Port Augusta

Today we visited the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens in Port Augusta and got a few ideas for a “Desert Garden” in our front yard back in Koondrook. It is a marvellous place overlooking Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges. It includes 12km of walking tracks, lookouts, bird hides, a plant nursery and a research area. One of the garden areas contains many rare and endangered plants. Others are regional plantings dedicated to plants of different desert regions.

Because of all the native plants in relative close proximity we were able to see some interesting birds including one new one for our list, the Chirruping Wedgebill. The White-winged Fairy-wrens were brilliant in their plumage. We also saw a Brown Goshawk hunting near the cliff top. I’m glad we visited in the morning as the afternoon was again wet and windy.

Blessings to you all and see you next time.

The Little Desert

We spent 2 days in the Little Desert. Our first day was at the Kiata Campground where we went for a 10km bike ride and 2 km walk, then rested in the beautiful campground where we saw a pair of Hooded Robins. The bike ride was partly a walk, pushing our bikes along the sandiest parts of the track and being shaken to bits on the corrugations and rocky sections of the track which made up 90% of it. Our very sandy walk took us to a lookout. See the view in the picture.

The second day we spent at the Little Desert Nature Lodge where we were treated to a fascinating tour to the Malleefowl breeding aviary. If you want to learn more about this fascinating mound builder you could visit their website - http://www.littledesertlodge.com.au/

We also walked around the nature trails provided for visitors and came across a female Scarlet Robin.

On the road to Mannum today we were treated to a delightful view of a pair of Black-shouldered kites hovering over a paddock.

It's raining in Mannum so we are taking the time to read, knit, blog and relax.

Blessings to you all and see you next time.

Melbourne and Sydney

We loved visiting our friends and family in Melbourne and Sydney. Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming. Easter was wonderful and David and I never thought pounding the pavements of Sydney would be so enjoyable.

Getting Ready To Leave

Currently we are saying our goodbyes to family and friends in Melbourne and Sydney. We look forward to hitching up the van on 21st April.