Just Another Day in The Territory

For Hiram's second excursion, we took him to Fogg Dam. We had never been there this time of year before, and the water was practically overbanking. We didn't realize how dumb it was to be walking across till we saw how high the water was, not to mention the two crocs and croc trap we could see in the water. So we walked on the opposite bank with less water. There were quite a lot of animals out and about...birds, crocs, and snakes.



On our way walking back to the car on the dam, we could see something off in the distance. Initially we thought it was a dog, but then it dawned on us that it was a feral water buffalo. They aren't native to Australia but were brought in, probably for the ill-fated rice paddies of the NT. You see that behind the buffalo - that's the exit. We walked back to one of the observation stands in hopes that it wouldn't come out there and just head into the wetlands. Water buffalo can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable.



It plodded its way down the road stopped and stared at us, must have decided we weren't a threat and moved on. Then it came upon a car, and eventually went off the road into the water. It was a little scary.




Then on our way back home along the highway, the car started to vibrate really bad. David looked in the rear view mirror just in time to see pieces of rubber flying back. Surprisingly the tire was still on, but the nearly the entire tread had "exploded" off taking the mudflap with it.

An exiting afternoon indeed.

Fogg Dam The Dry

Last weekend we headed to Fogg Dam again. David drove so that he could take all his camera equipment, and Jenni rode her bike with our friend Nick. Nick happens to be Scottish and this has no bearing on the blog, but we just want you to have all the details. They had to be careful while riding as there was not much of a shoulder. The occasional road train makes it dangerous as well. Not to mention the jerks who don't move over and try and run people off the road because somehow they see people getting physical exercise as a threat.

Here are some photos from Fogg Dam. It's the end of the dry, starting the build-up yet there was still quite a bit of wildlife and water.

Egrets.

Lotus Bird

"I wish I could swim..."

Fogg Dam

Yesterday we decided to forgo the usual routine of get up and work on the weekend in favor of getting out and doing something. We headed out east along the Arnhem Highway, originally intending to go to Mary River park and Fogg Dam. We ended up spending most of our time at Fogg Dam. This place was about ten times better than the Territory Wildlife park. There was about 80% of the same wildlife, only they weren't in cages and actually be able to live their lives...not to mention there were also those creepy giant spiders. This time we were in a cage in the form of an observation tower, able to observe the animals out our leisure. Although the territory Wildlife park's nocturnal exhibit is probably worth the visit, the fact that Fogg Dam is free was nice too. Jenni could tell David enjoyed himself by the constant stopping and taking pictures, even when covered by 20 mosquitoes. We'll try and limit the number, but here are a few.

Wetlands, hard to tell, but this was really hazy because of bush fires. Pieces of ash were falling from the sky too.

More Wetlands.

Some Local Flora.

Water Lilies.

Not sure what type of bird this is, but it looks like a stork.

A giant Jabiru.

This is probably a kestrel.

Wish this one would have come out better, but it is carrying a small branch, then went back to its nest. There were two in the area, so probably a pair.

Our first territory croc! The signs said there were estuarine crocodiles, so this is most likely an estuarine (saltwater) croc.

Catchin' a few rays.

Just a detail of the previous photo.

You can check out these Photos on a Map...
Last few weeks we've been having to endure the sound of jets flying overhead. Apparently it has to do with war games, and involves countries from around the world. David prefers to just blame it on the French.

Here is some more information on it.