DoRonRon:-))'s photostream

I took this picture recently when the replica of the HM Bark Endeavour visited Albany. Following is some information that I hope you may find interesting. The HM Bark Endeavour Replica is a replica of HMS Endeavour, the bark commanded by Lieutenant James Cook when he charted New Zealand and discovered the eastern coast of Australia. The Endeavour replica was launched at the end of 1993, and completed in 1994. After sea trials, the replica sailed from Fremantle to Sydney, where she arrived at the end of 1994. During 1995, the ship recreated Cook's voyage along eastern Australia, then visited New Zealand at the end of the year. In late 1996, the Endeavour replica set out on a circumnavigation of the world, visiting ports in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and North America, before returning to New Zealand in late 1999. The vessel returned to Sydney in mid-2000. In 2001, the replica was used for filming of the BBC documentary The Ship, then sailed to England in 2002. She spent the next two years visiting ports in the United Kingdom and Europe, before sailing back to Sydney in 2005, completing a second round-the-world voyage. On arrival in Australia, the HM Bark Endeavour Foundation transferred ownership of the vessel to the Australian National Maritime Museum.

In 2011, the replica began a year-long circumnavigation of Australia.

This rural scene shows the distant Stirling Ranges which are situated east of Albany, Western Australia.

This shot was taken when I went on a river cruise bought for me as a Christmas present from my wife Anne. I have walked the banks of this river many times, but have always wanted to take this cruise to give me a different perspective of the river. The young guy who skippered the boat was very knowledgeable, and I learned many things about the river and the Aboriginal culture. Many, many years ago the Aboriginal people made fish traps out of rocks placed in the shallow waters of the river. On the way to the entrance of the river we passed through a natural harbour called Oyster Harbour. In the harbour there is an island called Green Island. Pelicans and other sea birds nest there. Green Island is one of only four islands in the whole of Western Australia where pelicans breed.

I'm the not so cute one being held by my dad. No comments necessary, just thought you all might need a laugh:-)

This panorama is two pictures stitched together. Recently I climbed to the top of Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Ranges National Park which is situated 60 miles east of Albany, Western Australia. The climb to the top (3500 ft) is hard going, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. As some of you may have noticed I haven't been on Flickr much lately, but it doesn't mean I don't think about you all. For that reason I have posted this picture with the purpose of wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a healthy and happy 2012. Take care everyone, your Flickr friend, Ron.