On top of the world down under!

2008-09-18 - Thursday

I guess that's a bit of an oxymoron, but waking on top of these giant boulders really does give the impression that you're on top of the world...as there doesn't appear to be any higher structures around us.

I'm not sure about down below where the rest of the campers were camping out; but, up here, there was quite a bit of wind all evening long. I did remember to bring my hat this time, so that helped quite a bit. However, I was awakened several times during the night, as the winds picked up, fearng that my sandals or camera or pillow was about to be blown off the top of this rock. Luckily all of my belongings, as well as myself, remained relatively motionless all evening long.

All of us rock dwellers awoke shortly before sunrise and there were several snaps taken before we headed down for an early morning breakfast.

After cleanup and a quick exploration of the marbles in this area, we headed out for a quick ride up the road to the most famous of the Devil's Marbles. These have been featured in many a photograph by many different folks portraying many different poses; and for you're viewing pleasure, I've added another here as well. :-)

Once we've all completed our posing, in was back in the van for the 700km ride to Mataranica, our next stop (except, of course, for those necessary pit stops along the way).

These grand drives between destinations again serve as testamony to the vastness of this country we're exploring. Many of the roads we've travelled literally go tens of miles before requiring a turn, and when they do, its generally in the form of an intersection (quite similar to roads I've travelled in Ontario's southern farming communities; and those of the Canadian Praries). Furthermore, traffic, whether it be on our side or opposing is few and far between.

Matt, our guide, has indicated that these areas are indeed populated; however, dwellings as we would expect to see are nowhere in sight. Instead, as he explains, most residents of this region would live on the cattle ranches that dot the landscape...but are not necessarily visible from the highway we're on.

To break up the rather monotomous drive, we pulled off for a quick visit to "Daly Waters Pub", and eccentric, "historic" little place established in 1930. In reminded me of a pub I was in on Bimini Island called the "Pub at the end of the World". Both featured certain unmentionables stapled to their ceilings, autographed by their bequeather. In addition, there were all kinds of other parafenalia including horse saddles, old beer bottles, postcards and someones artificial leg. I would hope they no longer needed it!

We arrived at our campground tonight with plenty of time to experience the Mataranica hot springs pool. A great naturally heated pool featuring crystal clear blue water and even a turtle or two to boot.

The hot springs were mentioned on the Itinerary...the bats; however, were not. Over 200,000 "Little Red Flying Fox" bats hung upside down from the trees in the typical "vampire" stance - wings drawn around them enclosing their bodies inside. These, however, have no interest in blood, they are fruit bats and call this place home during September and October primarily to feed off of the nectar of the eucalypt flowers from neighbouring woodlands.

Their presence, especially in these numbers, was quite amazing; however, did not detract from the fun to be had in the hot springs...until dusk began to fall. Then, as being coordinated by a conductor (or perhaps that dude slapping the water with his pink noodle float); thousands upon thousands of bats awoke for their night of feeding. What little sky we could see above the hot springs quickly became obscured as these little beasts set of for their evening feast. While amazing to look at, they posed a very big problem...how do we get back to our rig without being hit by the droppings of over 200,000 bats. While many of us were successful, there were some who were not. I am happy to say that I did make it back to the rig without incident.

After a quick wash up, it was up to Maluka's Bar, the campgrounds bar and grill, for supper. Tonight, I have the Seafood platter: prawns, scallops, callamari, haddock with fries and salad.

We have agreed as a group to sleep under the stars again tonight...or atleast without tents. Because of the fear of bat droppings from the returning bats, we'll be spending the night under the protection of a concrete roofed shelter. Given the balmy 37 degrees we have going on right now, it may make for a nice evening; as long as the mosquitos stay away!