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| Aaron having a bit of fun posing |
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| Alice Springs Desert Park |
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| Mt Gillen on the western edge of Alice Springs |
We have a much greater appreciation of the complexity and interactions of life in what is a harsh but stunningly beautiful environment.
The adaptations of plants and animals are quite unique and in some ways it is not surprising that so many have become extinct or endangered due to changes in the environment since the arrival of Europeans. Even changes for what seemed good reasons such as the Buffel grass which aided in soil conservation meant native grasses were unable to compete and interfered with the natural life cycles.
The day included some presentations and a comprehensive self guided walk around the three desert environments - Desert Rivers, Desert Sands and Woodlands.
We returned after dark to take a nocturnal tour through a protected area of mulga surrounded by an electric fence to keep out the cats, dogs, foxes etc. It was amazing to see so many endangered animals such as the Mala and the Bilby in a natural environment rather than in a glass enclosure.
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| The barn owl during the animal encounter |
We did the walk under a stunning desert sky with a million stars all around (reminds me of an Eagles song - but they're not Australian!)
A highlight of the day was the sharing of knowledge from local Aboriginal guides who were able to pass on the respect they have for their ancestors for their survival in the harsh environment but more than this for their way of life. It certainly got us thinking about how the arrival of Europeans has messed this up.
Tomorrow we head off to Glen Helen Gorge and then a loop to Kings Canyon and Uluru that will take us 5 days. Depending on modern communications, blogging may be a little more erratic over the next few days.
Love to all
S & E
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