Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2007/07/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]LUG folk, I've recently returned from an enjoyable visit to Kangaroo Island (KI). It is a large and unspoilt part wilderness island to the south of the Australian mainland. An eco-tourism destination. I am showing a series of photographs like a travelogue. All Leica M7, mainly the lovely 28 asph and 50 asph. Velvia and Provia 100F. The first installment starts here. <http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/gh/a/c_001/KI+1.jpg.html> Yankalilla is a picturesque rural district on the way to the vehicular ferry to KI. We drove through early morning and were treated to some marvellous rainbows. Unlike my home state, South Australia has had good rain falls of late. The ferry terminal in the town of Penneshaw on KI. The rock area is home to Little Penguins. Seal Bay is a national park area where visitors may enter the home of a colony of Australian Sea-Lions under supervision to "observe and not interact". Note the polished air, startlingly clear. Next land-fall about 5500 km in that direction, Antarctica. A boardwalk was constructed to allow spectacular views and entry to the beach area. The dunes are littered with dozing seal lions basking in the sun. The headland at the edge of the tourist visitable area. Areas are reserved exclusively for residents with flippers. Off shore is also a preserve and incidentally home to a great deal of Great White Sharks who consider Sea-lions to be rather yummy. Locally we sometimes call them noahs. Not a great place to snorkel in your wet suit. Australian Sea-Lion ascending to the protected, warmer dune area. There are around 12,000 total of this animal in the world, with about 700 of those resident in this park. Our very earnest National Parks and Wildlife Officer and dedicated escort had to herd undisciplined humans through the colony. Only a couple of groups each day are allowed entry. Visitors may not disturb nor "interact" in theory with the natives. Some of those residents can weigh 350 kg and object to overly familiar visitors. Mostly they seem to regard humans with disdain, at least in groups that they are used to seeing as non-threats. Our dedicated escort explained in a very robust voice "YOU MUST NOT MAKE LOUD NOISES OR SUDDEN MOVEMENTS!" The mother and pup here didn't seem to mind. The animals are not fed, cared for, nor managed in any way with the exception that animals entangled in human detritus such as plastic or nets may be assisted, where possible. Comments and criticisms are welcome as always. Cheers Hoppy