12 October 2013

Sandstone Caves - finale, Part Three

These photos were taken in the Pilliga Nature Reserve, on my last little escape inland, just a few weeks ago. I love getting out in the red dirt country!


...and while they are considered 'caves' that makes me think I should be able to walk through.  Some areas had been well-fenced off, with signage about there being Aboriginal drawings within that are being protected.

Generally though, it was a huge, ongoing wall with caverns, like this.  Some deeper than others, and possibly, if you ventured in, you might get somewhere.

If you really wanted to, you could get down on your haunches and crawl on in with a spotlight.  I'm not all that keen though, to maybe be persuaded to do a reverse-wriggle back-off, at eye-level to a forked tongue belonging to a King Brown, or an endangered Pale-headed snake.  I can tell you, that'd I'd be pale-headed if I managed to get out of there quick enough!  And you?






In the heat of the day, none of these mammals showed themselves.  I'd never heard of the Large-eared Pied Bat before; an enclosed link there to Australian Government's, national recovery plan.





walk the pathway and step over this tree trunk; how many have done this before me I wonder

so that was it, and what an eye-opener, to find such a natural-treasure out there in the rugged bushland.  

Seems many of you really enjoyed the walk too.   I get good value reading your comments,  a smile out of one, a chuckle from another ... you know how it goes, so thank you.  I've loved sharing the venture and re-living the moment.

13 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

they're both eerie and beautiful at the same time. :)

Our photos said...

Beautiful photos!
Greetings, RW & SK

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Fascinating series, Carole. From my very limited knowledge of caving I can tell you that huge caverns can often open up beyond the most insignificant opening in the rocks. Incidentally you'll find an unexpected connection in my next post (coming soon) about Castle Rising village here in England. The cottages are built of a very similar sandstone known as Carstone which gives them a "gingerbread" appearance. Believe it or not when these rocks were laid down Britain was experiencing desert conditions -which it certainly isn't this morning!

Seraphinas Phantasie said...

Marvelous photos of this Sandstone caves. So beautiful ! What a wonderful walk.
Best regards, Synnöve

Irma said...

What a magnificent structures are there in the rocks.
Very nicely photographed, Carole.
Nice weekend, Irma

Ramakrishnan said...

Amazing artistic rock formations.

Brian King said...

They're certainly beautiful! I'm not a spelunker, but I wouldn't mind taking a look inside a few of the larger ones.

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

These caves are fascinating! Love all the colors and textures. Many of you photos look like paintings.

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

I am not worried about little bities for the most part but if I were in your country I would be for sure as Australia has more than its fair share of critters that can inflict deadly bites. All I need to be concerned about here in the west are rattlesnakes and they always give advanced warning. Your serious snakes are numerous and most with an attitude. So this might put me off on any cave exploring down under. Thanks for risking your life to bring to us this great series.

Dzjiedzjee said...

This looks like a awesome walk to me! The landscape is fantastic. And so are your pictures :-)

Big hug from the Netherlands,
dzjiedzjee.blogspot.com

Montanagirl said...

Nice job on the photos, Carole! So much beauty to see.

Jan Castle said...

So happy you did NOT venture inside!!! I can imagine all sorts of deadly critters lurking there..spooky stuff!
The sandstone colors are beautiful and I so enjoyed the journey...thanks so much Carole!
Paper Hugs,
Jan

Wally Jones said...

So much color and texture! Who would have guessed it was hiding in plain sight - if you walk far enough!

Carole, thank you for sharing this magnificent treasure.

Now, my feet are tired from walking with you......