Rocks, Kangaroos and Fire

I never seem to tire from experiencing new ecosystems and landscapes in Australia.  Each amazes with unique flora/fauna, and the concept of balance seems to be absent from this country.  Imagine a land where you are either in severe drought or torrential floods, and where fire both destroys and gives seed to new life.

That is the Australian bush and Girraween National Park.  Girraween in the native Aboriginal language means "place of the flowers" and we were lucky to be there during the spring bloom.  Pinks, reds, yellows, whites contrasted to the hard, rough granite boulders that make up the hardscape.  The fantastic rock formations at Girraween are the result of erosion, and the resulting boulders look perilously unstable.  The result are alien-looking formations that are named the Turtle, Sphinx, Granite Arch, Castle Rock and the Pyramid.  We of course climbed them all.. and I will say Castle Rock is not a rock, it's a mountain as is the Pyramid.  Large exposed expanses of granite at a 42o slope (no hand rails mind you) reach upwards as the sun beats down, and heat radiates from the rock.. the hikes were tiring but so rewarding.  Everyone made it! Views from the top were breathtaking and the sense of accomplishment thrilling.

Girraween wild flowers:

We camped for 5 days at the Castle Rock Campground in 2-person tents.  Lucky to have Jan as our cook, dinners under the main tent were always a treat! The best part about the campground was our camp-neighbors, the kangaroos!  Kangaroos were everywhere, especially hanging out by the camp facilities.  A walk during the night to the bathroom often involved hearing the thumping of kangaroos hopping by on the dirt path.  By day, they would lounge and graze in the neighboring field. 

Our neighbors:

Along with the daily hikes and boulder bounding, we were busy gathering data in the field for Terrestrial Ecology.

Trapping yabies in the pond:

Taking a break to analyze data and have a picnic:

 Kangaroo scat counting (how many people can say they've done that!!):

The last night we had a wonderful display of student talents.. I won't embarrass anyone with videos and pictures.  The Lion King in 4 quick acts as well as the interpretive dance of the Thylacine and the Osprey were impressive. We ended the night singing Waltzing Matilda! John puts on a formidable trip in the field, and we were sad to leave.