tiabunna's photos

A passing rain shower had made these benches wet, but this seagull still was awaiting anyone who was kind enough to share some food. Happy Bench Monday, have a great week everyone.

These "Beardman" jugs were salvaged from the wreck of the Vergulde Draeck (Gilt Dragon) which was lost in 1656 and finally found, about 100km from Perth, in 1963. In the PiPs, the block of coins is from the same wreck, while the displays of coins and silver are from the Batavia .These displays are in the WA Shipwrecks Museum in Fremantle.

One of Australia's most famous shipwrecks, the Dutch East Indies Company ship Batavia was en-route on its maiden voyage to the port of the same name (now Jakarta) when it went aground in 1629 on the islands of Houtmans Abrolhos off Australia's west coast. And that was only the start of an amazing story of mutiny, murder, mayhem and retribution, all explained in this link. The link (recommended) also has many fine images of a modern replica of the Batavia. The wreck was found in the 1960s and, in the 1970s, maritime archaeologists recovered much of the cargo and a section of the hull. Amazingly, it had survived the wave action for over 340 years under part of the cargo which included the bricks and stonework seen in these images. Yes, that rope around the display is a fence, so Happy Fence Friday, everyone, and I hope your weekend goes well.

The Shipwrecks Museum in Fremantle is a "must visit" to see the remains of shipwrecks from the early days of European visits to Australia (many unintentional), beginning in the early 1600s.

They've put on a great display this year.

The huge bushfires of 2019-2020 burnt in New South Wales for over 240 days and covered an area of 5,520,000 hectares. Our local Botanic Gardens were not spared - as can be seen from the blackened scorch marks remaining on the tree trunks, despite other vegetation regrowth. This bench also was burnt - also see detail in the PiP. Wishing everyone a Happy Bench Monday and an enjoyable week.

Our local Botanic Gardens feature the plants native to this area of Australia. I went there with my camera and found this flowering plant, which a botanically-inclined friend identified as a Dusky Coral Pea (Kennedia rubicunda). There had been rain, so it came with water droplets as a bonus.

Looking across Perth from Kings Park. With another Friday here, I'll use this to wish everyone a Happy Fence Friday and a good weekend.

Fremantle is not only the main commercial port for Perth, it also has a long history as a fishing port. That is where I saw these sculptures of old-time fishermen, commemorating that history.