Back to our retreat then ....

You were last reading this post if you've been following my recent journey out west.

On our way back in .. then a walk around, before drink and nibblies outdoors, under the trees.

According to the brochure, there are five man-made islands constructed over many years here, struggling with long drought periods in between progress and with assistance from many acknowledged, environmental conscious people.  

It took a while to find 'an island' but it was hiding there in the middle of all this dry, and as the light was fading fast, my chances of getting any decent photographs of the ducks swimming in the reeds was thwarted.  The sun-setting in the direction from which we'd came/wetlands, was spectacular, in the way, way distance -- such vibrant deep, dark pinks, amazing.  It was also hiding behind trees, so again, no chance to photograph.

However!   I did get to photograph this treasure by a little channel alongside the path we were walking; lucky us?!

Carpet or Diamond Python; can't say it thrilled us especially, but I was pleased to see a pattern indicating a python over any of our venemous varieties (brown or black snake).  I just haven't gotten attached to this part of nature's bounty and it was just a tad too close for comfort.  Yes, that drink back at the campsite went down well.

After quite a sting-in-the-sun kind of day, it culminated in a storm that evening once all tucked up in our bunks.  A tree branch tried to keep us awake by scraping across the top of the van in the winds while it rained some too. 

All gone next morning and our plan was to leave straight after breakfast; outdoors with our cereal bowls in the crisp morning air to greet a new day.  Then the obligatory black coffee for a kick start and we were to head up then to the owner's place. to pay our way.  One gateway to drive through, and then hers to walk through....this is it coming up next.

 with a welcoming sign

 Prickly Pear

Peacocks

And as we hopped back in the ute, there was the owners pet emu, day-dreaming, outside the house-yard.

penny for your thoughts?

Next post, we'll make it to the marshes!