Mainly traditional values

It is traditional to see Gippsland Water Dragons around Whiskers Creek.  This one sat in the middle of the ford and allowed me to get out of the car to take its photo.
It being yet another stinking hot day it was very traditional to find the cattle all lurking under a tree to keep cool.
 On the edge of Bungendore it is now very traditional to see Plumed Whistling Ducks.  These two were in a very traditional upright pose.
 The cattle here were cooling off standing in the water and giving a steely gaze in the direction of the ducks.  Perhaps the Shelduck was seen as non-traditional?
 According to my references the Whistling Ducks only go into the water when threatened.  However at this site they have been known to enter when a cow takes a toilet break and apparently feed on the undigested grain.  Another break with tradition.
 This next bit should be written with a thumbnail dipped in tar as it references one of the great Australian traditions : droving.  This is possibly not how Clancy travelled but the reference is reasonable as the official attitude to this mob us that "we don't know where he are".  Or at least none of the official entities will tell us where they are,  So I just drove to the route they are following looking for them.

There was a big hint that they hadn't made it to Hoskinstown road, as you could see the bitumen!

I made contact just after Mt Fairy Rd.
The water tanker and trough keep the liquid up to the cattle.  I'd rate this as crucial with the temperature in the high 30s.
The cattle basically look in very good condition, especially as they've come a fair way (from Gundagai) already.
One of the drovers advised that they'll be passing through Bungendore on Sunday.  This could be good to watch.

One of the English traditions of Christmas is the work of Charles Dickens.  The third of his 'Christmas books' is the "Cricket on the Hearth".  Today we nearly achieved that with a cricket on the kitchen bench.
The most amazing aspect of this insect was the length of its antennae.  Scaling up from the handles on the drawers I estimate the body is about 5cms long and the antennae at least 15cm!  It was released outside.

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