Shining for Gliders - Night 6

Trip Start Oct 11, 2007
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Trip End Mar 26, 2008


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Flag of Australia  ,
Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Northwest of the ranch lies a small hill with an impressive rock outcropping sprouting from its zenith.  Daniel, Aaron and I decided that we would attempt to climb this less than alpine peak Wednesday after work.  Thus, my morning walk today served as a scouting mission to determine the most appropriate course from which to approach the climb.  Having the most climbing experience of the group, they trust my 'expert' judgment.  After hiking to the eastern edge of the forest, I determined that a southerly approach would be quickest and easiest...and our route is set.  On the return to camp I am surprised at how loud, yet peaceful this place is.  The cacophony of the birds makes an absolute ruckus in the morning, however, it is a good noise, a natural noise, a calming noise.  So unlike the noise of traffic rushing to and fro.  It truly places one's soul at ease...out here in the bush, concerns of the modern world sort of melt away, my concentration is on my walk and deep contemplation ensues Me Napping in the Hammock
Me Napping in the Hammock
 .  Now back to work.

In order to better monitor what areas have been finished, the rangers added blue or pink dye to our spray bottles of roundup.  By the end of the day I am covered in blue and pink like a cross between a fierce Maori warrior and one of those androgynous Teletubbies.

After dusk (and after we had engulfed heaping plates of spaghetti) the rangers took us out "shining for gliders."  Basically this is like shining for deer, but instead you shine up into the trees hoping to spot the glowing eyes of flying squirrels.  Following much ado and a long drive Nathanial finally located a yellow-bellied glider up high in a dead Gum tree.  A few more kilometers and a few more gliders and we were all about done with this little adventure.  It was certainly interesting, but the little beasts, once mesmerized by the spotlight tend to curl up and stay put so it is difficult to actually catch them in the act of gliding from tree to tree.  Our final total for the night: 5 yellow-bellied gliders, 0 great silver gliders, 6 rabbits and one television sitting out in the middle of the forest.

What I Learned Today:  We are incredibly adaptable beings.  At first I viciously swatted at every harvest fly that came near me.  Now two days later I barely flinch unless on venture near my eyes or mouth.  Given the necessity, we can teach ourselves to endure just about anything.  (as if a few flies is anything compared to the daily tribulations of so many of the world's less fortunate souls).
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