Once again armed with one of Christine's picnic breakfasts, I set off just before seven again. The weather is a lot better today. Nevertheless, I am wearing an extra jumper as I set off.
On the way to the Park, I see two Sandhill Cranes running off into the bushes. Their gait and the flopping tails remind me of running emus.
I also have three rabbits and two squirrels cross the road in front of me. Well, the nicer weather is obviously bringing the wildlife out. That's a good sign.
I drive to the Salt River Day Facility and discover that most of the trails are actually closed . So, I move on down the road a bit to the other end of those trails. I try the North Loop trail, but it is so overgrown that I don't feel comfortable. Instead, I try the South Loop trail.
It looks very clear and well trodden, so I get started. Now, I'm not sure whether I'm brave or downright foolish to do this on my own, but as always, if I waited for someone else to join me, I'd never get anywhere.
The young man at the Parks office told me to just keep talking as I walked to let any bears know that I was there and they would get out of my way. That's all very well, but being a fairly quiet kind of person, I soon run out of stuff to say to myself. I resort to talking to all the plants and trees and even the bears that may or may not be hiding in the bushes laughing their heads off at the silly old biddy.
As much as I would love to see a bear to take a photo of, I'm not all that keen on a close encounter as I can't be certain of my bravado holding out.
Seeing some more evidence of Bisons having been here, I start talking to them too, although they worry me a lot less, being used to cattle.
When I really run out of stuff to talk about, I start to sing, which reminds me of being a little girl scared to go down the cellar stair. Smile.
Eventually, I can see some swampy area through the trees. Very promising. Encouraged, I soldier on.
I can't resist picking one of the few raspberries I spot along the way. Getting into my mouth involves unzipping my mossie net. That puts me off picking any more.
At last, I arrive at the Grosbeak Lake which is a salt lake. This is as far as the trail goes, the rest of it is closed.
It seems safe enough to venture out a bit and take some photos. I'm not taking my shoes off, however.
On the way back, talking and singing again, I notice some interesting rocks on the track. Some of them look like gem stones.
The sun is now fully out, making the forest landscape look truly beautiful. By this stage, I actually want to yodel.
By the time I get back to the truck and drive back to the Salt River Day Facility to have the first half of my picnic, I am ready to take off one jumper.
A couple of other vehicles are starting to arrive now too. Strangely enough, the people don't seem very friendly. They don't even wave, let alone greet. Some even seem to avert their eyes so as not to have to acknowledge another traveler. Ah well, have a nice day too, you unfriendly tourists.
Having gone down all the way to Peace Point yesterday without seeing anything other than the naughty little calf on the road by itself, I decide against going down the same road.
Instead, I head back to Highway 5 and start driving West. To my utter delight, I spot a bear on the edge of the forest, just standing there, watching the truck. My camera is ready, sitting lens down in a cup holder beside me. I whip it out and get ready to take a picture, while slowing down in case the bear should decide to cross the road.
My excitement is short lived when the bear suddenly realizes he has been spotted, turns and dives into the bushes. All I get on the photo is greenery.
Still, not to worry, the scene has been etched into my brain. It's a memory and it's all mine.
Soon, I turn off the highway onto the dirt road that leads to the Salt Plains. For quite a long way, I drive through this landscape of dead looking pine trees. It looks as if there had been a fire at some point. The birches and other species that used to live under the pine canopy seem to be thriving now though.
Time for the second half of my picnic, and time to take off another layer of clothing. Then I take a walk down to the plains.
At the end of the track, one can step out onto the salt plains. Once again, I step carefully to make sure I don't get stuck in any mud.
This is the nesting ground of the endangered Whooping Cranes. I don't see any, of course as they are obviously clever enough to hide their nests.
Climbing back up the gravel path, I'm surprised I got down at all as it seems quite steep in places.
A tired dragon fly on the path having a little rest. Isn't it a beautiful creature. I love dragon flies.
As I drive out on the dirt road, which by the way is full of potholes, there are suddenly swarms of dragon flies everywhere. What a shame, I can't get a photo of them in flight. That would be pretty amazing.
Back on the highway, heading farther West, I suddenly spot something up ahead. Being from Tasmania, my first thought is: crazy cyclist in the middle of the road.
As I get closer, I suddenly see a tail swishing! Sure enough, it is a big daddy bison traipsing my way.
Some idiot driver comes the other way, drives right up behind him and blows the horn, even though I'm stopped and he could be quietly driving around the animal. But no, some people just have to harass animals! I get so cranky that I give the bloke the finger. He is so dense, he actually thinks I'm waving at him.
Luckily, big daddy just steps off the road briefly, takes a mouthful of greenery and comes back up. That's when I open my window to get a better look at him.
Isn't he just gorgeous? I could stay here all afternoon, talking to him and taking photos, but I move on and take one last shot in the side mirror.
Just there, I find a turn off to Little Buffalo River camp ground and go in there for a little look. However, I am not leaving the vehicle as I am suddenly surrounded by a swarm of large flying insects that remind me of our March flies back home - maybe a bit bigger.
The prettiness of the place just has to get committed to memory.
I return to the highway and head farther West as far as Sass River. I find a turnout with something blocked off and decide not to go looking any further so as not to run out of time.
As I drive back East towards Fort Smith, I spot the big boy camped on the side of the road having some dust baths.
They certainly bother me when I open the window for some better shots. I open both windows to allow them to fly right through, but some still stop to take a bite. Still, I don't care. I'm so happy right now.
Goodbye big man. It has been lovely to meet you. You are as nice as any of my bulls were. And you certainly made my day!
Alas, it is time for me to get back into town, refuel the truck and eventually leave it at the hire place.
And so ends my second day in Fort Smith. It has been a wonderful time, albeit very brief. This is another place which is going straight back on my bucket list.
I shall live in hope.
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