A Stunning...

A stunning mural I noticed when I was down in Fremantle a couple of weeks ago...

 

This Visit...

This visit to Lake Leschenultia was on May 3rd the weather was still warm, although I did find two spots where mushrooms were beginning to push through the soil. I was surprised as I thought it would have been too warm for mushrooms.

The pretty pink of some milkwort flowers brightened a tiny patch of bush. Once the winter rains begin the bushland will become vibrant with colour. Winter and spring are such beautiful seasons for hiking in the bush.

I did see an egret perched on a branch, they are generally very nervous birds. This one seemed rather brave, even though I wasn't very close I did expect it to fly off. It didn't seem to mind, which is unusual for this particular species.

I caught signs of smoke rising on the horizon which is never a good sign when there's been a lack of rain. Everything was still extremely dry when these photos were taken.

I was amused at seeing a ringneck parrot walking all over one of the BBQs as I neared my car. And I couldn't resist another opportunity to capture the beauty of the red flowering gum...

 

Yesterday...

Yesterday I went for indulgent day of pampering at the Bodhi Highgate Spa.

It was my first time visiting this particular Bodhi  Spa, I have always been to the Wembley Spa in the past.

Everything about this spa oozed tranquility from the moment I walked through the open gate.

Once I had changed into a fluffy white robe I was taken to the waiting room with muted lights and soft music playing. As I settled into the chair I felt tensions melting away. I also became teary, as I was here because my son and daughter in-law had given me a voucher for Christmas last year. This was an extremely generous gift, and I felt so immensely grateful. 

When my therapist came to take me through to the therapy room I was once again extremely emotional, and this time it was difficult to contain the emotions and tears. Thankfully Luciana was just the kind of therapist I needed, and she calmed me down simply through the cleansing foot bath prior to my massage.

I had chosen the Kodo massage with hot rocks. 

The Kodo massage has been inspired by indigenous Australian healing traditions, and being of indigenous decent I really felt drawn to trying this massage. 

The rocks used are from the Kimberley region of the state, and they definitely had a powerful energy, grounding and earthy. 

Having done a variety of bodywork myself over the years, I fully understand how open one is when having a massage.

 A massage isn't just about having your body touched; your open on a soul level. 

Luciana was definitely on the same level as l am as I felt it immediately when I met her. 

This added to the deep therapeutic healing that took place during the massage. 

The Kodo massage was unlike any massage I had had before, and the way the hot rocks were used was also extremely unique. 

I was transported to another realm as pressure points were activated and tension drained from my body, whilst held securely by an incredible therapist.

After 90 minutes of utter bliss I dreamily walked back to the lounge area wrapped in the warm fluffy robe. Waiting for me was a platter of herbal tea, fruit, bliss ball and water. 

This was the first time I had had the robe experience, and I must say it really enhanced the luxuriousness of the whole experience. 

Having time to unwind before going into the massage and then again afterwards really adds to the experience at the Bodhi Highgate Spa. 

I was so impressed with the experience that I decided that I will be gifting myself this exact same massage with the same therapist on a regular basis...

 

Tender Moments...

Tender moments between Charlie and Bear are extremely beautiful to witness.

Gentle displays of affection that I normally watch, not photograph.

Warmed by the sunshine pouring in through the window added a serene depth to this exchange.

Until, Charlie decided to get a little too amorous.

To which he received a silent but stern warning that he had gone too far.

The look on his face in the last three photos are priceless as he realises that he's most definitely in trouble...

 

Visiting Woodlake...

Visiting Woodlake at the beginning of May where despite wishing for cooler autumnal weather it was still too warm. One yellow grevillea flower was beginning to open which is an indication that colder weather is looming.

The deciduous trees in the park were beginning to turn, yet I expect that the extended warmth was somewhat confusing for them. 

I was joyful at seeing a pair of black swans leisurely drifting across the water. Despite their native range being in the south west of Western Australia, it's not often I see them.

Black swans are monogamous and will raise one brood of cygnets per season. I will keep an eye on these two whenever I am down this way, hopefully they will nest here.

Woodlake is a favoured walk when I am down in suburbia and in need of escaping back to the calming embrace of nature. 

There's always a lot of activity with the variety of water birds that dwell at the lake.

 Plus it's rarely busy, so meandering around the lake is always peaceful...