Cylinder Beach

Cylinder Beach,  Stradbroke Island is peaceful. For the past few days I have been fortunate to be camped between a lone guitar player and a guitar/banjo duo. So relaxing.

Caravan Imprvements #4

Non slip tape on the metal checkplate plate improves grip.

Native Hibiscus

 

The usual colour for the native hibiscus flower is white, but I found this pink specimen. I grew several from cuttings and put one in a sunny spot in my garden. In the bush they can grow to 3 meters high or more.

Sourdough

 

I have kneaded my first sourdough loaf - my introduction to mysterious art of bread making.

Spindizzy

 

Solar photovoltaic power is installed. My old meter is soon to be replaced but for now is spins backwards when the sun shines.

400 turns = 1 kilowatt-hour.

Fresh Cake

 

A glass bowl on a plate keeps the cake fresh without plastic wrap.

Grey Butcher Bird

 

This Grey Butcher Bird may be the very one that was swooping me yesterday. Today he is visiting the bird bath I provided.

Swooping Season.

Around here it is spring. The local black and white birds - magpies, butcher birds and magpie larks - are intent on protecting their eggs and nestlings. They swoop individuals whom they dislike. They can rip ears and they have blinded people. I have seen a magpie chase a motorcyclist but it could not keep up at 50 km/hr. 

They have a particular dislike of cyclists. Wizzing around on my electric bicycle I have found 3 spots near my home where butcher birds attack. Like many cyclists I have modified my helmet with cable ties to protect my ears; I wear safety glasses to protect my eyes.