Cotton or kapok

On show this weekend was G. hirsutum ‘naturalised’ populations of agronomically primitive cotton which may have arrived in northern Australia naturally, via ocean currents from Central America.

The beautiful Kapok Bush Cochlospermum fraseri is one of the rare deciduous plants of Australia. Many animals eat Kapok seeds.

Cox Peninsula 02

The Cox Peninsula has an Arafura Sea side. Sandy and wind blown it proved to be a bike push more than a ride because I was not set up for the sandy trail or beach. There is a magical creek mouth which provides shelter from the sea and with a bit more exploration could provide crabs and fish. This would be an ideal spot to come via a kayak as you could find shelter from crocodiles which no doubt call the creek home.


My bike transport system worked extremely well considering it is simply made of rope, pvc pipe and plantation pine.

Holmes Jungle and Palm Creek.

A quiet creek flows into the Buffalo & Micket Creek swamp land and supports a grove of ancient Carpentaria Palm trees (Carpentaria acuminate). On the hillsides which line the damp canyon are Cycads which have been renewed during a recent fire. The ride is another outstanding chance to view the contrasts which make up the Northern Territory’s unique flora and fauna diversity.

Fogg Dam

A short easy ride on the Dam Wall. Plenty of birds in the dry season and a great place to have a picnic. Water Lilly abound in a reserve once planted with rice, later abandoned due to water fowl concentrations and their love of rice.

The Cox Peninsula

The Cox Peninsula is full of marshes and plenty of trees in flower at the moment. Crisp morning rides are accompanied by the smell of Bottle Bush nectar and plenty of nectar eaters visiting the gum trees in bloom.

Mud Crab Secret Spot

If I was a mud crab this where I would want to spend my days. So much for my thinking like a mud crab. After two days of long rides to my secret spot I am thinking it is too secret.

Mangrove

After weaving my way through a runoff crevice from the hot and dry salt plain, I found a cool platform next to the creek to cast my lures. I noticed the mangroves were in flower as a red-headed honeyeater was flicking in and out of canopy just above my head. No fish but it was more impressive than Discovery Channel.