Banksia

I had an early (ish) walk around the local neighbourhood to an arboretum, the birds were making their usual cacophony - give me scottish birdsong anyday!
I'm amazed that the shrubs seem to have all stages of seed germination going on at the one time- buds, flowers and seeds- this is a young banksia with a more mature one in the background.
I got extremely hot walking back to the house, too many steep hills and not enough shade- it stayed hot all day. We all took the train into the city then caught the 'cat' to go up the river- those breezes were very welcome!
A walk through the park to a great BBQ restaurant for lunch then cocktails at the regatta hotel- a most enjoyable sunday!