hang evenly spaced along the slender green stalk, each flower showing subtle texture and curvature. The background is softly blurred in shades of muted gray and blue tones, creating a calm and serene mood that highlights the fragile beauty of the flowers. The overall composition is minimalistic and elegant, emphasizing the natural form and gentle color contrast of the subject.
This is street scene outside the Brasserie du Louvre, a historic Parisian café. Two silhouetted figures stand in the foreground, their details obscured by shadows, creating a strong contrast with the illuminated area behind them. The background reveals the façade of the brasserie, with large windows, signage, a vintage streetlamp, and a few motorbikes parked along the sidewalk. The overall mood is contemplative and atmospheric, with a play of light and shadow emphasizing the architectural and human elements of the urban setting. The idea was to make a street minimalist
A dimly lit urban street corner with a strong contrast between light and shadow in Riga. The cobblestone pavement in the foreground is brightly illuminated by sunlight, casting textured patterns, while the background buildings show signs of age with worn, cracked walls and darkened windows. The scene exudes a moody, almost mysterious atmosphere, enhanced by the deep shadows that obscure parts of the architecture and street. Minimalist in color, the photo emphasizes monochrome tones, focusing on the interplay of light, texture, and urban decay.
Macro Monday – 6 April 2026
Easter Day
Johns Cellpic Sunday
Framing Your Shots: Exploring the Foreground, Middle Ground, and Background
Framing Your Shots: Exploring the Foreground, Middle Ground, and Background Photography essential; Framing and composing your shots is, in my book, one of the most important parts of photography, if not the most important. The way in which elements are arranged within the frame can dramatically alter the mood and storytelling of an image. Patti shows and explains this concept beautifully, illustrating how the interplay of the foreground, middle ground, and background can create depth and dimension, drawing the viewer’s eye to the focal points in a more engaging way. By carefully considering the placement of subjects and elements within each layer, photographers can enhance their visual narratives. Visit her post for more information, as it offers valuable insights into mastering these techniques that can elevate your photography to new heights.
The request was three images; here are mine and the header as a plus one.
Italy is famous for its stunning landscapes and fascinating history, and right at the front, there’s a charming gate that looks like it’s inviting everyone in. If you take a moment to look up, you’ll spot a beautiful set of stairs in the middle, guiding your eyes deeper into that amazing scenery and sparking a sense of adventure. The lush greenery in the background just adds to the charm, with its vibrant shades of green making this place feel like a dream as you stroll through this lovely setting.
In the scene set in Helsinki, the police are right in the spotlight, viewing with those around them. Up front, people are on the move, while in the background, the impressive SOKOS building towers over everything, giving the urban landscape some real character. The way the officer interacts with the locals really shows a moment of busy city , where the cool architecture meets everyday life.
This from Kirkkonummi, the shoreline in Porkkala, offers a captivating view where the rugged rocks in the foreground create a striking contrast against the shimmering waters. As the eye travels to the middle ground, the point juts out, inviting exploration and intrigue. The sky serves as a breathtaking backdrop, with clouds dancing overhead, casting shadows that play upon the landscape. This picturesque setting is not just a feast for the eyes; it also evokes a sense of tranquility and connection to nature, making it a perfect spot for reflection and inspiration.
Hope you join us and show us how you interpret this challenge. Please link to Patti’s post and use the “lens-artists” tag so we can find your post in the Reader. But mostly, enjoy exploring this technique!
Huge thanks to Tina for last week’s phone photography challenge; it really showed how much the cameras have improved over the years and what great shots we can get with them. What’s up for next week? Sofia returns with our next challenge on Saturday, April 11th at noon EST. Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset.
Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history. If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.
Here we are The Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
Navigating Creative Droughts
I find myself writing a third post on this topic, grappling with my thoughts by myself, as there’s no one around to discuss it. Recently, I’ve been struggling with inspiration when it comes to photography. Photography, for me, is not merely about capturing beauty or documenting moments; I take pictures so I don’t have to explain them, that is the whole point. I started out just posting photos, hardly any words. It is, was so much easier.
However, when inspiration eludes me, the camera feels heavier, and each click seems to lack purpose. It’s frustrating to experience these creative blocks, as they can lead to a sense of disconnect from the “art” that I love. I long for those moments, where the world presents itself in a way that ignites my passion and motivates me to capture its essence. Maybe more eventful life. In life there are ebbs and flows, and those periods of silence can sometimes lead to the most profound revelations.
There are days when I wake up and feel like I’m staring into an empty well. The usual well of ideas, creativity, and inspiration seems to have dried up, leaving behind a hollow echo instead of the vibrant thoughts I’m used to. It’s a strange sensation — one that feels both familiar and unsettling. The wakening of nature will surely help
The fast-paced world we live in, we often rush to fill that emptiness with distractions or quick fixes. But what if, instead, we took a moment to just sit with that feeling? I’ve been doing that for few weeks now. The truth is, experiencing uninspired days is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness; it’s simply part of the ebb and flow of life.
When I reflect on that empty well, I come to understand that it isn’t something to dread, but rather a space to recognize. Much like nature undergoes its seasons, we too experience cycles of creativity. There are moments when the well is brimming with ideas, and others when it feels barren—and that is perfectly acceptable. In this present moment, when I attempt to create, the outcomes are, to be honest, rather dull and uninspiring.
Instead of pushing through the uninspired moments, I’m learning to embrace them. I allow myself to feel the weight of the silence, recognizing that it’s a natural part of the creative process. Sometimes, just acknowledging that I’m in a quiet phase can bring a sense of relief.
As I work through these emotions, I remind myself that inspiration will come back. It’s not about compelling creativity, but rather allowing myself the space to recharge. In that quietude, and in the absence of expectation, I often discover clarity and achieve my finest work.
So, if you’re also staring into your own empty well, know that you’re not alone. It’s a shared human experience, and it’s okay to simply be. The well may be empty now, but it will fill again in its own time. Embrace the quiet, and trust that inspiration is just around the corner, waiting for the right moment to flow back in.
I’ve included these four images; these are the latest I’ve taken, and they are here to say I am trying my best to get going again. I am getting my shit together 😀 It’s all under the water 😊
Easter is coming soon; my son and his three boys are coming for a visit, which is something to look forward to as we plan to visit our summer house first time this year. The boys have been asking about it for months. I am not that keen as it not that warm and the house has been cold all winter, but today we are leaving to warm the house and get it ready for them. After their visit, it will be time to go on holiday for a week – I’m especially looking forward to the sun and new surroundings, where I can relax and recharge away from the daily routine. I can’t wait to explore new places and experience new adventures as we embrace this time away as a couple.
From Winter to Spring
I took these yesterday as I watched the snow melt on the hill behind my backyard. I was able to sit outside as our patio is such that the house safeguards us from the wind. Am I happy to see the green emerging- the moss is so bright.
For John’s Cellpic Sunday.
Lens-Artists Challenge #390: Color in Black and White
The remarkable influence of tonal suggestion and color memory is unmistakable. Even when a scene appears solely in shades of gray, our minds—shaped by years of experience—can easily “imagine” the recognizable colors we anticipate. We overlay our memories onto the image. This week, we are encouraged by Egídio to delve into this cognitive phenomenon, illustrating how the lack of color can often lead to a more profound and personal perception. This is the challenge we face this week: perceiving color within the confines of black and white.
It was rather hard to find images the we all associate with the same way. Sky, trees, water- even that is hard to precisely say, as there are so many shades.
These are my photos on this challenge; how did I perform? This one had me contemplating for some time as I tried to find suitable colors, I aimed to make sure that my suggestions were both easily identifiable within the given limitations.
It is clear that we all enjoy relaxing, and many of us name nature as one of its main factors, as replies for Anne’s Time to Relax challenge last week showed us. I hope you will participate this week in Egídio’s challenge, too. Please don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag in your posts to help people discover yours. Also, tag them to his original post.
Next week, Tina will feature a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then.
Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history. If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites. Here we are:
The Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
Captivating Moody Clouds
A serene lake under swirling clouds,
Dramatic shades of gray and white,
Sky ever-shifting in reflection,
Where light and shadow play in hues,
With ripples stirred by a gentle breeze,
Moody tones as the sun blends hues.
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Wordless Wednesday
Lens Artists Challenge #389: Time to Relax
“How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward.”
Green fields of summer stretch endlessly, painted in vibrant shades of green under the dazzling blue skies. Birds chirp, their melodies harmonizing with the gentle rustle of leaves as the wind slowly blows through the tops of the trees, creating a soothing symphony of nature. While laying in the hammock, I feel a sense of peace enveloping me. The warmth of the sun kisses my skin, and I watch fluffy clouds drift lazily overhead, time seeming to stand still in this serene oasis. The sweet scent of wildflowers mingles with the fresh air, heightening the tranquility of this perfect day.
Waves crashing against a rocky shore, relaxing by the tranquility of nature, is one of the most enchanting experiences when visiting warm places by the ocean. The rhythmic sound of the surf, as it crashes and recedes, creates a soothing melody that caresses the ears and invites peaceful thoughts. As you breathe in the salty air, each breath seems to wash away the stresses of daily life, replacing them with a deep sense of calm. The warm sun, while seabirds glide gracefully overhead, adding to the idyllic scenery. This harmonious blend of sights and sounds encapsulates the essence of coastal bliss, making it an unforgettable moment that lingers long after the visit.
Art, in its many forms, serves as a profound source of relaxation for me. Photography, sculpture, and painting all offer unique avenues for creative expression that help me unwind . Engaging with these mediums brings a sense of peace and tranquility that is hard to replicate elsewhere. I often find myself lost in the moment while capturing the world through my camera lens or molding a piece of clay into something beautiful. Listening to music also plays a crucial role in my relaxation ritual; the genre I choose often varies depending on my mood but regardless of the selection, the melodies wash over me and ease my mind. Singing along in the car is another delightful escape, letting me let loose and enjoy the freedom of expression. Furthermore, taking the time to look at and genuinely appreciate the artwork created by others adds another layer to this experience; observing their techniques and emotions often inspires my creativity and cultivates a greater appreciation for the artistic journey we all share.
That is me relaxing- shared some my personal ways.
Thank you, Anne, for this inspiring challenge! I’m thrilled to hear that you’re improving daily. If you’re looking for inspiration, be sure to check out Anne’s amazing website. Don’t forget to tag Lens-Artists and link back to Anne’s original post so we can find your creations easily.
Last week, Ann-Christine shared her recent adventurous trip to Africa with us and encouraged us to recount our own stories. I loved the pictures and appreciated the experiences you described even more.
Next week is Egídio’s turn to lead us, Saturday 21st March. Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset.
Posted for Anne’s Lens-Artists Challenge
We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
Visual Diary of Our New South Wales day trip
As I have said, I have tons of images from our trip; now here is an overload that captures the essence of our incredible experiences. This is the addition to the LAPC /Your Journey 5-10 images, where you will find a small selection that highlights the beauty and adventure we encountered along the way.
Each gallery can be enlarged by a click, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant details and stunning scenery; I might even be bold enough to recommend it as a visual diary that tells our story, evoking the memories tied to each moment.
Our first stop was to look at the views at Kianga Beach on the southern coast of New South Wales, a tranquil 700-meter-long destination known, according to the South Coast Travel Guide, for its stunning views of the Tasman Sea and Montague Island. It is located near the town of Narooma.
Narooma (/nəruːmə/) is a town in the NSW on the far south coast. The town is on the Princes Highway, which crosses the Wagonga Inlet to North Narooma. We just drove through it. The name Narooma is said to be derived from a word in the local Aboriginal language (one of the Yuin dialects) meaning “clear blue waters”.We didn’t end up stopping at Narooma at all, even though it had a nice little port with oyster shops.
We were going to stop for a break in the charming town of Tilba Tilba, a hidden gem protected by National Heritage listing! I read that this delightful spot came alive during the gold rush back in the 1890s and 1900s, and you can still wander among its beautiful Victorian timber buildings. Nestled right at the foot of the majestic Gulaga (Mt Dromedary), it’s the perfect launchpad for exploring this spiritually rich land of the Yuin people. And to me, I loved spotting the cows and the sheep on the hills.
Have you ever heard of Wallaga Lake? It’s the largest lake in southern NSW, nestled beneath the stunning Gulaga Mountain. I was amazed by the peaceful atmosphere— The sunsets there? Absolutely breathtaking I heard, I wish I could have captured the magic around Beauty Point and Wallaga Lake Heights, we had time just to drive through it. Plus, I learned that this area is culturally significant for the Yuin-Monaro people, with Merriman’s Island being an Aboriginal Place where access is limited.
Bermagui, with its inviting Blue Pool, from our previous visit had stayed in our minds, so we decided to head there for a relaxing day. It’s truly a hidden gem along the Sapphire Coast, showcasing stunning opaline hues that blend from azure to turquoise, then blush, and finally to a cheerful canary yellow. After carefully making my way down the cliff, I arrived at the stunning 50-meter seawater swimming hole—interesting fact: it was enlarged to its present dimensions in 1937 by local philanthropist Bill Dickinson.
Soon, not yet, snowdrops will emerge
The snow is melting so fast at the moment, you almost feel the spring. One of the first signs of spring in my backyard is the rise of the snowdrops. So near, but not yet there.
Soon…and from the ground, a gentle hum
as vibrant snowdrops reach for the sky
in just a week, a wave of change will come
and white blooms where life begins to thrive
with people arriving, pursuing bold dreams
they say the seasons can’t dictate our path
but one glance at a snowdrop, and optimism awakens.
Participating in SixWordSaturday
A Family Stay at Casey’s Beach: Memories Made
During our visit in February 2025, we stayed two weeks with my cousin at Casey’s Beach. Casey’s Beach is a sheltered, 800-meter-long sandy beach located in Batehaven, near Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast, ideal for swimming, fishing, and snorkeling. It extends south from Observation Point, a lookout point offering panoramic ocean views of the Tasman Sea and Snapper Island, often used for whale watching.
It was our base for the second part of our Australia trip. We are so grateful for the warm hospitality of my cousin and his husband for allowing us to stay there, as their generosity made us so welcome. Each evening, it was nice to go to sleep listening to the soothing sounds of the waves hit the shore, providing a calming soundtrack to our nights. In the morning, we would awaken to the beautiful, panoramic view that greeted us, a breathtaking sight to marvel at. I have always dreamt of living by the coast, now I got the taste of it. Enjoying freshly made coffee crafted by our thoughtful host while enjoying breakfast on the balcony became a cherished routine. The gentle breeze carried the scent of saltwater. We appreciated the warmth of family and the wonders of Australia even more.
Here are some photos taken in the morning, day, dusk and sunset and blue hour after it. Night shots are missing 😂 Click on the gallery to enlarge the images.
I have posted several posts about the first half of our trip, I will add the links to them if you wish to have a look, they are in the order I posted them Sydney – Adelaide – South Australia – Victoria
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/25/sydney-from-qvb-to-manly-beach/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/27/adelaide-arrival-and-glenelg-beach/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/27/adelaide-arrival-and-glenelg-beach/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/27/adelaide-arrival-and-glenelg-beach/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/30/escaping-the-heat-of-adelaide/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/30/unforgettable-views-at-barossa-valley/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/31/henley-beach-sunset-views-and-beach-rave/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/04/05/fleurieu-peninsula-1/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/04/05/unforgettable-sunsets-second-valley/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/04/07/a-day-in-mclaren-vale-wineries-and-scenic-views/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/04/08/the-robe-obelisk-a-historic-landmark/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/04/10/the-end-of-a-beautiful-relationship-lookout/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/04/28/cotton-candy-and-turquoise-waters/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/05/01/mount-gambier-blue-lake-and-sinkholes/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/05/23/stunning-views-of-aboriginal-cultural-landscape/
Wordless Wednesday
Lens-Artists Challenge # – Your Journey in 5-10 images
Describing and illustrating trips packed with activities can feel like a monumental task—at least for me. It often seems like too much, and while I usually tend to overshare for the sake of my friends and readers, I’m now hit with a real challenge: Anne-Christine wants us to pull it off with just 5-10 pictures! Lens-Artists Challenge # – Your Journey in 5-10 images
My husband and I recently ( a year ago 😁, that is recently) took a trip to Australia, and let me tell you, editing all the photos has been quite the challenge! I didn’t write the texts; that was all him, but I’m having a hard time putting everything together, especially with the annoying hiccups from my hard drive issues. I had edited everything before but lost it all, so now I’m facing the daunting task of redoing it. Anyway, I just wanted to share a quick summary of part of our adventure. I definitely plan to post more pictures from our stops, because there was so much to see and experience at each location! Let’s get started, thanks for the text Mara!
This was going to be a day with nothing to do besides drive. The GPS said 750 km and 8 h 6 min from Bendigo to Caseys Beach in Bateman Bay. Start of the journey was full of twists and turns on narrow roads again, which actually made the drive more enjoyable than just staying on highways. The directions seemed to be always wrong, I felt like we going to Melbourne instead of the direction of Sydney. We managed to see plenty of small towns again with funny names. Seriously, there is nothing wrong with the names, but if you are not used indigenous names and languages, they seem humorous sometimes. Even though I don’t even know if these following names are indigenous: Colbinabbin, Wanalta, Moora, Waranga. Anyway, they were next to impossible to remember afterwards. I had to look them up from a map. I remember driving through Murchinson and Violet Town, though. From Violet Town we turned to Hume Highway, and I could just turn the cruise control on and coast – boooring!
We spend 450 km on Hume Highway, and even though the drive was boring, the scenery never was. Just before turning from the highway, we stopped at Yass for lunch. Yass, finally something to eat! After Yass we were directed again to smaller roads to bypass Canberra. We passed Little Billabong, Tumblong, Gundagai, Jugiong, Molonglo, Murrumbateman and Durran Durra (weren’t they a famous band in the 80’s?), before hitting and passing historical Braidwood. Soon after Braidwood we began descending from Clyde Mountain towards the coast,
The descend was exciting. For a while, very steep and winding road surrounded by lush flora, eucalyptus trees and mist. Unfortunately, there is no way of stopping to take pictures, but the going was sometimes so slow, that Ritva was able to take some photos from the car.
We finally arrived at Ritva’s cousins Heli’s and her husband house in Caseys Beach just before 7 pm. Heli is one of nine children of Family Saarikko that emigrated to Australia in 1969. Can you imagine immigrating to any country with nine children? Most of us can’t even imagine having nine children. And Finland is also pretty far from Australia. And none of them spoke hardly any English. But Australia was very inviting during that era, because the country needed more people. And 11 people at the same time must have been a jackpot to Australia. The father and quite a few of the seven boys ended up in lumber and building industries because they had some previous experience. Few of them ended up building the Parliament House in Canberra. But that is another story and I’m not the right person to tell it. Ritva’s family, with only three girls, emigrated at the same time but didn’t end up staying. The evening after a long day was spent correcting everything that is wrong with the world.
Day after we had it easy. I took a 1,5 h walk from Caseys Beach to town center, to Corrigan’s Beach, to observation point and back to the house. The observation point had been renovated since 2019. Now it had walkways, signs, murals on sidewalk and lookout decks. Nice! After the walk I had to do some shopping for necessities. First, I drove to drive-through bottle shop for beer and white wine, then to petrol station and finally to electronic store to buy an adapter for SD-card, so Ritva could transfer the photos to laptop. Also, some time was spent playing with Baxter the Dog. He is a Jack Russell.
On Thursday we took a little drive. Bermagui with its Blue Pool seemed tempting, so off we went. On the way we saw Narooma and Tilba Tilba but we decided to stop on the way back. The Blue Pool was still amazing with its combination of natural and man-made swimming pools. You get the picture, if you look at the pictures. I was lucky enough to video a sea lion cleaning itself between the rocks. Our lunch was grapes, chips and water at the Blue Pool. Catching some rays and taking it easy and people watching, of course. ( Click the gallery to see enlarged images)
Wallaga Lake was also on the way there, with white sands and birds
We didn’t end up stopping at Narooma at all, even though it had a nice little port with oyster shops. Tilba Tilba is a pretty old village that at present is meant for tourists. It has quaint little shops and cafes worth the visit, if you like that sort of thing. On the way over to Bermagui I had spotted the Bodalla Cheese Factory and I had a craving for ice cream. When we stepped in to the Factory, they told us that they just lost the power and naturally none of their machines was working and we couldn’t have ice cream. Bummer.
Last town before Batemans Bay was Mogo and no ice cream there either because everything was closed or closing. Mogo is a small touristy town. We didn’t want to disrupt our host’s normal schedule, so we ended up in observation point to see the sunset.
