Landscapes

A family group of Australian Magpies in the beachfront nature reserve, on a wet day. I'd suggest viewing this on black. HFF! EDIT. For those overseas, do yourselves a favour and listen to this magpie: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYEYc8Ge3nw Explored

It's ages since I posted a mono, so I thought I'd try the new pocket camera on a night shot. What's more, there's a fence. HFF!

I had hoped for a good sunset, but the colour faded with the daylight and this was all it became.

During my visit to Lord Howe Island I took a side trip to the saddle between the two mountains at the south, Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird. Trips to the area were possible only with a guide, as it was necessary to traverse a precarious ledge around the cliffs known as the "Lower Road" (identified by note). I understand there are fixed ropes along this ledge now, in those days it was 'just hang on and be careful'. Copied from a slide.

I expect this will be familiar to many Australians - the long flat straight road across from the eastern States toward Sth Australia. It is almost entirely featureless, so let's hear it for minimalism. :) I'm still mainly offline and will have only limited internet for the next few weeks. Explored.

Nothing like a quiet road! Click on image to view on black.

Lake Mungo still is a lake, despite appearances - it's just that there's been no water to fill it for about 10,000 years! It is part of the World Heritage listed Willandra Lakes system (some detail on the plaque in the note). In 1968, the remains of the world's earliest known ritual cremation, dating back about 40,000 years, were found at Lake Mungo. At that time, the now-extinct giant Australian megafauna still roamed the region. The lake also shows a great geological record of past climate change. More here for those interested: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Mungo. Larger and better on black.

The first pastoralists arrived in the Lake Mungo area not long after the first explorers. This imposing shearing shed, made from locally cut timbers in 'drop log' style, dates from 1869 and was built for 18 blade (hand cutter) shearers: with mechanisation only four were needed. The building has been retained as part of the history of the National Park (and the tin roof would date from the late 1800s).

Sunset over the Lake Mungo camping area. The campsites are defined and set among the natural bush. NB: While loading this image I decided to click on it to view on black, then I saw a small icon at top right. When I clicked on that, the photo became full screen. Then I noticed another little arrow shaped icon which ran my images as a slide show. I'd like to think that these are new features by the good folk at ipernity, and not something that I've previously missed while being enjoyed by everyone else. :) Explored