 | 1171.Perth to Pilbara #2Travel on from Coral Bay to Nanutarra and the beautiful Ashburton River before arriving at Millstream-Chichester National Park where the spinifex was unusually green due to the cyclonic rains from Cyclone Monty which had flooded the area a few weeks earlier. The 200,000-hectare Millstream-Chichester National Park is a landscape of rolling hills, spectacular escarpments and winding tree-lined watercourses, contrasting with the lush oasis of the Millstream wetlands. Experience the true beauty of the Pilbara in these amazing Gorges, Rocky Outcrops, Snappy Gums and Spinifex. | |
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 | 1173.Perth to Pilbara #1A return journey of 3,629 kms from Perth to the Pilbara in the northwest of Western Australia travelling with Coates Wildlife Tours in 2004. In album 1, view the Banksias as we travel north to the Murchison River, through the dry areas of the Gascoyne to the lush plantations at Carnarvon, then on to Coral Bay to marvel at the natural wonders of the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. | |
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| 1176.Lanzarote, Euphorbia and CactiCharacteristic features of the African succulent group from the Euphorbia family: Not more than six pronounced lateral ridges. Look somewhat like the Neanderthal version of seguro. The spines and associated flowers are all located on the aligned ridges. Probably exceptions, just as a rule of thumb. The name Euphorbia goes back to a Greek physician who may or may not have been well nourished and full of sap (the literal meaning of the name). Always easy to read too much into names. | |
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| 1178.Lanzarote, Monocots on sacred 'pecan'Monocots on hallowed 'pecan' grounds. My first nightfall impression of Lanzarote was very much that of of a gigantic colliery. Stacked up heaps of dark matter just about everywhere. The ubiquitous covering material is actually volcanic scoria. The porous pellets have some water retention properites and are extensively used in agriculture. Whatever kind of plastic sheathing is readily available. Hotel grounds and municipal parks did adopt the custom. The vague Shinto look, as smooth as raked sand, probably accidental. Minor market anomaly: 'Pecan' comes in two colors, black and red. The rarer red is more expensive, 4 star hotel and upwards, regardless of the fact that black makes for a better backdrop. - The term 'pecan' as in nutcracker and pie was used by a long time resident. I did not find it anywhere in print. | |
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| 1180.Majorca, Sa TortugaI did set out to find Es Claper des Gegant, another Talayotic settlement, but I somehow missed it, climbing all over Sa Tortuga instead. The rest was cross country hiking. | |
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 | 1183.Penguin IslandPenguin Island is home to Western Australia's largest colony of Little Penguins (the smallest penguins in the world). Approximately 600 pairs nest on the island, but spend most of their day feeding in the waters of the surrounding marine park. These birds are very shy and are rarely seen in the wild, but visitors can see Little Penguins at the Discovery and Rehabilitation Centre. The Island is a dedicated bird sanctuary with breeding and nesting sites for the Australian Pelicans and many other species, including migratory birds. A network of boardwalks enables visitors to explore the islands. | |
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 | 1184.Abingdon Miniature VillageAbingdon Miniature Village features a display of Miniature Historic Buildings of the UK, landscaped gardens, a 1000 square metre hedge maze, grassed picnic areas and Heritage Tea Rooms. Abingdon Miniature Village is named after the town of Abingdon in Oxfordshire on the River Thames which is the oldest continually inhabited town in the UK. Buildings such as the Abingdon County Hall, Church of St Nic's and Old Anchor Inn pub have been meticulously reproduced in miniature. Stage 1 of the Gardens contains over 4000 plants with 250 different species. Abingdon Miniature Village is located just south of Perth at Mandurah and has proved to be an enchanted wonderland for all to enjoy. | |
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 | 1185.AQWA 2005The Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) is located at Hillarys, north of Perth. AQWA is a living experience where unique marine creatures and living corals exist just as they do along the 12,000 kms of the Western Australian coastline. | |
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