Spent a week with an old good friend last week. Even though I travel all the time for work, last week was more a return to the past, two mates, get in the car, decide where we are heading once the car is rolling, and wherever we end up, that's where we are going.
Our initial thoughts were to head to the warmer north. We pretty much stuck to that. Alice Springs to Camoweal to Mataranka and back to Alice Springs. Over 3000 kms, not a single second of music in the car, just waffling on and the sound of silence (apart from the car noise).
Day 1 was a cultural experience for Mick. Wycliffe Well, Devils Marbles then stop by the side of the Barkly Highway for the night, the obligatory fire-side discussions and a few ales.
Day 2 was a drive across to Camoweal in Queensland, a few stops along the way to look at trees, shrubs, plants and flowers, as well as a few thousand budgerigars. After restocking for the evening we headed out to the caves, then back to the lagoons for the night, the obligatory fire, lovely lilies in the water, a few feral pigs for company that night, and an Owlet-Nightjar just above our heads to send us off into lala land.
Day 3 was a short drive to Mataranka, and somehow we managed to arrive at Jularark campground before dark. No fire tonight as it was very warm and a bit sweaty, mozzies inside the swag, and the complaints of a 50 year old man in the morning about sore neck, back etc from the lack of practice driving, well, being in a car anyway.
Day 4 was off to the Mataranka Hot Springs. Mick was very impressed and couldn't believe it was free, and the lack of tourists at the Springs, then to Bitter Springs. The 50 year old was like my pre-teenage kids - had to drag him out of the swimming loop to go and grab some lunch. Then back in the car to head to Longreach Waterhole near Elliott. Again, no fire as it was still warm, but very enjoyable discussions well into the night (9 pm for us oldies).
Day 5 and before the sun rose the birds were actively feeding, although not in the same numbers as I had seen before. Back in the car for another cultural experience at Wycliffe Well (drinkers under the bridge) and then back to Alice in time to watch the AFL game on the TV.
A very relaxing and enjoyable week with a friend of over 35 years. A shame those times come and go so quickly. Here are a few shots from the trip.
Our initial thoughts were to head to the warmer north. We pretty much stuck to that. Alice Springs to Camoweal to Mataranka and back to Alice Springs. Over 3000 kms, not a single second of music in the car, just waffling on and the sound of silence (apart from the car noise).
Day 1 was a cultural experience for Mick. Wycliffe Well, Devils Marbles then stop by the side of the Barkly Highway for the night, the obligatory fire-side discussions and a few ales.
Day 2 was a drive across to Camoweal in Queensland, a few stops along the way to look at trees, shrubs, plants and flowers, as well as a few thousand budgerigars. After restocking for the evening we headed out to the caves, then back to the lagoons for the night, the obligatory fire, lovely lilies in the water, a few feral pigs for company that night, and an Owlet-Nightjar just above our heads to send us off into lala land.
Day 3 was a short drive to Mataranka, and somehow we managed to arrive at Jularark campground before dark. No fire tonight as it was very warm and a bit sweaty, mozzies inside the swag, and the complaints of a 50 year old man in the morning about sore neck, back etc from the lack of practice driving, well, being in a car anyway.
Day 4 was off to the Mataranka Hot Springs. Mick was very impressed and couldn't believe it was free, and the lack of tourists at the Springs, then to Bitter Springs. The 50 year old was like my pre-teenage kids - had to drag him out of the swimming loop to go and grab some lunch. Then back in the car to head to Longreach Waterhole near Elliott. Again, no fire as it was still warm, but very enjoyable discussions well into the night (9 pm for us oldies).
Day 5 and before the sun rose the birds were actively feeding, although not in the same numbers as I had seen before. Back in the car for another cultural experience at Wycliffe Well (drinkers under the bridge) and then back to Alice in time to watch the AFL game on the TV.
A very relaxing and enjoyable week with a friend of over 35 years. A shame those times come and go so quickly. Here are a few shots from the trip.
Budgerigars on the Barkly Highway
Camoweal
Intermediate Egret with fish
The flowers on the lagoon
Plumed Whistling Ducks
Brolga
Brown Falcon
Blue-faced Honeyeater
Australsian Darter with fish
Intermediate Egret in the late afternoon at Longreach Waterhole
Longreach Waterhole at sunset
