Semi Retired Foamer

For over four decades I have been a rail and bus photographer.

However, during this time I have aimed the lens at other subjects, be they different transportation, scenery, buildings and other bollocks.

Given these do not really fit the scope of my other sites, I felt compelled to set up a new site so as to inflict my other photographic garbage upon the world.
While primarily Philippine and Australian content, there will be the occasional forays into Fiji and Hong Kong. Perhaps other locations should the current pandemic ever allow it.

So sit back and enjoy, or hate, even be indifferent. That choice is purely up to you.

Official Home Of the 'Brad N Virls Adventure Series' - Images are copyright, so contact us if you would like to use any photos on your site/video! (We don't bite)

Tuesday, 9 April 2024

COCKATOO ISLAND - 24-3-2024 - PART 1

Link To All Our Websites & Research Forums.

Cockatoo Island (Wareamah)

UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the best parts of having one of the world's most awesome nieces staying with us, is being able to spend a heap of quality time (its called bonding time apparently) with her while touring around our city sights.

In an unexpected turn of events, it turns out we share numerous interests in common, and her time with us will likely remain amongst the best periods in my mediocre time spent on this planet.

So, one of those places on top of the 'to do' list had to be our Cockatoo Island. A location chokkas full of history, and located along our beautiful Sydney Harbour.

Cockatoo Island History

Wish I had a Peso for every time someone has taken this shot from Circular Quay station.

That ship is the 'Celebrity Edge' and some of you may recognise the bridge behind it.
Photo: Brad Peadon

Ferry Alexander was not the pot of gold we hoped to find at the end of that rainbow. :-(
Photo: Brad Peadon

Fred Hollows departs Circular Quay, with the Celebrity Edge at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
Photo: Brad Peadon

The floating unit block 'Celebrity Edge'.
Photo: Brad Peadon

On the Lauren Jackson ferry destined for Cockatoo Island.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Cockatoo Island entrance just off the ferry wharf.

Photo: Brad Peadon

After entry, we headed directly south to the incredibly interesting heavy engineering section. I wish I had the map linked at the bottom of the article, as it would have been of great help.

However, it provides just another reason to return.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Impressive much.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Views inside the heavy engineering area of Cockatoo Island. The sheer scale of it all is quite mind blowing.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Virls is excited to find where Wolverine was filmed.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Looking towards Fitzroy Dock.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Fitzroy Dock

Built between 1847 and 1857.

That's a very serious look Virls.

Photo: Brad Peadon

The Paranormal Tours sound great.

Photo: Brad Peadon

The Cockatoo Island heavy engineering section from across Fitzroy Dock..

Photo: Brad Peadon

Southern Stairs. Not nearly the enduro challenge of Manila's Mt Kamuning, but certainly a bit of an effort. A worthwhile effort as it turned out.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Sutherland Dock from up top of the 'Southern Stairs'.

Built between 1882 and 1890.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Some photos with my beautiful niece taken around the convict area of the island..

Photo: Brad Peadon

Chapel in the convict area.

Photo: Brad Peadon

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Video: Sydney Harbour in the 1980s.

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Further Reading:

Best Cockatoo Island Map I've Found.

Cockatoo Island Official Site.

Cockatoo Island Memories.

Cockatoo Island Ferry Timetable.

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A Group For The Love Of The Philippines.

Monday, 1 April 2024

2009: RANDOM PHILIPPINES - PART 3

Howdee once again one and all.

Before starting, I want to really say how much I truly appreciate the email feedback I have been receiving about the random Philippine series of posts.

I am not a person who enjoys going to the usual touristy places, I far prefer to be around Divisoria than Boracay.

Of course this is an attitude that stuns the more normal people of society, however it is what it is. I just find more interest in the everyday, an everyday that is a decade and a half ago in this post.

If you're from the Philippines and would like to chat about it and make friends, come join us.

I guess you don't have to be a bus enthusiast like me to be familiar with the 'Jell Transport' company that has long been a recognisable part of the Manila landscape for years.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Back in the days of 2009, Zumba was conducted in Rizal Park on weekends.

Obviously they were very popular, as they were in a few malls I visited, but I'm unsure if it is still a thing there today.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Doing the Zumba thing.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Not sure if this word has any unusual meaning outside of Australia, but is sure was cause for a giggle when I saw the business name.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Following the Zumba, we went exploring Rizal Park .

Photo: Brad Peadon

M/S Philippines.

Originally the M/S Augustus, built back in 1950 for the Italian Line.

In 1976 she was retired and sold to Hong Kong, where she was to sail under five names, before being sold to the Manila Hotel where she is seen here.

She would later be sold for scrapping, this occurring in India during 2012.

Photos: Brad Peadon