Alice Springs Reptile Centre

This morning Philip took his car in for a check-up. It has been losing power when running on petrol and the verdict is that the fuel pump needs to be replaced- it has been shipped from Queensland and should be ready to install on Monday... maybe!
Meanwhile, I did the laundry and the children spent the morning playing "Tigers and Brumbies" in the creek with their friend Jessie and Sooty the dog. 

When Philip came back, we decided to go and have a look at the Reptile Centre, which we'd heard so much about.   There was a goanna wandering around on the floor while we viewed the live exhibits.  His name was Frank and the children were allowed to touch him as long as they didn't try to pick him up. 

A slightly larger goanna- the Perentie is Australia's largest lizard.

We listened to a presentation about the reptiles on display- including information on what to do in case of snake bite. It a bit scary to realise how many of the world's most deadly snakes live along the route we've planned! Taipans, King Browns or Mulga Snakes, little Curl snakes and the Death Adder.  After the talk, those who wanted to had the opportunity to handle some of the animals, including a baby Olive Python.

It's a bit of a surprise to realise that the seasons are quite distinct here in Central Australia.  Winter brings cool, sunny days and freezing nights, while daytime temperatures in summer are very high and the nights warm.  There can be thunderstorms, but any rain evaporates quickly.  Autumn, however, can bring flooding rains, while the warmer spring weather comes with a flush of wildflowers and the return of migratory birds. We notice now that the days are getting quite warm and the nights milder every day- but not quite warm enough yet to be tempted to swim when we visit Ormiston Gorge again tomorrow!  It's quite pleasant in the shallows, but the deep water is still icy cold!  We'll just relax and watch the children wade as we did the other day!