Of droughts and flooded plains....

Storm clouds gathering at sunset.

As the sun began to set, a whistling kite plucked a fish from the river , and storm clouds began to gather to the west. I thought about this country. There are only two seasons- Wet or Dry. Australia is a sunburnt country , a land of sweeping plains, of ragged mountain ranges, of droughts and flooded plains... On this trip we would experience both.

View of Mungo through the screened enclosure.

As the wind came up, heavy splotches of rain began to fall, the ancient river gums, gave off a heady mixture of eucalyptus oil and honey fragrance. It was stunning. I felt small. It was the outback.

The trip took us from Kurrajong, Orange, Hillston to Willandra National Park. Then pushing further west to Ivanhoe and on to Mungo National Park. Following on to the old river port of Pooncarrie and then Kinchega. Home again via Wilcannia.

Each park is unique. Yet each park is linked with a common thread of boom times and bust, of flood and drought, of environmental disaster and of ancient discoveries.

Washed out road.

As we travelled we enjoyed the wild life spotting and saw:-emu, wedge tail eagle, galah and apostle bird as well as the usual white winged chuffs. The land looked rich, with dramatic greens contrasting with vivid red soils.

A lazy young goanna defied us until I set chase......


Goanna on its toes about to run!

Each park had its own wildlife . At Willandra we saw a Red Capped Robin and Grey Shrike Thrush. Mungo featured Wedge Tailed Eagles and Major Mitchells. Whilst Kinchega featured Whistling Kites and Red Tail Cockatoos. All unique, all beautiful. The Whistling kite, caught the fish right where we were camped. Casually.

The roads are harsh, whilst a small vehicle would cope, certainly a stronger vehicle is advisable. In one section all the lids of the salt, pepper and coffee vibrated off!! It was important, at the end of the day to ensure that the beer was at room temperature (which out here is 30c!!)

Maalie on a previous trip into the desert

I sat and quietly reflected on my friends need for room temperature beer! Ha!

Maalie this VB is for you.

Each night a log fire was prepared by David and enjoyed by all!



The drive out to Wilcannia was to prove a challenge. 150k of "dry condition road only". The day was sunny and the road was firm and undamaged by the rain. We pushed 50k until we were met by a sign which said the bridge was closed (unsafe). The road authority had pushed a side track through the creek below. Under normal conditions, passable. Today a flash flood had made the creek a metre high- Impassable.

Flooded road ways and creeks.

I decided to walk the bridge and check its safety. It had a 5 tonne limit and the Landcruiser is 3.5 tonne. However once on the other side I was greeted by a sheet of running water 100m wide. In order to check depth and the ground underneath I walked across. At about 40cm in the deepest part I deemed it safe, although a challenge to cross.

However, we had a further 85kms of mud and water! the road was completely water logged and the vehicle simply sank to the axles, moving forward slowly whilst throwing clods of black soil high into the air. It was a fine balance between forward momentum, engine revs, and the correct gearing.

After 2 hours we had crossed the worst road conditions I had experienced.

Troopie awaiting the truck wash

It was a great trip.

Fortunatly, the Troopie will be washed and cleaned by our detailing staff and not by me!



Bird list:-Emu, Wedged Tail Eagle, Galah, Apostle Bird, White Winged Chough, Nankeen Kestrel, Black Kite, Magpie, Pied Butcher bird, Pee-wee, Western Warbler, Rufus Whistler, Brown Thornbill, Southern White Face, Grey Shrike Thrush, Yellow Rumped Thornbill,, Red Capped Robin, Little Raven, Australian Raven, Red Rumped Parrot, Little Friar Bird, Coot, Australian Pratincol, House Sparrow, Crested Pigeon, Spiney Cheeked Wattlebird, Mulga Parrot, Common Bronze Wing, Yellow Throated Minor, Willy Wagtail, Major Mitchell, Cockatiel, Diamond Dove, Blue Winged Parrot, Western Warbler, Ring Necked Parrot (Mallie form), Fork Tailed Swift, Ausralian Pelican, White Faced Heron, Whistling Kite, Welcome Swallow, Red Tail Cockatoo, Black Kite, White Plumed Honey Easter, Red Legged Doteril, Royal Ibis, Little Eagle.

Mutawintji National Park

Tomorrow we are off to Mutawintji National Park and the Paroo. I was there in August 2007, but want to do some more walking to discover more of the park. I will keep you posted. See you when I get back!

Amelie Les Crayons

La maigrelette promène son squelette
Les pieds dans des chaussures idiotes
La maigrichonne, elle s'rait presque mignonne
Sous ses lunettes

{Refrain:}
Elle tient pas droit, la maigrelette,
On la touche du doigt
Elle pète
Elle s'envolera un jour de tempête
Un jour de tempête

La maigrelette, elle mange que des miettes
L'été quelques griottes
La maigrichonne voudrait être une matronne
Tête de linotte

{au Refrain}

La maigrelette, elle a un cœur plus gros qu'elle
Que personne n'accepte de porter sous son aile
La maigrichonne jamais ne se console
De trop aimer

{au Refrain}

"Elle tient pas droit" disaient les gens
On la touche du doigt
Elle pète
Elle s'envolera un jour de tempête
Un jour de grand vent

La maigrelette à la falaise a disparu
Elle a j'té son squelette par-d'ssus
La maigrichonne a joué la marionnette
Ca les chiffonne

{x3:}
"Elle tient pas droit" disaient les gens
On la touche du doigt
Elle pète
Elle s'envolera un jour de tempête
Un jour de grand vent

Canoe Creek

Canoe Creek runs into the Colo River. The fire trail that leads to the start of the walking track was pushed through as saw millers searched for better logs. The Wollemi became a National Park, and this beautiful wilderness was saved. The ride itself is about 40 km and an easy grade.



Situated about 50km north of Wilberforce, along the Putty road, the area is steep, and pure wildnerness. The day was bright, and clear. I chose to drive the fire trails through Wheeny, Colo until I joined the Putty road a few km north of the Colo Rive Bridge. It was interesting to drive over the damage caused by the storm water. Whilst 4x4 was not needed, certainly ground clearance was.



The ride was fun and uneventful. I spotted Rufus fantail, Firetail, Splendid Wren, Cicada Bird, Eastern Spinebill, and the usual Bell Minor and quite a few sleepy goannas sunning themselves on the trial, annoyed at my intrusion. The ride was an enjoyable way to spend time alone....and a COLD Coopers Original Pale ale greeted me at the car...it was a nice afternoon amongst tall gums, wildlife and fresh air

Help!

Tonight, at about 9.30, our dogs went crazy! My eldest daughter feared they were attacking Monty, so we launched a rescue mission. Instead, amongst the hedges we found this:-



Now "this" is not a blue tongue because it's tongue is not blue. It was very cranky, hissing, with it's mouth open.



Which is not surprising since it was attacked by two dogs and then I picked it up.



Now, I need help to identify it. It has longer legs than a blue tongue, and the toes are long and spindly too. David wanted to keep it as a pet. But we chose to put it back. Can you help??

Lets go boating

I work for the best boss anyone could have, and have done so for the past 12 years. He has been supportive, encouraging and has a unique style of management. Rarely seen in "formal" work gear, he is happiest when in boat shoes, shorts and a Rip Curl tee shirt. His one weakness? Boats! My boss loves boats and has just purchased a Key West 50 footer. This is 28 Tonnes of serious vessel and replaces his Bertram.



We spend days on his boat, our corporate outings are just the best. The new vessel runs twin marine Mercedes Benz turbo diesels at about 800 Horse power each. The fuel tank holds 4000litres of diesel. Which it burns at an alarming rate, although "economical" in view of the size and weight. This replaces the 475HP Caterpillars in his Bertram.



This is one serious boat. Despite being offered more money to work for others, I simply would not.


So, a few days a year I get to enjoy the best harbours in the world and we will be bringing the vessel up from Eden in a few weeks ( Maalie has been there!). I will keep you posted on this trip. Should be fun!.

Monty Python Pt2

Ju's little sister asked to see some more photos of Monty and her habitat. So here goes

Returning from a sunbake

Moving her so I can trim the hedge

Checking us out

lifting a roof tile and returning to sleep
So, this is where you will find her most of the time, or sunning herself on the gutters above the table.
Sometimes I find her in other gardens but not often.