Ducks in the desert

[loose cannon]

Jarrah Pool is a semi-permanent rock pool in Rudall National Park. It's quite remote and requires some effort and planning to get to. Luckily it was in pristine condition when I was there because it's a heck of a drive if you only get to see a sand pit!

First few images show the terrain to be crossed, it gives no hint of the beautiful little oasis at the end of the journey.







The view from my tent



The ducks!



And a couple more shots of the pool





Pretty cool place to chill out for a few days

[LJG]

Wow, now that is a great spot!! Geez Mick, you can find them!! I go looking for places like that and all I see are endless miles. I guess being a local you hear of all the good places to go and know how to get to them. Being a mere tourite I can never find spots like that in the back country. I haven't been over to WA for years but cannot wait to get back and explore.

[HansE]

That does look good. That last one is my favorite, solid gold.

"Question everything" - Carl Sagan

[loose cannon]

Cheers Hans.

Hats of to the late great Hitch

[loose cannon]

The story of Len Beadell inspired the journey and the search for places to visit Lloyd. While doing his amazing road building in the deserts he always made a beeline for a rock out crop that looked interesting or a waterhole etc. He states in one of his books that he realized people would want to travel his roads decades later so felt he had an obligation to make them as interesting as possible.

He certainly achieved that and I've been searching ever since...

Len had nothing to do with Rudall NP but without him I'd probably never have ventured there.

[LJG]

Thanks Mick, I will have a look for his books.

[Toddyh]

Great series Mick. Especially valuable for me as I'll be there in 5 or so months. That and Number 11 Pool. I hope it looks like this when I get there.

[loose cannon]

Good on ya Todd, After the rain out that way this wet there's bound to be plenty of water. You'll love Rudall and I'll assume you'll visit DQB. It's breathtaking.

You must be going to Hanging Rock?

[Toddyh]

Cheers Mick. The Plan is to come around to Newman via Wittenoom, Kalgan Pool, Talwana Track to Rudall then continue along Talwana to loop around Gary Highway, Telfer Mine to Carawine Gorge or Running Waters.
Was probably going to miss Hanging Rock. Unfortunately on a limited time frame and would prefer a relaxed afternoon by the water hole than a rush around to make sure we see Hanging Rock.

[loose cannon]

Good call on Hanging Rock. I drove in then out again and headed to Desert Queen Baths. With hindsight the better way to go would be to keep heading west from HR and you end up eventually near Nullagine. I gather that can be a very challenging drive and not for the faint of heart.

Sounds like you have a fantastic trip planned.

[Isac]

Love 'em all Mick, some have a way with words - some let the pictures do the talking.
Those little ducks look like grebes.

[loose cannon]

Yep, grebes. A few budgies spotted and photographed while I was there too.

May have shared this before but what the hell...

[seaslug]

Good story Mick, I'm always amazed how the water birds know when there's water available in the outback or in formally dry lake-beds when they are hundreds of kilometers away.
Ain't nature great?

[loose cannon]

Indeed it is Greg. Also merciless with a heart of stone

[Isac]

Great photo of the budgie Mick. Beautifully framed, great colours and detail.

[loose cannon]

As with most bird photography patience is the key Isac.

I spotted the budgie coming for a drink on the first morning so on the second morning i moved into position in the pre-dawn, laid down and waited. Very satisfying when it all comes together.