What is Bokeh? - for all you budding photographers.

Photography has been a hobby of mine for many years, I turned it into a business for seventeen or so years, even teaching the art for a couple of years at night classes.  I thought I might share some simple aspects of the art with you, and just some of the results.  Here goes - In photography, "Bokeh" can be described as the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus parts of an image and is produced and controlled by the lens. Also described as the way the lens highlights any out-of-focus points of light providing a fore or background of interest yet still enhancing the main subject matter.
OK, for any budding photographers, I will describe below how all this is achieved, for those who are not into photography, or simply don't really want to know,  I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Bairnsdale Bowls and Croquet Club - relaxing tasty a top spot for lunch or dinner.

“Krakkerjack Bistro”   54 Grant Street, Bairnsdale Victoria 3875    Phone: 03 5152 3796
BISTRO OPEN Lunch 12 - 2pm.  Dinner 6pm - 8pm.  7 days (closed Christmas Day & Good Friday)

Entry via rear car park - good access

Sometimes is is a good idea to re-visit locations just to see if things have changed. This week I opted for the Bairnsdale Bowls and Croquet Club, to give it the correct name, is it up to the same standard?

Gippsland Motoplex - presents some great events supporting our region

The Gippsland Motorplex (aka Bairnsdale Dragway), few realise that this facility, operated by volunteers, not only provides for a range of motor-sport, but also, by holding a number of events throughout the year brings considerable economic benefit to the businesses in the area and provides a off road and safe training and education base not only for young in-experienced drivers, but for all drivers at whatever skill level they may have reached (or think they have).

                            

                                                                                                                                                              Holding events such as listed below, also provides an outlet for those who enjoy burnouts, drag racing, and the like, and at the Gippsland Motorplex  all this can be enjoyed in a safe and controlled environment keeping such activities off our roads. The events bring thousands, yes thousands of visitors to our region, they spend in our local businesses adding to business viability.

Truck Drags 

Gippsland Motoplex is in need of support, curiously and despite many requests and submissions, our Local, State and Federal governments conveniently turn a blind eye and whilst supporting on paper, fail to provide any real funding support for either the educational, training or sporting facilities. Makes you wonder how serious they are about reducing road trauma and carnage and supporting tourism and local business? Any sponsorship or funding proposals are always welcome.

Local haulage operator wins the Drag Race 

Anyway enough of that for now,  here is a listing of the events planned so far into January 2019. For more information contact go to:
Gippsland Motoplex on Facebook or Email:  Bairnsdaledragway @yahoo.com

29th September 2018

7th and 8th December 2018

4th 5th and 6th January 2019

Put these dates in your dairy, if you have never been try it out, it is a great family friendly venue with full facilities and catering on site. 

Or if its a swap meet you are after then the Lakesters Rod and Custom Club are holding one

Here's the info...

Works on New Sea Walls near Coastguard base starts Monday 13th

Replacement of the seawalls near the Lakes Entrance Coastguard station begins Monday 13th!          It makes me wonder why they laid a new footpath about 9 moths ago and then promptly fenced it off, but it seems finally we will see some action and have a continuous safe and access friendly footpath between the Coastguard Base and Bank Jetty. Hooray.
Reproduced below is the Shire announcement for your information, I have added some photos from around 2014 for comparison.

It's Cafe Culture Time - September 7th at 7pm

 A little time to get organised and enjoy a good night out and some great food. Book yourselves, organise a group, tell your friends, last resort, go on your own and in any event, enjoy great company and good music while enjoying the gastronomic delights at Albert & Co in Lakes Entrance. These opportunities are limited, and so is space, so make a booking, grab your tickets and turn up early so you can enjoy "Happy Hour" at Albert's bar with a few nibbles. Better still enjoy a meal beforehand with some local wines, there are Friday special menus available. Celebrate the start of Spring.

All in Black and White – a different view of our region

I vividly recall developing my first roll of film, a 620 size from a Kodak Box Brownie camera in the cupboard under the stairs in my parent’s house, I was aged about 8 and it was for my photographer badge in Cubs, (now Cub Scouts). 

Water on Rocks and a Rough Sea

Cann River Cafe - take a break on your journey and enjoy.

Cann River Cafe.  6 Princes Hwy, Cann River VIC 3890       Hours: 6am till 5pm daily

Located in the main street next to a small bakery (that is another blog), on the South side of the main street. Parking right outside and easy access inside. The cafe is a mix of cafe, local produce and gifts with a small garden setting to the side.

What's a life worth? Take a day out - it may save yours or someone else's

What is a life worth?   Can you save your own life?   Can you save another's life?

Simply, the answer is YES.... read on if you want to find out how. Our roads are an ever changing scene, our vehicles continually updated, but do we update ourselves, does our experience match those changes? Have we up-skilled our driving techniques to accommodate new technologies, new road conditions and perhaps our own changes in driving ability both physically and mentally?
Here is a way to come to grips with those questions aimed at the learner probationary driver and those who are still new to driving.

WARNING: Some Images below are graphic. Viewer discretion is advised

Hot Rods in June – colour in the midst of winter

From time to time it is great to see the number of car clubs that visit this region. We have some of the best driving roads in the State and this is confirmed by regular rallies such as the “Alpine Rally” and the “Tarmac Rally” which have made Lakes Entrance their base.

Public Opinion makes the Difference - a win for Myer Street and Bullock Island.

In company with many other locals, I attended the information session provided by VicRoads at the Lakes Entrance Mechanic Hall yesterday. It was pleasing to note that, due to public opinion and feedback, VicRoads have amended their plans and we are advised, will not be closing off Myer Street at its intersection with the Esplanade. Hooray !