Hyacinth Orchids in Seven Mile Beach NP : November 28 2024

Do enjoy waking up to the quiet of being out of the city. No listening to the shower water going down the pipes above at 5:30. Forecast is for rain from the middle of the day. That got me out on the bike to ride and walk Seven Mile Beach NP by 11 am

First orchid found on the roadside on Gerroa Road

Toss up on ID - colour is pink. No spots on the pedicel (the spike that holds the flower). That suggests rose hyacinth orchid - dipodium roseum

Dyanella fruited makes for good Christmas balls show

Not often taking photos of grass heads - no wind today made it easier. What got my eye is the way this grass head has curved. They are normally straight - the spider has made its home

Australian native violet

Budding hyacinth orchid - not the same as the one seen earlier

One step further but still not open. A good photo challenge - got part of the target in focus

There were openers - blotched hyacinth orchids. Colour is more purple and there are spots on the pedicel

A different angle next plant along

A head full of flowers

This is a tough photo challenge on a phone. How to get focus on the fine calli on the labellum

Stepped back works a bit better

Next cluster is 3 or 4 plants standing tall

Back to the grass heads - straight is the way they normally are - no spiders

Walked past this leaning tree heaps of times - not noticed it before

The smallest flash of blue - told it is not a weed. Deep in the bush is a good clue

Front on of the next dipodium variegatum

This one has been knocked over and the stalk bent - plant still hanging in

Another cluster of 4 flowers

One more flowering on the way back. This is why I walk the tracks out and back - always something new

While I was walking heard the sounds like vehicles riding over one of those metal plates or maybe a trailer bouncing. Was too regular and also when no cars going by - was the thunder rumbling. The clubs tell the story - storm rolling in

Last time I rode down here there were orchids budding - found one open - by now you will know the ID keys - pink and no spots on the pedicel

Rose hyacinth orchid - dipodium roseum

Saw this sign on the ride down to the shops. Good thing I could remember what I went in there for - just two things

Was good to get out riding and make it back just before the big storm hit. It poured down - could not see the mountain

Dinner: Cooked eye fillet on BBQ for friends

This report was published via Actifit app (Android | iOS). Check out the original version here on actifit.io

Cycling, Daily Activity, House Chores, Photowalking