Never mind the temperatures in the Tropics. In the thirties. Or the humidity. Stifling. Debilitating. No. The real threat is the intense ultra violet. In northern Queensland, rated Extreme. Even on overcast days. So never neglect your skin care routine. Venture out without sun block at your peril. As this local seems to have done…
Roo road from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken, together with trusty steed Emma, enjoys quieter roads. Which means less lorries – trucks – or buses.
Snap happy from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ok. Had to resort to visiting a crocodile farm to get this footage. But worth it I think. Besides, would you like to try and tease out crocodiles in the wild with chicken pieces?
Silent killer from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Evolution at its best. Chances are these critters will be around long after the human race is a mere footnote in history.
Sausage sizzle. By invitation only. Alas, mine seems to have gone astray in the recent floods / cyclones / monsoon rains / earthquake (delete as applicable). Yes. I did say earthquake. Few days ago. Just a pan rattling four on the Richter Scale. Epicentre off the coast from Cardwell, Tully and Mission Beach. Communities that bore the full force of Cyclone Yasi last month.
About to be inundated once more. Eager well-wishers clamouring to catch a glimpse of Prince William. Chosen few joining him for snags on the barbeque. Trust he’ll bring his wellies. And insect repellant. Outbreak of mosquito borne Dengue Fever. Nature has such a sense of humour in these parts.
On the beach from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Just because there’s no mention of crocodiles on the local warning signs doesn’t mean the little critters aren’t around. Not that literate.
Off to the beach from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Queensland. Be careful to read the signs before going off to the beach. Takes a while mind…
Rush hour at Newell Beach from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Bustling, thriving metropolis. Terms you’d be hard pressed to associate with Newell Beach. Which is part of its charm.
Field of dreams from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
After cane toads. Sugar cane fields. Newell Beach, far north Queensland.
If you were ever to wonder why Australia’s so strict with its quarantine rules, two words. Cane toads. Introduced to tackle critters blighting the sugar crop. Laudable idea. But an ecological disaster. Didn’t make a jot of difference. Little devils too busy breeding. And noisy with it.
Seems everyone has their own way of trying to keep the toad population in check. Petrol. Bleach. Microwaves. Not so keen on the latter. Bit messy. Difficult. Not least because their toxicity means potential predators like dogs and snakes drop dead after a few mouthfuls.
And do be careful not to run over dead, bloated specimens often found at the roadside. Tend to explode. Not funny when you don’t have a front mudguard.
Good news is that someone’s just devised a spray that quickly renders the blighters unconscious. Then kills them. About ten minutes. Left me wondering if it’d work on other irritants I’d encountered in Queensland. Alas, that’d probably be manslaughter. Pity.
