Torrens Tempts Tourists to a Pleasant Paddle

As you've probably gathered by now, I live in a beautiful city in Australia. Adelaide is the capital of the state of South Australia and it has the River Torrens flowing through the centre of it.

Alongside the river is a well used walking, jogging and cycling trail.

The motor vessel, "Popeye", plies the river and takes passengers down to the weir and back up to the zoo. Check out the video links.

Another pleasant way to have fun on the river is to hire one of the paddle boats and get up close to the fountain and birdlife. You can pass the Adelaide Festival Theatre, Convention Centre, restaurants and rowing clubs. Not a bad way to exercise in the fresh air.

For locals, the river provides a great escape at lunch time and after (or before) work, but for tourists it's a chance to experience something different. Be tempted too!

Great Wall of China now located in Australia!

This is true. In the Flinders Ranges, South Australia, near Alpana Station and Blinman, there's a range of hills called "The Great Wall of China".

You have to use your imagination of course, but you must believe the sign. The rock formations at the tops of the hills look a bit like the fortifications on the Great Wall of China!? (Click on the photo to enlarge)

Photos of these unique rock formations are in my new DVD, "Outback Adventure", to be released shortly. A great photo opportunity with blue sky, fluffy clouds, hills in the background and wildflowers up the front.

The Australian Outback offers all sorts of photo opportunities like this one.

At Rawnsley Park, I was up early at 5.00am to go ballooning at 6.00am. The ballooning was cancelled, unfortunately, but rather than go back to bed I decided to stay out and photograph the early morning mist and sunrise.


Many of these photos also appear in "Outback Adventure". The light is what makes the difference, so don't always take photos in the middle of the day. Sometimes it pays to be an early riser so see what others are missing out on.

Check out my post on flying over Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona to see what I mean.

Season's Greetings from Downunder

Christmas is over and New Year is nearly upon us. So here are Season's Greetings to you on a card with a difference. Instead of the usual poinsettias with the bright red and green here are some wildflowers from Australia with the brilliant red and black.

This photo of the Sturt Desert Pea (Swainsona Formosa) was taken on our trip, "Off the Beaten Track", to South Australia's Outback, Flinders Ranges and Gammon Ranges.


On the dirt road from Arkaroola to Blinman, there were patches of these wildflowers along the side of the road and these increased as we travelled through the Wearing Gorge - absolutely stunning.

Our trip didn't turn out as planned because there was actually so much rain in the Outback that many of the roads were closed. However, because of the rain the country just came alive with the burst of colour from the wildflowers - a photographer's Paradise!

That just goes to show that as you journey through life sometimes you don't always get what you want or plan for because God has something better in store for you.

So, all the best for the coming year.

P.S. You may see me out and about with my camera and Akubra hat (I'll tell you about that one later!). Fran

Cross Country Event, Adelaide, South Australia, Video Clip

In early November, I was photographing and filming at the Australian International 3 Day Event, a premier event for equestrian sports in the heart of Adelaide’s beautiful parklands. I only attended on the Saturday which was the cross country section of the event.

It wasn't terribly brilliant weather for photography because it was overcast most of the day, interspersed with periods of light rain. Still new to the art of using a borrowed video camera, I did however manage a few snippets here and there.

This clip shows a small section of the jumps in the parklands. Because the course is so spread out, spectators are able to have an unhindered view of riders and their mounts. The area around the water jumps was a different story.

Outback Adventure DVD Nearing Completion

"Outback Adventure" DVD highlighting photos from "Off the Beaten Track", earlier in September, is nearing completion. It will be released in both PAL format (for Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom) and also NTSC format (for the USA, Canada, Europe and South America).

There will be at least 260 photos (without captions) featuring South Australia's Outback, Gammon Ranges and Flinders Ranges. Wildlife, windmills and wildflowers all make an appearance. Mini adventures like the Pichi Richi Railway journey and the Ridge Top Tour at Arkaroola are there too.

Visits to Alligator Gorge, the Ochre Pits and Leigh Creek Coal Field are included as well. Signs, buildings, vehicles and people make an appearance alongside trees, creeks and beautiful scenery.

Did I mention there are planes in it too?

What more could you want as a snapshot of the Australian Bush?

A video snippet will be posted as soon as the DVD's completed (probably after Christmas or in early January).

If you'd like to reserve a copy at AUD$25.00 contact me at fran@franwest.com.

P.S. the wildflowers on the DVD label are South Australia's floral emblem, the Sturt Desert Pea, (absolutely stunning in the Wearing Gorge).

Kolossal Kolob Canyons in Zion National Park, Utah

The Kolob Canyons are located in the northwestern part of Zion National Park in southern Utah. They're quite different to Zion Canyon in that their magnificence can be viewed from afar.

If you click on this photo to enlarge, you can actually read the information plaque about the Kolob Canyons.

I did find my patches of blue sky and the pale background just highlighted the coloured rocks.


Unfortunately, I couldn't spend as long as I liked in this section of the park. There are many walks to do and places to explore and some of the wildflowers were out too.

I would love to revisit the Kolob Canyons because there weren't as many people and consequently it's much quieter than Zion Canyon.

There are no camping facilities here either and people probably like the campgrounds which are not too far away from Springdale near the south entrance to Zion National Park.

I preferred this area but it may also have been because the weather was slightly better than the more famous canyon. You can decide yourself when you visit.

If you would like a larger version of the bottom photo for a desktop wallpaper email me at fran@franwest.com.

Read more about the park here http://www.nps.gov/zion

Zoom in on Zion's Kolossal Kolob Canyons, Utah

Zion National Park, in southern Utah, is a park which is very spread out, having an east entrance and the main south entrance to Zion Canyon. In the northwest there's another entrance leading to the Kolob Canyons. It involves leaving the southern section of the park and heading west on Route 9 and connecting with the I-15. Well worth the drive.

The weather, while I was in the southern part of the park, was overcast and not ideal for photos, so I decided to head to the Kolob Canyons to see if I could find a patch of blue.

Here there was an excellent visitor centre and landscape much more to my liking. Unlike Zion Canyon, where I felt boxed in and had to look up at the rock formations, the Kolob Canyons were more open and easier to photograph in the landscape format (for my DVD purposes).


The location of the visitor centre is a bit deceiving because it doesn't really prepare you for the spectacular views along the road leading into the canyons. More photos of the Kolob Canyons in a future post.

Read more about the park here http://www.nps.gov/zion

Sensational Salzburg offers so many Scenic Spots

Sensational Salzburg offered so many scenic spots for the "Sound of Music".

When we visited this historic Austrian city many years ago, we just had to take a "Sound of Music" tour. The area is so picturesque with mountains and lakes and provided a wonderful backdrop for the movie. It was on the news fairly recently about the cast's 45th anniversary and this in turn reminded me of our time in Salzburg.

There are of course other things to see and do there, like exploring the Mozart connection, attending a performance of the Salzburg Marionette Theatre and enjoying the buildings, food and culture.

Visit Salzburg.

Awesome Alaska's Perfect Portage is a Gorgeous Glacier

Due to popular demand, here's another angle on Alaska's Portage Glacier. It's not that far from Anchorage for a day trip.

Once you reach the lake, which is surrounded by mountains draped with patches of snow, the Ptarmigan takes you right up to the glacier.

As you can see from the photo, the vessel is small but sturdy and as it approaches the glacier more and more people head for the top deck (even though it's quite breezy).

When the glacier calves, massive chunks of ice crash into the lake and become mini icebergs.

This fish tank on board, filled with glacier ice (and a rubber duckie), clearly illustrates the point that most of an iceberg is hidden below the surface of the water. So even in a lake, the vessel has to steer clear of these beautiful bits of glacier just in case.


By the way, the water in the tank was freezing too!

All in all, a good adventure to go on while in Alaska.

Cruising the Canyons, Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona

One of the many activities to do at Lake Powell, in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is to take a cruise around the lake and into the canyons.

Usually there are half day and full day cruises, with lunch provided on the full day ventures. On a hot day, if you choose to be on the top deck, drink plenty of water (provided) and take a hat and sunscreen. Just make sure that the hat ties on because someone on our cruise had to wave his hat goodbye as it blew off into the lake.

As you can see from the photo, the boat is right in the canyon.

Before we boarded for our cruise I was eyeing off the nice big boats moored at the jetty and was disappointed when we embarked on our smaller vessel.


However, as we proceeded through the canyons, I soon understood that a smaller vessel was more manoeuvrable. Even so, on one of the cruises, the boat was so close to the canyon wall that one of the loud speakers was smashed. The cruise captains were just so skilled, they were fantastic.

Red Sun on the Kangaroo Paw

A couple of my aerial photos of airstrips from my flight around Australia's coast are included in this book by Kevin Gomm.

Red Sun on the Kangaroo Paw is about Japanese air raids and submarine attacks on Western Australia during World War II.

For anyone wanting to purchase a copy(s) they can do so by correspondence to:

Helvetica Publishing
PO Box 2186
High Wycombe
Perth Western Australia
AUSTRALIA 6057
helveticapublishing@gmail.com
$40.00 incl. post & packaging.

I'm not an Ugly Duckling! Video Clip

Black swans are a feature on the River Torrens which runs through Adelaide, capital of South Australia.

There's a walk and cycle path which winds its way alongside the river and it's a favourite place for workers and tourists alike.

Just lovely to see the cygnet with the adult swan, very different in plumage.

Sheep grazing near Rawnsley Bluff, Flinders Ranges Video Clip

There's always something happening when you travel in Australia's Outback. Like here in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

Coming back from the Chace Range lookout we came across sheep grazing with the magnificent backdrop of Rawnsley Bluff.



Though not a brilliant day for photos, you can still capture magic moments if you keep your eyes peeled.

Flyabout to Rawnsley Park, Flinders Ranges Video Clip 2

Another clip of a plane taxiing along the runway after landing at Rawnsley Park, Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

The strip is good and is located within view of the dominating Rawnsley Bluff, part of the famous Wilpena Pound. Just watch out for eagles in the air when coming in to land.



Because there's plenty of accommodation, this is a great place for a fly-in.

Chace Range, Flinders Ranges, South Australia Video Clip

The Chace Range, Flinders Ranges, near Rawnsley Park Station, South Australia. Beautiful at dawn, even better at sunset with the pinks of the ranges more visible.

This clip is taken from the lookout which has a panoramic view of the Chace Range, Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena Pound. The road up the hill is quite steep, with rocks and wheel ruts, but definitely worth the effort.



Just one of the sights on Off the Beaten Track. For views of Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena Pound the best time is in the morning so there's no strong afternoon sunlight coming into the camera lens.

Pilot Soars in Disney World, Florida

For me as a pilot, Disney World offers so many flying attractions that I just had to try as many as I could. The Florida day was overcast to begin with but turned out to be this brilliant blue sky, a good day for flying.

I do love elephants and I particularly love elephants who fly, so Dumbo the flying elephant was a very good choice to start with.

The problem with Disney World is that there are so many little kids around that it makes it very hard for the big kids to get on the rides, especially when they don't bring a child with them. However, this was just one of the flying rides to be enjoyed by young and old.

My advice is to arrive early and head for the attractions that matter most to you. One day is just not enough though.

Disney World Vacation And Savings Travel Guide. Click Here!

Cattle Head for the Hills Video Clip

There's something idyllic about cattle wandering through paddocks and climbing hills.

These cattle are roaming on a property in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Spring is a beautiful time to visit Adelaide, and the surrounding hills, when it's generally greener and the wildflowers and blossoms are out.

Horsing around in the Outback Video Clip

There was plenty of wildlife around on Off the Beaten Track, in South Australia's Outback. Horses were also grazing in various places too, like here in the northern Flinders Ranges.

When travelling in the Bush you have to be careful of stock on the road because in some places there are no fences. Fortunately these horses were more interested in the grass than cars on the road.

Flyabout to Rawnsley Park, Flinders Ranges Video Clip

During "Sea, Sky and Sand: a flight around South Australia's coast and Outback" in 2002, I landed at Rawnsley Park, in the Flinders Ranges.

This time, during Off the Beaten Track, I was on the ground filming planes taking off and landing. Not quite as exciting as flying the plane myself but it did give the opportunity to enjoy the view of Rawnsley Bluff in the background.



Airstrips in the Outback can be a challenge and at this one pilots have to keep an eye out for eagles (not good to hit one in flight).

Travel tips Australia Click Here!

Your guide to travelling Australia Click Here!

Disney World Definitely Delivers

Earlier this year I visited Orlando, Florida, to present a session at an aviation conference.

Before the conference, however, I spent a whole day at Disney World. I arrived early, on the free bus from my hotel, and left after the magnificent fireworks at the end of the day.

Several days to visit would have been better, but I went on as many of the attractions and rides that I could fit into one day.

I managed to ride on this riverboat and give my feet a well earned rest. To see a bit more of the Disney complex I went outside the park and caught the monorail to some of the other hotel resorts. A very tiring but action-packed and satisfying day.

However, I wish I'd bought this guide before my visit.
Disney World Vacation And Savings Travel Guide. Click Here!

Popeye is Alive and Well in Adelaide, South Australia. Video Clip (part 2)

Popeye is alive and well in Adelaide, South Australia. Popeye, the motor launch, that is.

It cruises along the River Torrens and it makes a leisurely way to see the city from the river.



It cruises under the city bridge, past the Adelaide University, and has another boarding area near the Adelaide Zoo. For a bit more footage see Video Clip (part 1).

Travel tips Australia Click Here!

Your guide to travelling Australia Click Here!

Popeye is Alive and Well in Adelaide, South Australia. Video Clip (part 1)

Popeye is alive and well in Adelaide, South Australia. Popeye, the motor launch, that is.

It cruises along the River Torrens and it makes a leisurely way to see the city from the river.



It has one boarding area near the fountain, just down from the Festival Theatre and Parliament House. For a bit more footage see Video Clip (part 2).

Travel tips Australia Click Here!

Your guide to travelling Australia Click Here!

Baa Baa Black Sheep Video Clip

These are the black sheep I stopped to film before I saw the car being washed in the creek. They were in a paddock in the Southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia.



It pays to look on both sides of the road when travelling. Also, once you're out the car then listen to hear what else is going on.

Travel tips Australia Click Here!

Your guide to travelling Australia Click Here!

Kangaroo Capers - "Mum, I'm itchy!" Video Clip

Kangaroos, especially joeys, are very cute. These two were filmed at Wilpena, in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia, during Off the Beaten Track.

It's the same joey that winked at me when I was taking its photo.



Travel tips Australia Click Here!

Your guide to travelling Australia Click Here!

Cows Down Pat - No Bull! Video Clip

You can find out more about a country by going to a show (agricultural and horticultural, that is) or a state fair.

There you will see domestic animals and birds, flowers and plants, crafts, machinery, fashion shows, show jumping, wood chopping and so on.

My DVD, "A day at the Show", highlights most of these. In particular, I liked the cattle, so here is a random selection taken from the DVD (not the actual music though).

This is just for a bit of fun.



Travel tips Australia Click Here!

Your guide to travelling Australia Click Here!

Feathered Fathers Coddle Cute Chicks - Exceptional Emus! Video Clip

During Off the Beaten Track, we did a day trip from Rawnsley Park to the Great Wall of China (a range of hills) in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

On the way, we saw several adult emus and about 14 chicks. The great thing about emus is that the fathers are the ones that usually babysit the young.

Just enjoy this short clip - the chicks are so cute.



Travel tips Australia Click Here!

Your guide to travelling Australia Click Here!

Car Wash Country Style Video Clip

On the way home from Off the Beaten Track, I stopped to photograph some sheep in a paddock not far from Melrose, in the Southern Flinders Ranges.

Above the chorus of bleating lambs I could hear the sound of running water and went to investigate.

The side road crossed the creek and there in the middle of the crossing was a man cleaning his car.

Just goes to show how resourceful country people are. Not a "loo with a view" this time, but a "car wash with a view"!




Travel tips Australia Click Here!

Your guide to travelling Australia Click Here!