beach

My July began and ended with travel, leaving the in-between bit less than memorable.

Work took the Big T to Melbourne, and I joined him for a long, sunny weekend. Melbourne is a city I know well, so seldom do touristy things there. Instead I’m happy to walk the different neighbourhoods, visit galleries, drink far too much coffee, and enjoy the vibe.

Hosier Lane street art. These days it’s easier to photograph visitors photographing each other than to shoot the actual art. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Bees; Southbank, Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Workers cottages, North Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

The Yarra at Southbank, Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Dedicated to the restoration, repair and sale of violins, violas, cellos, West Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Street art, South Melboune. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Sunset on the Yarra, Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Bolte Bridge at sunset, Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Docklands apartments, Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

The ‘Polly Woodside’, South Wharf, Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

‘Three Businessmen Who Brought Their Own Lunch: Batman, Swanston and Hoddle’. Corner Swanston and Burke Streets, Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Detail. ‘Three Businessmen Who Brought Their Own Lunch: Batman, Swanston and Hoddle’. Corner Swanston and Burke Streets, Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Bronze sculpture, Gillie and Marc. Part of ‘Travel the World with Love’ exhibition. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Photographic exhibition, The Block Arcade, Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

‘Tofu for Dolphins’ — naturally. Sign that never fails to amuse me, Victoria Street, North Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Hosier Lane, Melbourne. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Last week I drove to Whanganui to see my father, tacking on a side trip to Palmerston North and an overnight stay in Turangi on the way home.

Whanganui’s an attractive city with a thriving arts scene (definitely a bonus), but what makes the trip even better is that it takes me through some of the North Island’s most rugged and beautiful scenery.

Wall poetry, seen outside Palmerston North Library. Image: Su Leslie 2019

‘Nga Huruhuru Rangatira — Feathers of the Chief’, Robert Jahnke. Seen at sunset the play of light on steel was beautiful. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Wall poetry, seen outside Palmerston North Library. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Street art, Whanganui. Image: Su Leslie 2019

‘Bearing’, David McCracken, Whanganui Riverfront. Image: Su Leslie 2019

… and on my left — apparently — another wind turbine. Maybe, through the mist that shouded the Saddle Road a few minutes after the blue-sky shot was taken. Image: Su Leslie 2019

On the right — glorious sunshine and a wind turbine. Saddle Road, Ruahine Forest, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Sunset over Whanganui. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Building, Mangaweka, New Zealand. In 1973 artist Robin White painted this building, with a 1930s truck parked outside. The painting has become famous — my photo, probably not. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Rangipo Desert, North Island New Zealand. Image: Su Leslie 2019

First glimpse, Mt Ngaruahoe. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Mt Ruapehu from Whakapapa Skifield. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Sunset, Castlecliff, Whanganui. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Looking at the photos I’ve taken this month, street art and stunning sunsets seem to predominate. I was about to sigh wistfully and say it would be wonderful if every month offered up such treasures — but I suspect I really just need to look harder.

About The Changing Seasons

The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.

If you would like to join in, here are the guidelines:

The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic):

Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them

The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):

Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them.

If you do a ping-back to this post, I can update it with links to all of yours.