Wilderness no more

Carnarvon Gorge is very popular with very many walkers hiking along the trail each day. It is not a lonely experience. There is little chance of seing wild animals with so many people around.

The rocky formations are spectacular. But the plants are still recovering from the last bushfire. The Xanthorrea are just small grassy tufts. And the Banksia are all skinny twigs with no flowers.

The saddest thing was 20th century initials and dates carved through the aboriginal rock art. The people viewing the the art were all very respectful.

Vitamin E

 A couple of weeks ago I cut my thumb with a hand saw. I was treated at the Townsville Hospital where the doctors cleaned the cut, inspected the moving parts under the skin and stiched it up.

It has healed nicely. 

Years ago when a melanoma was removed from my nose, the surgeon recommed rubbing Vitamin E oil from oral pills into the wound to minimise scarring. 

So I have been rubbing Vitamin E oil on my thumb scar as well.

Towers of Stone

Someone at Takarakka camping ground at the entrance to Carnarvon Gorge is obsessed with balancing rocks. The are everywhere particularly in the river bed. I even found where some had been glued - surely cheating.

Making towers stops the stones from being shelter to plants and invertebrates. 

Just like staying home

When some people go bush they bring their home comforts with them.

Other people make do with less when they travel.

Booming chimes

In Barcaldine giant wooden chimes sound over the Tree of Knowledge -

We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties.

Moon rise

I caught a full moon rising through cloud a couple of days ago.

Apart from that it's pretty good

This quote on the wall of the Stockman Hall of Fame is a wry summary of the outback - the flies, and the bulldust, and the empty bellies, .and the rain that can soak your bones to a chill.