note the kanga crossing
sign on the fence
understands food
Alice Springs, NT
October 8-9, 1997
click on images to see larger versions
Dottie Wheatley, whom I stayed with in Alice Springs, brought me over to her coworker's house. Joe Butts and his wife Pat take care of sick and injured kangaroos and wallabies and also maintain an impressive collection of rare and beautiful birds. The baby kangas and wallabies sleep in canvas tote bags -- a safe and familiar pouch for the little marsupials separated from their mothers. The bathroom is the warmest place in the house; Pat said that at one time they had nine baby kangaroos sleeping in tote bags in the bathroom -- imagine that! When the kangaroos have recovered, they release them into the bush.
| Joe with kangas |
Joe and Pat |
Joe out front of his house -- note the kanga crossing sign on the fence |
Baby kanga |
Eating apricots |
| Dottie with kangas |
Me with kangas |
Friendly! |
Everyone understands food |
Feeding a baby red |
| Crimson rosella |
Rainbow lorikeets |
Galahs |
Parrots |
A closer look |
Went on a camel ride from the Mecca Date Garden in Alice Springs along the Todd River. A fun ride...similar to riding a horse. The scenery was gorgeous -- lots of red river gum trees stretching towards the sky, or even sideways, as if hoping they'd find water if they just reached far enough. Surprising how sarcastic camels' faces are...and how docile they are. The camel trek ended with a tour through a Camel Museum and Arid Zone Reptile House, and a barramundi dinner.
Margot, my camel |
Ready to go |
The convoy |
In step |
Rounding the bend |
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Around the Town like Alice
The "gourmet food" aisle in the grocery store was amazing -- one tin of Walker's shortbread, French's yellow mustard, Teddy Graham crackers, and oreo cookies. Gourmet! I did grab myself a couple of "gourmet" Reeses' peanut butter cups :)
Gourmet Aisle |
Jacaranda |
Bougainvillea |
Downtown |
McDonnell Ranges |
Anzac Hill monument |
View from Anzac Hill  |
View from Anzac Hill  |
View from Anzac Hill  |
View from Anzac Hill  |
