Sprinter and Sprummer

Whilst Australia has adopted the European model of four seasons, some are now arguing for five. Dr Tim Entwistle, Director of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne is the champion of the cause, putting forward his argument for a revision - and not just in Australia - in his interview with the ABC. 

Winter in south east Australia is pretty short, with June and July being the coldest months, when night-time temperatures in Sydney often hover around 5 or 6 degrees. But by August the minimum temperatures have lifted and the period of flowering, which lasts for several months, has begun.

So here is the suggested model:

'Sprinter': August & September - the first period of flowering after the short and sharp winter; wattle, the characteristically Australian flower, is at its peak.

'Sprummer': October & November - a second period of flowering (such as jacarandas) and when temperatures are more consistent; but before the hot and humid days and nights of summer.

So here are some photos from the last couple of weeks when I've been on the Spring Sprinter-Sprummer school holidays.

Cannon at the Gunners' Barracks, Middle Head (looking south-east)

Kookaburras at the Gunners Barracks

A pint of Young Henrys* Real Ale, at The Taphouse by Manly Beach on Sunday morning; arguably the best pint of proper beer in the southern hemisphere, and hard to find on tap.  Gill met up with Angelique and Dallas for breakfast, so I met Chris (Dono) for breakfast..... and a crafty pint or three.

*Young Henrys is a small independent brewery in Newtown, which was also the location for our end of term drinks

Manly Beach

A blue-tongue lizard, in the bush near where we live

Gillian and I went to the Eastern Beaches this morning, where we did the coastal walk between Clovelly and Bondi.

 View of north Bondi

Brunch at The Bucket List, Bondi Beach 

 Bronte Beach

 Waverley Cemetery

 Swimming baths near Tamarama

 Bondi Beach, from the southern end of the walk

 Bronte Beach

 Rocks near Bronte