Thanks for looking at my web pages, this is my first attempt at publishing, so please be patient, better things will come.  I am one of these people who has varied interests but thankfully they are all linked .  My pages include or will include information on my favourite interests AUSTRALIA, PHOTOGRAPHY and NATURE.  
• Personal Information
• Hobbies & interests
• Australia
• Central Australia
• Alice Springs
• Photo Gallery
• Favourite Sites
• Email friends required

Yes this is me, dressed for the outback

Geography:  I live in Central England, in a village called Broughton Astley 10 miles South of the Roman town Leicester (RATAE).  Leicester is a multi cultural city with links to the Roman Empire.  Now it is being transformed into a more modern city but still maintaining it's history.

Skills:  I am a skilled Label Printer but most of my knowledge is in Computers, I am constantly trying to learn about the latest software packages, this is where the future is and that's what I would like to be involved in.

return to contents

Travel:  I have visited several countries in Europe which include: Germany, Austria, France, Malta, Corfu and Cyprus.  Austria is beautiful in the Winter, I skied in the following resorts: Abtenau ( a little resort in the Austrian Alps), Mayerhofen, Zell-am-Zee and Kaprun.  I've also been to Canada, where I did some winter walking in the 'Rockie's'.  Banff and Lake Louise are beautiful places.  The scenery is breath taking and the wildlife is in abundance.  Australia is favourite country, there is so much contrasting scenery and so many things to do and of course the weather is usually very pleasant.

Photography:  I have been a keen photographer for many years, I like to think I take good shots but the main thing is the enjoyment.  I like to enhance my photo's on the computer and then use them for DTP.  My subjects are nature and landscapes.

Nature:  From a very young age I have had an interest in the countryside.  For many years I belonged to the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds).  Where ever I travel my eyes are ready for the unsuspecting creature.

return to contents

Australia is a country full of contrasts. There's the bustling multi cultural cities, quiet suburban towns and there's the Bush.  The bush can be interpreted in many ways but is often perceived as wild country away from civilization, that's not always the case.  Some locals will say I'm going bush, when in fact they are only walking on the local hill, admittedly these people are mostly from the towns.

I've travelled around the country and visited many but not all of the cities.  I'm limited to the amount of holiday my employer will give me and of course money.  So I have returned several times.  All of the cities I've been to are kept wonderfully clean, tidy and have a friendly, relaxed atmosphere unlike some other cities around the world, where you are always in fear of getting mugged.  There is crime around, just like any other country; it's just not so evident.

return to contents

This is an area of contrasts.  Predominantly flat with a few Ranges. Creek beds Miranda around the countryside, the River Red Gum and Ghost gums silhouette against the dark blue sky.  Spinifex grass grows in the red soil and provides shelter to an abundance of creatures.  Kites soar above the ranges.  The Wedge Tailed Eagle sits in the canopy of a tree over looking a road kill.  Dirt tracks cross the land.  The countryside constantly changes colour and the sunrises/sunsets are just breath taking.  Wildlife is every where but often goes unseen. Many animals are nocturnal because of the intense mid day heat and therefor the best time to see these is dusk or dawn.  Kangaroos hop around at night and many thousands get hit by traffic but they can be seen in the day, if your lucky enough to disturb one.  The Perentie Lizard, a Goanna, which can grow to six feet in length, suns it self on the sweltering hot road surface.  The Galah Australia's most common parrot squawks in the undergrowth and walks around the suburban lawns.  Aborigines, native Australians no longer in habit the bush like they once did, they have become more westernized and live in communities, under the roof of modern homes.  They are an interesting group of people, who are very artistic and don't have the materialistic nature white people have.  Traditions are still kept, the Dream time being one.  It's the story passed on from the elders on how the earth and its contents were formed.  It's a mythical story in the white mans eyes but taken seriously by most Aborigines.  There is a serious alcohol problem with a minority group of Aborigines, which does provide a certain amount of crime, usually between them selves.  When I first visited Alice Springs I felt a little on edge but when you learn the Aborigines are vocal you become accustomed to the society. return to contents

My favourite area of Australia has to be the Outback surrounding Alice Springs.  I am a country lover and this area is paradise, it may be dry, but there is many creatures living there.  Plenty of opportunities for photography and in the right condition excellent walks.  The town of Alice Springs is situated half way between Adelaide in the South and Darwin in the North, approx. 1000 miles from both cities.  Not many years ago, the population was only a few hundred, now there is 28,000.  It's a small modern town, with a friendly atmosphere, very laid back and close to some superb walking country.  The town has something to offer everyone whether it's sports, shopping, excursions or just relaxing in one of the many restaurants.  The biggest problem with this area is the heat and the flies.  Daytime temperatures can reach 45c during the summer months of November to February.  Nearly everyday is sunny.  Flies are very evident after heavy rains and can be very annoying but are harmless and believe me you do get used to them after a while.  After heavy rains the usually dry rivers sometimes flow and they can become raging torrents within hours and then be completely dry 2 days later.

There's a large selection of accommodation to choose from, from Backpackers to five star hotels.  I stay at the Pioneer Youth Hostel on Parsons St. in my eyes it's the cleanest and tidiest budget accommodation in town.  Sue the manager and her staffs make you welcome, it's quiet, has a nice little swimming pool and an excellent self-catering kitchen.  The dormitories are mostly 4 bedded.  There's a travel service provided, where most tours in the locality or further a field can be booked.  Finally there is a free pickup from the airport and the Ghan railway.  You get all this for approx. £6.50 a night.  It's best to book ahead.

Ayres Rock is a 5-hour drive away but most tourists and travellers visit it on an organised tour.  The three-day trips appear very popular and I can recommend ‘Trekabouts’.   These are camping and you get a real feel for the bush.  They also take in the sights of the ‘Olgas’ and ‘Kings Canyon’.  The campsites are well organised, tents are already erected, there are just the meals to be prepared.  The trips involve a fair amount of driving, 950 miles over 3 days, some of this over dirt roads.  You also get to climb the ‘Rock’, walk around the rim of the ‘Canyon’ and plenty of other stops.

Nearer to Alice there's the MacDonnell Ranges, the gorges are very popular and well worth a visit.  Many tours go to both the east and west, although the west MacDonnell's have more to offer.  Even during severe draughts several of the water holes along this range still maintain water, enough to swim in.

For the keen walker the Larapinta Trail offers 150 miles of trail over the backbone of the ranges.  It can be very demanding in places and shouldn't be attempted in the heat of the day.  The views and wildlife are very rewarding and it's so peaceful.  In places you climb to over 3000 feet (1000m).  Walkers can join the trail at a number of access points.

Many people's first thoughts of Australia are of snakes and spiders.  Yes they are plentiful but in the case of snakes it's very unlikely you will spot one.  Spiders are more common but seldomly do they bite.  Medical attention is needed immediately if bitten by anything suspicious.

The best time to visit Alice is during the cooler months of  May-September although tours operate all year round.  Personally I prefer the hotter months.

Alice Springs can be reached by coach, train or plane.  Your travel agent can provide further details.

return to contents

• Aboriginal Kids
• Juvenile Wedge Tailed Eagle
• Ayres Rock at dusk
• Mustering
• Chambers Pillar
• Ants Nest
• Galah
• Lizard

These photo's were taken by myself on my numerous visits to Australia.

This photo is of a young Aborigine, it was taken by permission from the parents on a community just outside Alice Springs. return to photo gallery contents return to contents

This is a young Wedge Tailed Eagle, Australia's largest bird of prey. return to photo gallery contents return to contents

Ayres Rock (Uluru) at dusk. return to photo gallery contents return to contents

This is one of my favourite photo's, it's from a muster in the Simpson Desert. return to photo gallery contents return to contents

Chambers Pillar return to photo gallery contents return to contents

Ants Nest return to photo gallery contents return to contents

Galah return to photo gallery contents return to contents

One of the common lizards return to photo gallery contents return to contents

Favourite Web Sites

Alice Springs:  http://www.ozemail.com.au/~penton
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~asnews
More links to follow shortly.

If there is any Australians or anyone else interested in my pastimes who wish to Email, please do so.  I always like to have a good chat.

If you like my pages please let me know, these pages are my first attempt, I would like to add more and link up with other sites.  Email me if you would like to add your site.