I had an unusual burst of energy and sudden desire to go for a walk and check out the new wetlands at the back of my place. So with my mum and daughter in tow and my trusty camera, we ventured off to find the place where throughout my childhood I spent most of my time hanging out with friends.
What we found when we arrived was like nothing I had ever imagined for this place. Kiah and I found our own little 'Stonehenge' to sit and reflect while I told her stories of what we used to get up to here as kids.
Mum also reflected...
A really peaceful place. If all goes to plan with the Wetlands, we will have a cleaner Cooks River with a lot more wildlife. Just hope the smell subsides.
My daughter and my mum making the most of 'Stonehenge'
What more can I say, It's a very reflective place.
I was hoping to see some form of animal life in these sediment ponds but not yet. In time...
'Stonehenge' from across the ponds
Little Magpie Lark wanted to make friends down by the river... cuteness!
Time for some silliness which always happens in the company of my mum. She is responsible for teaching me to see the fun side of life, to find a positive in a sea of negatives and...
to be a tree whenever possible! Mum made a great tree stump and even provided the flowers, I was the branches.
Just before we left, I spotted this beautiful Pelican sitting on a bank in the middle of the river. I only ever see one and not that often so it made the day just that more special. This Pelican is proof that the Cooks River is getting better and hopefully with the wetlands many more pelicans will reside here along with bringing other new species of wildlife to the area.
On the walk home we passed the old waterfall which was our main hangout as kids. Slightly upgraded, although you wouldn't really call it an upgrade, this canal is the water source for the wetlands. All in all the colour of the river was looking much healthier - still wouldn't swim in it -but I'm confident with a little TLC the river will become a place of beauty again.
