Moonrise and clouds over the sea, Aire River Mouth, Pt Campbell Ocean Swimming Race and Drilling Rig in Bass Strait

Apollo Bay and the surrounding coast and hinterland are where I spend most of my time. These photos were all taken in February 2021 in the final weeks of summer. With the exception of the spectacle of the gas exploration rig being towed through Bass Strait south of Apollo Bay, these photos capture ordinary daily … Continue reading Moonrise and clouds over the sea, Aire River Mouth, Pt Campbell Ocean Swimming Race and Drilling Rig in Bass Strait →

Big Waves at Little Henty Reef, Snorkelling at Little Henty Reef, West Coast surfers, a Shark Warning

The constant and ever-changing backdrop to life in Apollo Bay is the ocean. Swells come and go on the west coast of Victoria, unlike the wind which blows most days. The size of the swell is determined by storms in higher latitudes deep in the Southern Ocean. The strength and direction of the wind on … Continue reading Big Waves at Little Henty Reef, Snorkelling at Little Henty Reef, West Coast surfers, a Shark Warning →

Uplifting sights in and around Apollo Bay

Moments that lifted my spirits in recent (COVID-19 lockdown) days. Easter moon over Apollo Bay Gibson Steps Another visit to the slender headland Gentle rideable swell off the harbour entrance at Apollo Bay Daily solo swims in the Southern Ocean Australian fur seals at home on Little Henty Reef Seals on Little Henty Reef Storm … Continue reading Uplifting sights in and around Apollo Bay →

Swimming with wild dolphins, cool temperate rainforest, easterly seas, storm clouds and lightning

The awesomeness of an ocean swim with wild dolphins. I have only had wild dolphins intentionally swim to me and with me on two occasions. The first occasion was in the late 1970s off Thistle Island in the Southern Ocean at the mouth of Spencer Gulf. There is a sheltered beach on the north side … Continue reading Swimming with wild dolphins, cool temperate rainforest, easterly seas, storm clouds and lightning →

Storms, seabirds, surf…..

Weather generated in the roaring forties hits this part of the world with glorious force. The reason is that Apollo Bay is just around the corner from Cape Otway which extends unprotected into the Southern Ocean. The Southern Ocean in a post-frontal gale Summer announced its arrival around here with a series of cold fronts … Continue reading Storms, seabirds, surf….. →