Won’t you come into my parlour?

I couldn’t resist posting this photo of a tiny green garden spider being very industrious waiting for its prey on these native orchid flowers. Sorry the spider is not quite in focus but I love the spider’s stance with the legs ready to pounce on some unexpectant bug.

The spider changed its position hoping its new position would be less noticeable.

This caterpillar caught my eye with its striking colours. I haven’t been able to identify it yet, I hope it  grows into a beautiful butterfly.

Spring is such a great time in the garden!

At the bottom of my garden . . .

Ulladulla contd… Fossils

The Gondwana Coast is abundant with shallow water marine invertebrate fossils, of which the Ulladulla area is a part. At low tide, an ancient world is exposed on the Ulladulla rock platforms.

During the summer months, guided walks are provided by volunteers. At other times, adventurous fossickers may locate fossils in the rock platforms.

These shell fossils are easily identified.

This is my favourite, it could be a lamp shell. As I am in no way an expert on fossils, my identification of these photos are only suggestions. A pamphlet is available from the Visitor’s Centre in Ulladulla.

This could be a sea fan.

This is interesting. Maybe it is a sea lily, or it could be a ‘trace fossil’ from the track of a worm.

There are also interesting rock formations like this one which seem to be of a great significance to the formation of the area.

These images are from a small part of the area. Next trip we will explore further. Not everyone is interested in fossils. I find it fascinating and wish I had listened more carefully in Geology!

South Coast Snippets – 2

The ‘summer that wasn’t’ has officially ended, but I did manage to enjoy one week of summer on a recent trip to the South Coast. This time we spent a week relaxing in  Ulladulla/Mollymook and surrounding areas.

Ulladulla is a fishing port, 226kms south of Sydney. The town may be not the most glamorous coastal village but it certainly makes up for it in natural beauty.

Every day was near perfect summer weather, even an afternoon ‘southerly buster’ thrown in. Each morning we looked out to see the sunrise or in the north, glimpses of the sea through these fabulous trees. Throughout the day their trunks would change colour depending on the angle of the sun. They remind me of an artist’s impression of the tree.

Breakfast would have to wait until our morning walk, usually along Mollymook Beach.

I love the colour of this piece of sea lettuce washed up on the sand.The birds were enjoying the early morning as well!

All day could be spent on the beach. The temperature was perfect with a gentle breeze to keep it from being too hot. My favourite time is at low tide when the waves are the right size for me, especially at North Mollymook. The water temperature was perfect! But there is more to do at Ulladulla at low tide! More about that later.

In my Garage

Recently when moving boxes in the garage I came across one of residents. It was well camouflaged on the bricks.

It was …..

a leaf tailed gecko.

We see them often when we clear out the garage. They like the cool, dark areas. They are nocturnal and feed on insects. Unlike other geckos they have long toes but no toe pads. About 12cm in length, it is difficult at first glance to tell its head from its tail. The tail disguised to look like a leaf!  Although covered in spines the gecko is harmless. It does make a sharp hissing noise if threatened.

We are pleased to know they are still around.