Day 406 Tarkine Thursday 8th March 2012

Huskisson River

Devil cam and bait

Devil cam

Rare gap in the forest

We are in the middle of the little black square

Hi Folks,

Another great day in the Tarkine.

I assigned my self to the part of 3 going to locate the devil cameras and change their batteries and SD cards. The cameras are set up as part of a project to monitor devil populations given their current decimation by facial tumour disease. The cameras take pictures when they detect a creature. Bait containing mutton bird oil is suspended in front of the camera to attract devils.

Susan decided to stay at camp. Her reward was an interesting job which I would have enjoyed. Rewiring the LED lights that illuminate the kitchen and dining area.

Our party moved slowly down the track passing our guests on the track as they enjoyed morning tea. We stopped and noted the GPS location of camera 17 for the river.

We soon arrived at the picturesque Huskisson River not the Murchison as narrated. After testing the water temperature (cold!) we moved along the bank to camera 18 and exchanged batteries and cards. It was then on to try and located cameras 19 and 20. After blundering around for a while and with not much joy I left the others to it and returned to the top of the hill to the retreats bathed in sweat. We did have GPS locations for the cameras however neither of us could input them into our GPS’s due to the units being used. We found out later that we could enter UTM locations. This is something I really should have known. It will make transferring data from maps very easy in the future. I am wondering if there is another reason I haven’t use this form possibly it may not be supported by google earth. Another item for the investigate list.

On my return after a cup of tea Susan showed me her and Robs light project. A good improvement having the kitchen and deck lights independently switched.

We did some trail clearing before finishing off with a hectic digging session to manufacture one more camp site. That job is nearly done with a bit more to do tomorrow.

After tea we reviewed the SD card from camera 18. Around 400 pictures with two devils and lots of Pademelons and what looked to be a water rat. I think the guests enjoyed the opportunity to see the pictures as well. This used up the last of my battery power so no blog publishing tonight.

Last day here tomorrow. What a pity. Mind you I need to bathe soon! Phew!

Night folks.

Simon

Please ignore the deranged narrator. I don't know why i decided i was at the Murchison River instead of the Huskisson!