Rondeau Ric

Brush-turkey Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur We stayed at a lodge on the Atherton table lands near Cairns Australia during our vacation. Brush turkeys were common around the cabin we were in. They are a large bird, with a total length of 60–75 cm and a wingspan of about 85 cm. It has a prominent, fan-like tail that is flattened sideways. Alectura lathami

You drive on the wrong side of the road, so... Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur maybe YOU are going the wrong way.

spiral splash pad Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur You can walk down into this water feature at Darling Harbour in Sydney. The water trickles down the ridges and disappears at the bottom. Around here the water would turn to ice and you would be stuck at the bottom. Different.

Happy Christmas Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur To some one from snow country it is really odd to see Christmas trees and decorations when it is 25c -75F outside. Sydney had lovely banners on their streets including this one. Happy Christmas everyone.

Erosion Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur general term for the processes by which the surface of the earth is constantly being worn away. The principal agents are gravity, running water, near-shore waves, ice (mostly glaciers), and wind While traveling on the western shore of New Zealand we took a small twisty road up to the head lands of the western access to the harbour at Auckland. This access is not used as much as the eastern entrance due to sand bars . They might have a small erosion problem. Photo by Anne

Got room for one more... Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur or possibly some food, kind sir or madame? This is a kea, the snow parrot of New Zealand. We saw them on our way to Milford Sound. They weren't playing in the snow, unfortunately they were mooching food from us humans

Shades of Hotel California Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur You can check out anytime you want, but you can never leave. If you like rain you will love paradise. Photo by Anne

Radioactive dandruff Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Who cares about sterility, but that dandruff can be such a social burden. I know I'm a little odd, well a bit weird maybe, but this just cracked me up. Well doctor, I was just looking for the toilet and now I have this dandruff problem. The glow keeps me awake at night.

How tall is your yucca? Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur I think they call it flax in Australia but it sure looks like our yucca plant. Anne is about 5'9". The "flower" is over 20 feet tall. So much for your 3-4 foot ones in North America. As long as it doesn't start saying "feed me".

At least it isn't snow Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur It looked odd to see a lifeguard shoveling away. In Canada he would be shoveling snow. It was 25c 75F and sunny. At Bondi Beach Sydney Australia.

Fantail Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Now why would they call it a fantail? Not my best photo, but the best I got of this bird. They move a lot and boy, do they move fast. They hop around, spread their wings and fan their tail, supposedly to flush out insects. I think they want to be peacocks when they grow up.

No smoking Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Evidently the Australian authorities are tired of arguing with smokers. This sign was at Central Station in Sydney. Who's been smoking what?

Three friendly Aussies Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur I don't know who they were but they saw my camera and the guy in the middle really wanted me to take his picture. Slightly inebriated, but happy. If you recognize them say hi for me. Met on the docks at Darling Harbour, Sydney.

Docking at ulva Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur When we were on Stewart Island, we arranged to go to Ulva Island, a nature preserve. All the rats, cats and other predators have been removed so the flightless birds have a chance. It was storming the day we went. This sailing ship was trying to get into the dock. It eventually made it, but it was a challenge. If you look in the background you will see a small water taxi of the type we took. A wild ride, we weren't sure if Anne could get off the boat as it was pitching so badly.

bite me Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur We were on the tablelands above Cairns, Australia when we came into a small town. Anne and I both cracked up when we saw this sign.

Once you go horizontal... Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur We watched people jumping just north of Queenstown NZ. The first couple got up to the edge and she changed here mind. He went by himself. This couple took the plunge.

Once you go horizontal... Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur We watched people jumping just north of Queenstown NZ. The first couple got up to the edge and she changed here mind. He went by himself. This couple took the plunge.