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Ok! So, been a bit difficult getting on to a computer for any length of time - the Aussies dont seem to do internet cafes in the same way as Europe and Asia!
But, I have been here for two weeks now and here are some of my thoughts and observations for anyone who is interested :o)
It feels spookily like an alternate UK in lots of ways, they even have a version of Woolworths which made me nostalgic! Although they are supermarkets over here and all over the place. It is a huge benefit speaking the same language although there are times when I have to remind myself that when someone talks about taking their thongs of in public they mean flip flops not the underwear version! Could make it interesting tho....
I am beginning to get a feel for just how vast this continent is, we drove for 4 hours to get to a stunning spot called Port Germaine, on the map it looks so close and then you look at the size of the map and you appreciate the distances you have to tavel to get around.
Port Germain is in the Spencer Gulf area and feels remote just because the local area is very dry, the roads are long and straight and the population of the smaller towns could fill a church - on a quiet sunday!
The type of conservation work we have been carrying out has been interesting in terms of what they are trying to achieve, the Australian conservationists are desperately trying to eradicate anything that is not native to either Australia or a particular region. So, the first two days we spent seeking out and destroying a weed called Box Thorn - had to chop it down and then spray with poison - was quite satisfying!
We were then carrying out clearing and cutting back on pathways around the Port Germaine town, it was hard work in the full sun but the team of volunteers I have been working with are so fantastic it didn't actually seem like we were working - just on a holiday!
We have visited some spectacular beauty spots, seen Emu's, Monitor Lizards - which are beautiful - loads of kangaroos and a few spiders! But, the best has to be watching Dolphins play in the sunset, literally a few feet away from us. There were 5 of them and they seemed to be performing for our benefit, I took some good pics to prove it!
In the evenings we soon realised that if we didn't get to the pub before 9pm it would shut due to a lack of customers! We actually had to get them to put the lights back on and stop hoovering one night!! Had the place to ourselves though!
I am going to kangaroo Island tomorrow, should be good so i will write it up when I get the chance.
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