Dear Reader:
Coming off a bend at around 100 KPH, in a predominantly rural area, the last thing I expect to see is a Koala casually strolling down the road. Brakes on. I leave the vehicle and usher it off the road.
I am driving between Williamstown and Springton in the northern part of the Mount Lofty Ranges. This lovely stretch of road passes through open pasture for grazing, vineyards, native scrub as well as olive and pine plantations.
A little further along the road I sop to watch a herd of beef cattle in a paddock where Rose Breasted Cockatoos are pulling up roots and tubers from the well irrigated pasture.
Early farmers and rural pioneers have left their mark in many ways. The Portuguese Bridge spans the South Para River and an old, abandoned cottage marks the passing of families and dreams long gone.
There are significant patches of native scrub alongside the road and I briefly stop to explore them. Grasstrees, Teatree bushes, stunted eucalypts (possibly Mallee) and a variety of flowering groundcovers make for a diverse short walk.
There are numerous birds and insects in the scrub alongside the road. The birds are small and hard to photograph as they flit around in the dense bushes and trees. At a glance, there are Silvereyes, Grey Fantails and an unknown honeyeater species.
After numerous stops, I reach Springton and stop at the old-fashioned General store where I grab a bite to eat, a drink and fill up the car with petrol. Suitably refreshed and with the rest of the day ahead I decide to head back to the city by way of the many unsealed roads indicated on my navigation system……..to be continued.
Cheers
BAZ
Additional notes
Other animals seen, heard but not photographed: Ravens, Grey Kangaroos, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos
The camera used for this post is a Nikon Coolpix P900
This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors .
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