Royal Sydney Botanic Gardens
Yesterday we caught an early train in Artarmon, north of Sydney, which took us through the CBD right on to Strathfield station. We then caught a bus to a street near Corinne’s Aunty Joan’s place. We spent about three hours with her, including lunch, before catching another bus which took us to Bankstown station. There we took a train all the way to Circular Quay. From there we walked along Macquarie Street to the entrance to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Digital Camera User Rule #1
I was looking forward to taking a few photos in the botanic gardens but we were only there a few minutes when the batteries on my digital camera went flat. Now – rule one for digital camera users – always carry spare batteries! When trekking the Himalayas last January I carried five sets of spare batteries. This time I had NONE. I thought I had a spare set but couldn’t find them anywhere in my camera bag. They were there all the time – hiding under the instruction book – but I didn’t find them until it was too late. (Sigh).
Photo Opportunity #1
You guessed it.
Only two minutes later a magnificent photo opportunity presented itself. Walking along a path we came across a Buff Banded Rail – eating chocolate that had dripped from some kid’s icecream on to the path. It only reluctantly moved out of the way to let us pass. Now Buff Banded Rails are not as common as sparrows or crows or most other birds. I’ve only ever seen about three or four EVER. After nearly 30 years of concentrated birding. And me unable to take a photo. (Bigger sigh)
Photo Opportunity #2
Later, while having an icecream, ANOTHER Buff Banded Rail walked right past us where we sat admiring the boats on the harbour. I do hope it wasn’t the same bird taunting me. (Even bigger sigh).
In between these two incidents I saw many other really tame birds up close. I would have taken plenty of wonderful photos. Oh. well, that just gives me the excuse to return there another day.
Taronga Zoological Park, Sydney
Sunday 26th February
Today we drove to the Taronga Zoological Park. We spent nearly three hours visiting the various exhibits. It was obvious that much had been done to improve the animal displays since our last visit nearly six years ago. Although the enclosures generally are not very big, they seem quite adequate and good attempts have been made to allow good views of the animals. Unfortunately my favourite animals, the Red Pandas, were not to been seen; they must have been asleep out of view.
There have also been many improvements as far as human facilities are concerned. Extensive new restaurants, new toilets and a chair lift are all good additions. Several sets of escalators help greatly with the slope of the zoo grounds, especially when one has parked at the top and have to walk uphill all the way back to the car.
During our visit I took many good photographs of the animals. We were just in time to see the Bird Show and I managed a seat right near the front. I took a number of excellent shots of the White-Bellied Sea-Eagle and the Wedge-Tailed Eagle as well as the Powerful Owl. The show was as entertaining as usual. I also zoomed in on the head of a giraffe – and not a head and shoulders shot as that would not be close up! I also managed some excellent shots of the city skyline, the bridge and the harbour.
I didn’t concentrate on looking for native birds flying free but still recorded a short list. We were pleased to have a cool breeze blowing as it was quite warm. Out of the breeze it was hot. We are having trouble adapting to the high humidity here in Sydney. At 30 degrees it feels much warmer than the same temperature at Murray Bridge because of the humidity.
Holiday in Sydney
Thursday 23rd February.
I am typing this in the waiting lounge at the Adelaide Airport – the new one. It has only been open for domestic traffic for six days. Having spent many hours in airport lounges over the last few months I am not looking forward to the next hour. At least Corinne is with me this time. Our flight to Sydney has been delayed by over an hour. No reason has been given. It’s a good thing we are not relying on a connecting flight elsewhere today.
Eventually we boarded our plane to Sydney. Just before take-off the pilot explained that there was a technical problem in Melbourne before they flew to Adelaide. He said that Qantas policy was “Safety before Schedules,†which is very reassuring. We had an extra hour and a half wait before take off. The flight was good except we had very little of a view over South Australia and later the Blue Mountains due to heavy cloud. Corinne had a window seat so we had a good view when the cloud cleared over NSW.
On arrival Simon was there to meet us. He had only just arrived as we had phoned him to say we were going to be late. He drove us back to their home. On the way we drove over the harbour bridge, the first time we’d been over it in a car. On arrival we had a bite to eat as it was close to 3 o’clock. We then sat and talked until dinner. Later in the evening Simon went to collect Leanne from work.
Trekking towards Phakding, Nepal
Monday 9th January 2006.
Trek Day 7 Namche to Phakding
We left at 9am and came down steeply the 600 metres to the suspension bridge over the river in the valley below. It was a slow, steady descent but we had to be careful not to slip on the rocks, gravel or loose dirt. While not as exhausting as climbing it was still very demanding, needing great concentration.
Step Carefully
At one point there was a small stream trickling over the path. This seemed to be almost permanently frozen. I stepped very carefully but still slipped. One of the guides behind me caught me on my way down so no damage was done. My legs were a little shaky for the next ten minutes or so.
Easier Walking
For the rest of the day the walking was much easier than higher up in the mountains. There were some challenging stretches with steep short climbs. There were also long, fairly level stretches too. I was pleased on these sections to stretch out my stride a little. The further we went the more I felt tired. Towards the end of the day’s walk it became just a matter of one step after another. It was just one more lesson in perseverance. At these lower altitudes, however, the breathing is much easier, but I still got breathless at any little climb that was needed.
Lunch at Monjo
We walked for two and a half hours down to Monjo for lunch. This section had taken us an hour longer on the way up. After an hour’s rest over a very welcome meal we continued on for another two hours, reaching Phakding by 2:30pm. The whole day’s walk had taken four and a half hours. On the way up it had taken six and a half hours over two days. We’ve now trekked for 29 hours over 7 days. One day of about three hours left to go. My poor abused feet can’t wait for some respite.