Picnic at Secret Rocks
Today I had a day off and spent it with Maryann in Whyalla. I left Adelaide a bit later than usual, and consequently got to see a sunset over the Spencer Gulf. There was either a lot of dust in the air, or perhaps a bush fire as the sunset was pretty hazy, It gave a lovely effect through the gum trees though.
As it was a lovely day, we decided to have a picnic at Secret Rocks, a small conservation park about an hour from Whyalla heading west into northern Eyre Peninsular. It is along a typical long straight outback road.
Almost as soon as we were on the dirt road, I spotted something on an old fencepost. It was a Bearded Dragon, and was non too happy at me disturbing his sun bathing!! He did stay put though allowing me to take a few photos.
Secret Rocks is surrounded by old growth Mallee, a lovely habitat comprising stunted eucalypts, saltbush, and spinifex. We picniced under an old gum tree, and then took a short walk looking at the interesting lichen covered rocks, and plants eeking out an existence in this arid habitat.
On the way back I stopped at an area full of spinifex, and found this odd looking chimney structure. I assume it was made by ants of some sort.
As it was a lovely day, we decided to have a picnic at Secret Rocks, a small conservation park about an hour from Whyalla heading west into northern Eyre Peninsular. It is along a typical long straight outback road.
Almost as soon as we were on the dirt road, I spotted something on an old fencepost. It was a Bearded Dragon, and was non too happy at me disturbing his sun bathing!! He did stay put though allowing me to take a few photos.
Secret Rocks is surrounded by old growth Mallee, a lovely habitat comprising stunted eucalypts, saltbush, and spinifex. We picniced under an old gum tree, and then took a short walk looking at the interesting lichen covered rocks, and plants eeking out an existence in this arid habitat.
On the way back I stopped at an area full of spinifex, and found this odd looking chimney structure. I assume it was made by ants of some sort.
Very good post Tony, love the Bearded Dragon and some of the flora that survives in that harsh climate. Great Stuff.
ReplyDeleteDry & dusty Tony, that made a change. Thanks for sharing what I presume is typical outback scenery & fauna. FAB
ReplyDeleteHi Monty, thanks, yes Bearded Dragons are pretty smart aren't they.
ReplyDeleteHi Frank, This is what covered most of South Australia, but a lot of it has been cleared for pastoral use now.
I'm going to echo Frank and say what a great taste of ozzie outback. That's a lovely soft apricot sunset and the longgggg dusty road. Love the bearded Dragon too. Glad you and Maryann had a lovely trip of it.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen. thanks for that - Yes, It was a lovely trip even though we only saw a few birds, and got no bird photos at all!!
ReplyDelete