This is a photo from Flickr of the Lane Cove River as it flows through Lane Cove National Park in northern Sydney. I know it's rather weedy around the edges and the signs declare that swimming is not "advisable" , particularly after rain, but it is one of my favourite places when I need a change of scene. And considering it's in the middle of a large city it can pe amazingly peaceful and beautiful. There is amazing birdlife, gorgeous bearded dragons - some of which refuse to move as you walk by - and a variety of wildflowers throughout the year. Recently I saw some huge fish in the river too - I suspect they were carp - but at least there is something alive in there.
Last week I visited some huge rock shelters which are located quite close to De Burgh's Bridge and yet in many ways a hundred miles away from city life. Aboriginal people must have used them in the past and I must admit there was a certain eeriness about being there, as if some spirits from long ago were keeping watch still. I also discovered recently some evidence of European occupation - a beautiful old stone cottage called "Baker's Cottage". It's situated quite close to the road which goes through the picnic areas on the north side of the river but I only discovered it because I saw a track and thought I'd see where it went. The cottage itself is hidden behind the trees so although I've been visiting the park on and off since approimately 1965 I'd never seen it.
I have been wandering around the Lane Cove River and it's tributaries since I was a child but there is still a lot more to discover - or to rediscover. Thankyou Flickr for the photo contribution and thankyou to Ashleigh for her assistance.