For The Love of Travel

My favorite places, photos and stories

August 23, 2023
by Lids
Comments Off on 19/8/-21/8/2023 Zagreb

19/8/-21/8/2023 Zagreb

The Republic of Croatia lies on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, with 1244 islands, islets and reefs. Only 50 are inhabited by people. Island hopping is a big thing. 4 million people and an EU member since 2013. Zagreb is the nation’s capital. There are a dizzying array of local dialects with city folk often not understanding their country cousins and vice versa.
10% of Croatia’s landmass is National Parks, a staggering stat.

26 hours after departing from Melbourne, thankfully arrived, feeling much the worse for wear, nursing a bad flu. Spent most of the days resting and trying to rid myself of the bug, but did manage a ‘hop on, hop off bus’ to see some sights.

Poor Zagreb, in 2020 it was hit by COVID as well as an earthquake of huge magnitude – over large, densely-built and architecturally sensitive areas of the Upper and Lower Town, with extensive damage to religious, government and historical buildings. Zagreb has been successful in getting EU funds to assist with reconstruction and scaffolding is everywhere in the capital.

The weather has also hotted up here, with 35 degree days and 24 degree nights.

June 8, 2023
by Lids
Comments Off on 6/6/2023 Talbot Bay, Buccaneer Archipelago

6/6/2023 Talbot Bay, Buccaneer Archipelago

More than 1000 tiny islands make up the Buccaneer Archipelago, a cruising and fishing paradise north west of the Kimberley town of Derby.

Talbot Bay is one of the most popular and iconic tourist attractions in the Kimberley as it’s where you find the famed ‘Horizontal Falls’, spectacular rock formations and coral reefs. A scenic flight gives you the best view.

The falls are a natural phenomenon created by large tides – whereby huge volumes of water are forced through two narrow gaps, creating the illusion of a waterfall that is flowing horizontally.

I got to see it from seaplane and boat – both were exhilarating perspectives. Got to hand it to Callum, who drove the boat through one of the gaps, through the water maelstrom….it was a thrilling ride!

Also, got to see really different twisted ancient rock formations in Cyclone Bay, a result of tectonic plates pushing and pulling about 1-4 billion years ago (theories differ). Callum gave us a quick geology overview :). This bay offers protection from cyclonic events for travellers or local tourism operators. It was super steamy and humid as an area as we floated through on the boat.

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures has a floating base in Talbot Bay and offers the experience of seeing the very placid Tawny Nurse sharks close up, with its powerful jaw and sharp teeth. These dudes have 240 backward facing teeth and a strong suck, which can easily strip the tendons from an arm.

And a couple of lovely pics of the area ……

Journey is at an end… an amazing 10,000 kms travelled, with incredible hues, textures and colours in landscapes and water. Thank you WA, such a fab experience!

June 5, 2023
by Lids
Comments Off on 5/6/2023 Broome

5/6/2023 Broome

Streeters Jetty is looking refreshed this morning as the tide is coming in. Some locals were getting excited about mullet they saw swimming under the jetty and rushed to their cars to get nets.:)

An imposing statue of Sam Male, Broome’s inaugural Shire President 1961-66, and also a driving force in the revival of the pearling industry in the 20thC.

Simpson beach is tucked away in the port area…but after I found it, have gone back to see the difference in landscape in changing tidal conditions – today offers marvellous orange and turquoise hues in the water.

Staircase to the Moon is a natural phenomenon which occurs when a full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay. It happens 2 – 3 days a month between March and October. And it’s happening tonight @ precisely 18.26. Woo hoo! I was sitting on the pub deck of the Mangrove Hotel from 4pm, waiting with tripod and camera; locals were commenting about the level of cloud and potentially the moon’s position might be blocked out. No siree! The full appearance took about 10 minutes and was delightful, with lots of oohs and aahs from the sizeable crowd, and a didgeridoo played in the background – very atmospheric and special.