Tree Canopy

A wonderful visit to the Bunya Mountains gave a cool contrast to Lightning Ridge. There were wallabies and Rosella parrots to see in the big grassy arena in the centre of the forest. But the cool walk beneath the trees was lovely with the fern trees, growing in the damp areas giving a wonderful contrast to the deep green foliage of the ancient Bunya Pines. The Bunya cones from the pine tree are about 18 inches long and each 'seed' or nut about the size of an adults thumb. The Aboriginal people collected then and they made good'tucker'. Some of the trees have Aboriginal cuttings on the bark as old identity marks. It's now a National Park area with amazing flora and fauna living in it.

On the way we had stopped at one of the local wineries and enjoyed samples of their fragrant tipples and lunched on their own goat pies! Very tasty, a good way to have a day out!

Little Splash at Lightning Ridge

We have been to visit Lightning Ridge in N.S.W. It was 600 Ks and we went down in 1 day and came back in 2. the roads are long, straight and monotonous. Unfortunately a kamikasi roo leaped out and slightly damaged the wing of our car. The roo was more than slightly damaged. Lightning Ridge is an opal mining town and has been for over 100 years. As it is so dry it has a quirky atmosphere as so many old vehicles and bits of machinery are lying around. Also remains of really old cottages that the miners lived in. It is a most unusual place and very hot and dry. One can see emus running across the land by the road side with their big floppy feather coats and long legs. There is a walk-in mine to visit, opals shops to gaze in, art galleries plus a few touristy things to see. The opals are superb and the colours that flicker through some make them dazzling jewels. I was lucky to have an early birthday present!!

Another good place to see there is the pool where the hot artesian waters come up. It is free and open 24 hours for the pubic to go in. The temperature of the water is around 45degrees so you can imagine how you feel as thought you are gently cooking! The waters are therapeutic which John found very relaxing for his back, especially after the long drive there. The second time we went for a swim was after dark, so you could see the brilliant stars sparking overhead. It was quite an experience.

The Midnight Hour!

There was an 'almost full' moon the night before last and our 2 dogs where barking to go out.
I then realised there was more than just the barking noise! Not too far away I could hear the howling of dingos. No wonder Jasper and Rannoch where desperate to get out. Maybe to join the pack. It is certainly an eerie sound to hear the singing of the dingos on a moonlit night.

At 5.3oa.m. I was up to go to the bathroom and noticed the 'Moon Set' through the window. It looked so beautiful through the branches of the beautiful white gum tree.
My picture doesn't give full credit I am afraid.