SW wildflowers 1

These are some of the flowers I saw on my way down to Albany. Most were at Myalup pool which is a rest stop and camping area just off the highway.
I saw at least 5 different types of orchids here!

I did try to I.D them all, but can't remember what they all were now. If anyone knows, please share!

<--flannel flower I think

<-- type of spider orchid

<--these were everywhere. 2-3cm across, 5cm off ground irridescent purple.

<-- pink china orchid perhaps

Albany 2

I was told by someone at a winery near Mt Barker that whales had been seen off Middleton Beach the previous week. I headed there also for the Ellen Cove Boardwalk which is known for its wildflowers. I didn't see any!

No whales, so I opted for the scenic drive to a few lookouts. Soon I was halted by masses of cars parked along the narrow winding road - popular lookout??? This is where the whales were!

I found a place to park and got out to find 2 whales below, 50-100m off the steap coast. Another two were further out.

I had been thinking on my way to Albany that seeing whales was one thing I really wanted to do during my life. Another had been seeing the dolphins at Monkey Mia which I got to do earlier in the year. I decided I would come back during the main whale migration season. Little did I know they can still be found down here at this time of year sheltering in the bay. What a fantastic treat!

Albany 1

I arrived in Albany late afternoon. The grey sky darkened the scenery and also my photos. The sea at Middleton beach (below) gave a hint of its brightness and magnificence, none of which came out in the pictures. This is definitely a place to visit in Summer when there is a better chance of fine weather. A bit of sun, and it would be stunning.

Amos dragged me up to the top of this lookout and memorial. He also dragged me back down, almost taking a couple of people with us!

orchids

I have now found 4 types of orchids at work (twice as many as last year!)

Donkey orchid


Carousel Spider orchid

<> Cowslip orchids

more flowers

Star of Bethlehem - a new find for me!

"Pink Rainbows"

"Salt and Pepper"

Welcome to spring

It's the best time of year in Perth and many areas of WA - wildflower season!

I have been getting excited the last few weeks seeing more yellow (hibertia and wattle)appearing in the bushland around work (right).

Each day more flowers are appearing and I love creeping around it seeing what I can find (when it stops raining that is).

I am finding flowers I didn't see here last year like one of my favourites - the fringe lily. I had seen it once in Kings Park in Perth (the largest city park in the world!), but now I've found at least 4 plants right here.

above: Guinea flower (hibertia, approx 3cm wide) and fringe lillies (1cm wide).




Cottonheads