Bladensburg NP

Day 13 - Bladensburg NP

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Set off for the Bladensburg NP, most of these places have been stations in their past life, now bought back by the Govt and destocked, hopefully then it will eventually return to is original flora and fauna. Is that the way of all NPs?

The homestead here blew us away. Would have been quite a well to do place in its time. A lot of the old homestead (ruins) are just crumbling stone walls. This was wood and tin roof. There were ceiling roses, shaped architraves around the door frames, and even a fancy front door. Maybe not quite as old, but I think over 100 years old. The ranger here had actually lived on this station as a child in the 70s when her Dad worked here. Drove around the Mitchell grass plains, then on to the Jump Up, to see the rock gorge, and billabong. A curious octopus tree. Remains of the old race course.

On to the Lark Quarry Stampede. This place is home to the only known evidence in the world of a Dino stampede! Aussie Dino geeks are very proud of this place. Mary Wade was the paleo in the 70's who uncovered most of this along with the help of Mr Lark! It has been protected in a huge rammed earth, passive solar building. Oh I would so lose to build a home like this. It was the old story of a farmer on his station finding some curious 'rocks' and years later someone taking some interest in them. Verne our tour guide, was obviously another Dino lover and did a very good job. However, I have to chuckle at the story that is 'made up' about how the foot prints got there. There are over 3000 of them and the building built around and over them reminded me of photos I have seen of the Terracotta Warriors.

Had to move on as it was late afternoon and no where to camp here. Found a lovely spot alongside Mayne Creek about 100 down the road.

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