I took these photos during the recent rains just to prove to my bank manager that it’s tough out here, not that I’m having fun all the time like he insists.
The running creeks and widespread rain have closed a number of outback roads and restricted others to 4WD only.
These trees just ooze character. Hard not to get enthusiastic about them when they look so grand. Well, for me at least.
There’ll be a few days without postings coming up. I’m heading to an area where there’s no chance of getting photos out. Hope to be sending again at the weekend.
This is one of those secret places for aboriginal ceremonies that took place over many centuries.
After some soul searching I’ve decided that I shouldn’t name it or give a clue to its location, other than to say it’s on the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the northern Flinders Ranges.
It’s extremely hard to find. So hard in fact that you can be but a few yards away and still miss it.
These shots are two of a number I took there early this year when there was still water in holes and rock pools along the creeks.
I took almost six months to find it again after not visiting it for many years.
The tragic thing is that it is in an area where the State Government, advised by the Department of Environment and Heritage has decreed that mining is OK. This means that this site is in danger of being damaged or destroyed.
Trying to avoid it becoming an election issue, and despite all the political fanfare and spin the State Government clearly hasn’t done its homework because there are a couple of other places of similar significance that are in the proposed mining zone too.
The Liberal Opposition can’t take any joy from this either. They have been decidedly silent.
I’m even told some MPs from the Opposition ranks, including the local member for the area are pretty keen to allow it to be mined.
This is not the normal photograph you would be showing mid-way through spring but it’s Outback Australia and the temperatures are soaring.
Precious water is leaking from a a damaged tank and a station hand works to repair the hole.
It begs the question – what is summer going to bring.
It’s been a stinking hot day.
In the 40s Celsius again.
What better to do with the time than have a drink at the bar with a few mates.
Looks inviting, doesn’t it?
I thought I’d better get in quick with this photo. It’s a River Bluebell – a tiny little thing that stands out even though it is so small in a fields of yellowing grass.
They flower in Spring but are restricted to stoney ridges and along the banks of creeks in the Flinders Ranges. They don’t last long once the temperature rises.
Dust Devils, Whirlie Winds…they go by quite a few names, but there’s a lot around because of the unusually hot conditions prevailing at present.
It looks more like the hottest summer months of January and February with plenty of these twisters in all directions.
I’ve found out a bit more about this bush posted last Sunday, November 8.
The hardy plant is a bougainvillea.
As far as I can find out, these bougainvillea only go this vivid red colour when they are stressed.
South Australia is currently going through the first November heat wave on record which might have a bearing.
