Dharawal

Today was spent in the vicinity of Dharawal State Conservation Reserve and Nature Reserve. Gorgeous example of  Sydney Sandstone. The area lies in the Woronora Plateau with the geology comprising mostly of quartzose sandstone, with outcrops of shale and ironstone. So many gorgeous swimming holes, waterfalls, great bike riding, beautiful vegetation and rich cultural importance. 'Dharawal' refers to the language group of the local Aboriginal people. The local rock art is amazing, worthy of protection and respect. I can't wait to take my family to this wonderful swimming hole. I was there on a turbid day. I believe it becomes clearer during drier periods.

We drove past a Wianamatta shale area today. You could see the rich vegetation change, especially the growth of  Gymea Lillies, Doryanthes excelsa.  It is hard to find good examples of shale outcrops. Shale tends to form flatter topography with rich soil compared to Sydney Sandstone. The rich soil and simple topography of shale often results in the area being cleared for farming and buildings. Sydney sandstone has partly been saved due to the nature of the rugged stepped terrain with infertile soils making development and farming difficult. Today really was an eyesight full of waterfalls, rock outcrops and  great vegetation. I'm glad this place is protected in the NSW reserve system.

  

Yellow-bellied Sea Snake

Today I was walking along the beach nearby to the location of the petrified wood and came across a Yellow-bellied Sea snake. The snake was washed ashore during our stormy conditions. Yellow-Bellied sea snakes (Pelamis platurus) have a potentially fatal bite. They occur from the north coast of Australia from Perth to Wollongong and the east coast of Africa to the west coast of America. Odd individuals pop up in other locations. Status for the snake is secure however, I was not sure how they go out of water so I picked up the biggest stick I could find to send it back to sea. The adrenaline was pumping as I picked it up. Over ten years ago I did a snake handling course. Proved to myself that maybe snakes and I don't mix. The tiger snake tried to bite the net I was putting it into. Strangely enough the instructor quickly gave up playing with this snake, I'm sure it could sense my fear. It is an amazing feeling to pick up a snake, they are so cold and hard yet likely to twist and turn without much notice. 

Alas the yellow-bellied sea snake had no intention of returning to sea today. I watched it move around in the waves only to come back to shore. I watched for a while and warned a lady walking along with her three dogs. Two young guys walking along barefoot also tried to send the snake out to sea with no success. Turns out there is a growth on its side when you look closely at the photo. The tail looks amazing with the yellow colouring covered in dark blotches. In the field I would of described the snake as black in colouring. Turns out the yellow belly becomes duller in winter. Closer inspection of the photo shows the yellow colour. Hopefully the snake finds it way back to the sea tonight.