Departing Port Augusta for Yellow Foot Territory

Leaving Port Augusta I went north through the small towns of Quorn and Hawker. I like Quorn and on previous trips to this region have always stopped to explore the many old buildings and visit some of the art galleries. The train station in Quorn is of particular interest as it was used in the 1980's Australian movie "Gallipoli" staring the upcoming Mel Gibson.

Port Augusta is a dry town - in more than one way. Beware as the local constabulary pwho atrol the city seeking offenders!

I found this sign warning of the train interesting. The sign had been there for so long that the harsh desert sunlight had caused all the white paint to crack away.

However, this trip I have a date with a rock wallaby and I want to be on location by evening light. Whilst "sucking the miles" I observed that the terrain is a lot more greener than what it was in 2007 - no doubt there had been rain not so long ago. Green shrubs and vibrant red gums has replaced the dead vegetation I remember in 2007.

Avian Splendour - Port Augusta, South Australia

Arrived in Port Augusta, did some local housekeeping and decided to visit a local area just north of town to see what bird activity there was.

Unfortunately, there wasn't as many species as I'd seen on earlier trips, but the flowers were not really blooming so avian activity was on the light side. Despite this I did manage to capture a few snaps of passing species.

The low afternoon light, just after 530PM was sparkling and the colours fabulous, although the colours do not seem to show up as well on this blog for some unknown reason.

I learnt another important lesson today. NEVER walk away from the camera. I was feeling a bit tired, so decided to walk not more than 5 feet from the camera. As soon as I moved a honeyeater came and rested on the tree in perfect light, in perfect position. And where was I - 5 feet from the shutter button.

Birds, like many animals are habitual. Therefore, if you hear two honeyeaters washing in the water, but cannot see them because of your blind or cover, be assured that there is a very high probability that will roast, albeit, quickly on the same sapling/branch that they used earlier. You have to be ready and be patient enough to bite your tongue and not move your camera rig to a supposedly better position, Once you have stacked out your perch, based on earlier bird movements, habitat, and what you want in the image, maintain your position. This is how the good photographs are taken - not by running about the place everywhere chasing something....

One of my favorite land bird species are the pigeon family. Australia has several native pigeon species each endemic to a particular habitat.
I am shooting at this location in the morning (an early start at 500AM), so hopefully there will be more species in the morning light.
Then, from there it is onto the yellow foots. As this is the last area where there is Internet, there probably will not be any additional posts until I return in 10 days or so.

Somehow I have a feeling I will end up back here for a final evening/morning shot - the draw of the "little fluffy dinosaurs" is too great.

Ghosts Are Alive in Serviceton, South Australia

On the border of Victoria and South Australia there is a small 10 house town called Serviceton. The town was the staging point to change railroad carriages between the two states from 1865 through to 1971. At that time, many states had different railway line gauge measurements.

I discovered some time ago this circa 1895 railroad building and siding and always enjoy a brief stop at this location. I was lucky this time around as the caretaker for the old building was on-site doing routine maintenance. He saw my cameras and becoming inquisitive asked if I would like a look inside. Can I refuse such an offer - well NO. Two and a bit hours later I am still messing about the place looking in cellars, climbing old staircases, and investigating long ago used rooms.

I was amazed that many of the items from yesterday year are still intact and in each room! Old posters adorn the walls and there is clothing and food stuffs still in some rooms!

The caretaker explained that the building is always securely locked as it's important to maintain history as it was - makes sense. He then alluded to the fact that the building has a ghost. Apparently, so he claimed, lights turn on at night. This is odd as there is no power to the building. When the caretaker investigates and unlocks the door, the lights go out. I will have to check this out in person the next time I pass this way - any takers to come with me??

The history of the building is amazing to say the least. At one stage nearly 600 people lived in Serviceton, so the building has seen it's day. The lineage of the material used in the construction of the building is also fascinating in that materials were shipped from several countries: Norway, Tasmania, and England. Much of the floor is made from Tasmanian Houn pine, the slate in the main entrance way came from England, while the internal spars are made from baltic pine that was shipped from Norway.

The building is also steep with history, and the several small prison cells illustrate this. During World War Two, German and Italian POWS were locked in the cells for hours on end as the trains were shunted back and forth due to the different gauges. Fearing an escape, the POWS were shackled and locked in the cells.

A few things have always attracted my attention at the siding. The old refreshment signs and the staircase leading to the upper levels of the building. Everything is as it was - even the old torn and soiled carpet on the stairs.

Melbourne to Adelaide and Onward......

Melbourne City changes constantly. All I has to do was find the highway going west, but the road systems wanted to take me in every direction but west! I asked a police officer directions and received a curt reply "I don't know how to get on the highway as I am not going on the highway". He then asked me to do breathizer test! Finally, after stopping at M'Donalds to utilize their free wifi link I asked a security officer directions. he went to his car, produced a detailed map and gave me directions. Time to update my city maps again - or maybe just go and buy a GPS for the Landcruiser.

The drive to Adelaide is always interesting - lots of bushland and interesting things to see - such as the 10 meter high "big cement koala". Then there is a caravan world where you can see the evolution of the caravan - different.

I was shocked at how dry the land is. Pink Lake half way between Melbourne and Adelaide, which is usually water filled is nothing but salt!

Well, the wifi is running out as I travel further west and north. As I will be camping soon, there will not be a connection.

Finally, on the way...

After checking photographic gear, getting camping gear ready, and packed everything into the vehicle, it’s time to get away from Hobart and make the four hour drive north to Devonport to board the car ferry “Spirit of Tasmania”. The next port of call (I hope) is Melbourne City. I then drive west for a further 10 hours to Adelaide where I plan to spend the night before continuing the journey north to the Flinders Ranges.

I can’t say anything eventful happened during the trip to Devonport other than becoming frustrated at trying to learn how to operate my i-pod to play some music. It soon became apparent that driving a vehicle at 75 MPH (120 KPH) whilst fooling with dials and switches was not exactly the most sensible thing to do.

The ferry trip was quite smooth compared to several crossings I have done in the past. Usually Bass Straight is very lumpy with 30-40 foot waves (10-12 meters). I was lucky on this trip as the crossing was smooth. I opted for a cabin so that I can turn off the lights and sleep. I used to grab one of the airline seats and try to sleep sitting up , however, attempting to sleep with 100 other people sitting up like a statues in a small room is not conducive to a good night’s sleep - especially when there is a long drive the following day.