Summer At Thredbo

Thredbo is Australia's main ski resort. Busy in winter, looking for work in the summer. Seems like the perfect time to visit to be alone on a bare mountain.

Chairlift station at the mountain base. No snow, no crowds. The place is popular with mountain bike enthusiasts in the summer.

Prepped for winter, a long way off. Chairlift through forest scrub. At least the lift is running, taking people near the top for some summit hiking.

Up top, paths to get you to the highest point in Australia.

Back at the base, an attempt at off-season thrills, the cute "Alpine Coaster." Hotel room art, promoting another season.

Back outside, no changes.

Wandering Around Sydney

Miscellaneous musings on random sights around the big city. Development stops here! Actually, the botanic gardens start there.

Construction is booming in Australia, whether you're renovating an old building or developing from scratch. Make sure to wrap your site with enticing pics, past and future.

Holy Mary. At the Cathedral named for her, a modern, let's be frank, sexier version of her is on display. With baby Jesus, looking a little like a Sears portrait studio picture.

Holy cow. Oops, it's a holy pig, boar. This sculpture in front of Sydney Hospital is a replica of the Il Porcellino, little pig, located in Florence, Italy. Snout rubs must be for good luck on tonsil operations. More fun with sculptures, the Sydney Opera House in shellwork by Aboriginal artist, Esme Timbery. What's next, Opera House in Rice Krispie treats? Should work.

Behold the world's largest hanging animated turret clock. Is that a thing? It's called The Great Australian Clock and it hangs (turrets?) in the Queen Victoria Building market and features dioramas telling the history of Australia from both Aboriginal and immigrant (white) perspectives. Learn something besides the time while you shop.