Uluru

A photo of Uluru cannot express the awesome majesty of this rock. In deference to the Aboriginal people we chose to walk around the base of the rock rather than to climb it. We probably thought it would be easier, too, but 2 hours and 50 minutes later we were definitely ready for a rest. It is 9.4 km around the base.

At sunset it takes only a matter of minutes for the rock to go from this bright red to nearly black.

Blessings to you all and see you next time.

William Creek and Oodnadatta

From Coober Pedy we drove out to WIlliam Creek. This grid is part of the Dog Fence which extends from Qld to SA and goes for 5900 km. It keeps dingoes out of the sheep country. I love the remoteness of this country. It is amazing how anything can survive out here. So much of it is barren. But then you come across a creek crossing and see beauty like this...

There were lots of birds here - galahs, zebra finches, little doves and many others I could only hear. The flies were thick.

From William Creek we flew over Lake Eyre in a small plane. The views were amazing. The sky is reflected in the lake which was on average only 1/2 a metre deep and moves as the wind blows. We flew over an island where the pelicans were nesting. How did they know to come all the way out here where the fish would be there for the taking?

William Creek is not known for its first class accommodation and you can see David here talking to some friends outside the old freight containers which had been turned into bedrooms for those who want to stay the night. The town is, however, renowned for its hospitality and friendliness and it is a place where everyone shares their stories.

For those who are sick of birds being in my blog, bad luck!! Just look at these magnificent birds of prey. Nothing is wasted in the desert and we saw a dozen Wedge-tailed Eagles feasting on this carcass.

Blessings to all and see you next time.

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.

Hot Summer Days

Still in Koondrook for the summer.  We have had some incredibly hot days as have many other Victorians.  These photos were taken on Thursday 29th January with the temperature soaring beyond 40.
Some birds dropped in to find some relief from the heat.  First some kookaburras who spent about an hour just sitting and sipping, then some pied butcher birds who sat for a long time too.