Clogs Over Aussie Closes

"This is just to inform the folk who knew Cas, that after a long running battle with a Leukemia related illness, he passed away on 1/10/2011 at 4.30am. Regards Helen van Loon."

PS  You might like to look back through some of Cas's posts and poems. (Sue Crawford, NWG Inc).

Dear Friends, please have patience as I have been sick and in hospital for about 10 days. The page will not be changed till about October. Thank you for your patience, Cas, bush poet

So here we are again folks a bit late but the waiting was worthwhile for the Poems that presented for you enjoyment and another look at this great country Australia, Cheerio and take care, Cas Bush Poet

AWAKENING THAT URGE TO . . .

When living in Australia, travelling usually plays for many people a great part

one place, Alice Springs, kilometres from anywhere, in desert, recognised as it's heart

if you want to see the real Australia Outback, this, no doubt is the place to go

historical sites,attractions if you want to feel how it used to be, hundred of years ago

To arrive in "The Alice", as it is generally known, surprisingly little hardships to deal with

Alice Springs heart and soul of the Australian Outback, there's no denying this choice of National parks, although some distance away, bewildering to explore

there's Ayers Rock, Kakadu, Kings Canyon, not satisfied with these, there are more

Don't feel like driving, the Desert Park, Royal Flying Doctor, in town, a must see

Reptile Centre, Olive Pink Garden, Pioneer Women Hall of Fame, for a small fee

Historic Telegraph Site, museums, displays, history, stories about how it began

Simpsons Gap, with all these attractions it sure helps to have some sort of plan

In space of a few days, you can discover many of the real secrets of the Outback

don't have to sit in 2- or 4-wd half a day in heat, flies and a dusty bush track

here in one place, The Desert Park, you can learn, experience in daylight or dark

showcasing hundreds of plants, animals, occurring in desert or National Park

Explorers wondered how many animals survived in a country that water did lack

the Outback is big place, variety immense, especially when going off beaten track

in some museums you can read how people survived and what they had to endure

in most cases it was always a two persons effort, when sickness struck finding a cure

Then there is the Todd River, used for boat races nearly every year, when it is dry

almost intersecting town when in flood, to cross it notices tell you don't even try

Alice Springs, full of surprises, maybe isolated to some people, off beaten track

like many places in Australia, sure never fails with it mysteries the urge to go back

JUST A THOUGHT . . .

Be master of yourself and you will find the key to all success in human kind; for though sometimes it seems that Fate conspires to frustrate all your plans, and check desires, if you are master of your thoughts and will, you can command - and be the victor still For if you conquer self, you conquer all - your destiny is safe, no matter what may befall.

A WILDLIFE SHOW OF WATERBIRDS . . .

At Innemincka, unexpectedly, on the Stony Desert, one can witness spectacular sight

a stopover on world journey, thousands of waterbirds congregate after long flight

these are rest and breeding grounds for numerous species, their final destination

flying from Europe, Siberia, Asia, along migration routes, never fail with navigation

These are the Coongie Lakes, consisting of waterholes, lakes, swamps, flood plain

rich variety of food for many species of migratory waterbirds does it contain

Pelicans, Egrets, Spoonbills, Herons, Terns, it is a waterbird's annual wildlife show

with a cast of thousands, some on edge of extinction, decreasing, numbers very low

The landscape changes dramatically with availability of water, the system's lifeblood

affecting the Barcoo, Thomson, Wilson Rivers, even Lake Eyre, when in full flood

the location is surprising, unique, no one suspects it here on the arid Gibber Plain

little vegetatio, Mitchell Grass, Bush Herbs, Red Mulga, on an almost flat terrain

A must to be visited by dedicated bird watchers, almost paradise, year after year

soaking up atmosphere, scientific study, travelling, like the birds, from far and near

there's plenty of evidence of Aboriginal occupation in past, artifacts and middens

crude arrangements of wood and stone, stone tools, rock paintings well hidden

Most surprising on the edge of Great Stony Desert, presence of many a sand dune

scattered i no particular order, remnant of sea shore, or just a landscape out of tune

Coongie Lakes, recognised as a wonderfull diversity, important waterbird's domain

a very important link for rare, endangered vulnerable species, in their food chain

Always remember to forget, the things that made you sad, but never to forget to remember, the things that that made you glad.

Discovering the Coral Coast . . .

To discover the Coral Coast of Western Australia we were heading north of Perth

landscape rapidly changing from city to sandy west coast for what it is worth

further along landscape like the moon, with limestone peaks all round

due to onshore strong winds, stunted trees, growing almost parralel to ground

Travelling Australia, nearly forgot to visit charming Coral Coast

where the Murchison River flows into Indian Ocean, Kalbarry your host

the climate sunny, warm, experiences that only occur once in a lifetime

wild flowers you've never seen before, exotic shapes, perfumed, sublime

Calm waters in estuaries for swimming, by towering cliffs be awestruck

surfing, water skiing, fishing off beach, catching that big one, your luck

want more, go canoeing or hire a boat and enjoy a cruising , lazy day

see dolphins, whales, up close, take pictures to remember your stay

Shopping, accommodation, variety immense, magnificient shopping mall

holiday resorts or just pitching a tent,emergency services on call

nature lovers, Kalbarry National Park close by, nature's paradise found

glimpses of river, magnificient gorges, their brilliant colours will astound

Interesting views of river, waterfalls, taking many days to fully explore

incredible scenery, rock formations framing river, sometimes far below

endangered species of birds, a parrot sanctuary in town, a must see

daily feeding of pelicans on foreshore, stroll downtown or see a movie

Stargazing, songs by campfire, fantastic sunsets, like nowhere else, watch

changing colours of multi-coloured cliffs, never seen such display match

abseiling, sight seeing flight along coastline, there is an internet cafe

if you have the time, to keep your friends and family informed of stay

Started with Shell Beach, in setting sun white as snow, a promising start

to enjoy holidays at Kalbarry is easy, one doesn't have to try very hard

returning home, stories to tell, adventures relived, it was only a week

wondering why we didn't do it before, must go back for another peek

A VALLEY SO REMOTE . . .

Australia is full of hidden beautiful places, some no doubt will spring instantly to mind

having found your own that's where you go to leave cares of today's world behind

a place of utter silence, peace, picture-book prettiness, unsurpassed anywhere else

when only being there a short time, one's body and mind already different story tell

Brindabella Valley, down arduous, winding, precipitious winding track, seemingly no end

not for the faint hearted, one is rewarded with magnificient vistas round every bend

finally reaching, after having closed last gate, crossed last river, valley floor

the magic happens, feeling of utter peace, never anywhere else has it happened before

Sounds of nature, wind singing in trees, rippling sparse grass, in distance cows call

old homestead, slab huts, rusting old machinery, on surrounding hills a waterfall

some buildings been, with much effort, carefully restored, to others a lot more to do

some horses, goats, chooks, sheep, peacefully grazing, here, there a kangaroo

What better way to start new day, up early, enjoy morning air, contemplate the overall

sunrise, cup of tea on verandah, easy chair, silence of nature, here and there birds call

no lack of hospitality, nothing is much effort by those who live here day in day out

taking you horse riding, hiking, go fly fishing in unspoilt river for rainbow trout

There's old suspension bridge across river, ancient farming tools on slab hut wall

rusting carcasses of farm implements of old, slowly succumbing to nature's call

signs of Aboriginal presence in distant past, some caves in distant hills, secret sites

it was told they came here to feast on bogong moths, socialise, hold tribal rites

Gunmetal glimmer of water betrays river's chilly path, tumbling gently over rocks

the valley still enjoys different seasons, distinctions of time of year nature here mocks

Brindaballa Valley means different things to different people, it could be paradise or hell

there's more to explore, even to just escape the daily grind, to go again, time will tell

<

THE PICNIC FROM HELL . . .

they'd finally arrived after long journey at destination

Australia, land of vast distances, unique animal population

Aboriginal Dreamtime, koalas, kangaroos, many, many more

eagerly looking forward what each day would have in store

visiting opera house, blue mountains, places in between

there never seemed enough time for all that was to be seen

anticipating week-long trip, by plane, bus, to real outback

experience desert, ayers rock, olga's, of real time losing track

along the road bus stops, only shady, for miles, dappled spot

it's lonely out here, very, very quiet and o so dry and hot

the doors open, and out we step, camera's around our neck

clicking at anything, great nothingness, wild flowers along track

it's lunch time, so the picnic hampers are brought out

but, as soon as they are opened, there's a noise, very loud

a greatest mob of insects descends out of nowhere, fast

the aussie bushfly had arrived, with thousands in their cast

picnic tables, eskies, all were quickly covered by these pests

eating your sandwich, had to compete with uninvited guests

getting into hair, eyes, nose, bare arms and legs, everywhere

swallowing one or more, not nice, busdriver, get us outta here

these bushflies are as australian as damper and famous billy tea

causing that "Aussie Salute", as practised by you and me

a real aussie experience, what a story back home we have to tell

it wasn't really a funny experience, this "Picnic from Hell"

this haunting land . . .

nowhere, but in Australia, is there an inland sea

with waterbirds foraging on foreshore, some migratory

pelicans, white ibis, ducks overhead in flying formation

the moon, a day past full, soon will be only illumination

shadows lengthening, sky is changing by the setting sun

twilight doesn't linger, air is still, the magic has just begun

soon light of new day, sun blazing orb in cloudless sky

there'll be no rain for a landscape so parched and dry

stunted desert trees, red dust, hot, it is utter desolation

no place to linger long, but, if you must, heed your preparation

simmering heat, mirages, tantalising oasis, cool waterfall

bleached bones of animals, looking grotesque in life's final call

yet, in all it's harshness, mystique, even in the distant past

it never has been any different, beautiful, haunting, unsurpassed

the decades rolled by, on and on, so did the seasons in turn

even some of our early explorers, this a place they' spurn

isolated, relentless heat, wet season, total different story

deserts come alive, riot of flowers, new life, what glory

if you ever travel this far, of beaten track in this country

it's there to see, experience it on Birdsville Track, near Marree

A river in the Never-Never . . .

When one does travel in the Northern Territory be aware of the dangers that one faces

country side is fast, facsinating, old yet new, distances long, lonely between places

there's guidelines to adhere to, permits needed to travel across Aboriginal land

to be self-sufficient in whatever traveling you do, help is far away, not readily at hand

At height of dry season rivers and creeks are like a reminder, now a ribbon of dust

at Mataranka, water bubbles up from underground, believing in miracles one must

from all this water in lillypad covered ponds, the mighty Roper River springs

setting of on a long journey to sea through parched landscape, vegetation clings

There is always abundant bird and fish life, sustaining Aboriginal Tribes over ages

fish being speared in shallows or caught in man-made fish traps on shore, cages

fresh salt water crocodiles always present, dangerous ones to human life causing threat

Barramundi, Mudcrabs spawning commercial industry, recreational fishing to be had

There are Sacred sites along the rivers, left-over from trade routes to the coast

one of those is Ruined City, of fantastic rock formations proudly does it boast

the Macassans, from Indonesia, local Aboriginal Tribes, bartered stone tools for salt

coming of white-man, who massacred many Aboriginals, all this came to halt

Tall Pandanus and Paperbark Trees, providing shade in many a beautiful picnic spot

morning chorus of birds, pristine swimming holes, really magic when it is so darn hot

many spectacular waterfalls along Rope River, some pioneers buried too in this land

Roper River winding its way, watering thirsty land at end disappearing in coastal sand

TRAVELING IN A SUNBURNT COUNTRY . . .

Lights flashing, bells are ringing, new era in this land of ours has begun

it's taken many years, much apprehension, finally it has been done

the building, under trying conditions, heat, flies, new railway track

the final link, Alice Springs to Darwin, travel from North to South and back

To built this line across harsh wide open spaces, quite a feat

enduring vastly changing climate, wet season, fierce dry heat

overcoming with typical aussie ingenuity problems along way

some seemingly impossible, but against all odds,saved the day

Continent spanned by railway track, North to South, East to West

scenic panorama's, ease of travel, a sense of adventure laid to rest

you can watch galaxies of millions of stars, moon ever so bright

the whole environment seems to be presented in whole new light

On these journeys many sunrises, sunsets, magnificient to be seen

one should not, leaving southern parts, expect a landscape of green

for this land called"A Sunburnt Country" you're traveling it's very heart

you'll see very ancient landscapes, deserts, flood plains, horizons far apart

Isolated communities, the magical experience of the Nullarbor Plain

hospitable people, friendly fellow travelers, you'll want to come back again

camels, Brumbies, Kangaroos, Emus, Dingo, Raptors in search of prey

after a full day travel, rocked to sleep by clickety-clack and train's sway

It makes you feel proud to be aboard of this one of railway world's best

whichever journey you've chosen, it'll pass discerning traveler's test

these will be unforgettable journeys, they'll make you want more

each one has a different magic, there'll be many more surprises in store

A FEW THOUGHTS TO CHEER YOUR DAY . . .

A gentle wind is singing in the trees if we but listen, sun sinking over hill

the o so gentle music of the breeze that it brings, our troubled spirits fill

tiring day said goodbye with all it's troubles, woes, evening shadows fall

if we have patience, soon, nights' uncountable lanterns hold world in thrall

The sunlight has died out, it's daylight hours full of sorrow have fled

summer night at end of day, our turmoils, after tiring day, we take to bed

soon the moon will peep through stately gum trees upon faraway hill

our dreamboats, gently floating through the night, wildest wishes fill

When darkness of night has gone, dawn again wakes in full glory in sky

remembering all the joys that life holds, forgetting fears that drifted by

morning mists, an illusory veil, blankets the valley of a brand new day

climbing sun helping to drive them, with our fears and sorrows, away

In the faraway meadows bright sunlight dapples through stately trees

the few flowers kissed by the sun, open up their hearts for many bees

when the morning veils of morning mists finally lift, skies above blue

many more flowers wake from sleep, faces shining from early dew

Birds start their songs, joy of new day, life again takes up it's beat

cast away sorrows keeping you low, laugh the thought of defeat

river flows between banks of life, moments of serenity, strife

it passes by green meadows, taking away the troubles in our life.

THE BROKEN HILL EXPERIENCE . . .

To visit Broken Hill is an eye-opener, to experience Australia in the NSW Outback

a spiritual engaging, awe inspiring landscape, aboriginal history, off the beaten track

camping under a million stars, unfamiliar sounds of the bush, waking to glorious sunrise

one can see forever, feeling utter loneliness, no morning chorus of birds, big surprise

Broken Hill has a feeling of sophistication, an atmosphere all of it's own, hard to define

seems to have an underlying feel of early days, with mixture of modern time

the buildings, population, amenities, expectations of better things to come, the air fills

a far cry from it's humble beginnings when rich mineral deposits were found in the hills

Famous not only for it's minerals, also for frequency and severity of dust storms in time

increasing when denuding of the landscape of nearly all vegetation for use in mines

noxious fumes belching over town, causing grave concerns for the health of population

outbreak of typhoid, shortage of fresh food, water, leading to calls for better sanitation

Also renowned for it's vibrant art community, depicting the outback in their own style

one can be forgiven if a short intended visit, with much to see, turns out to be awhile

paintings, depicting the great Outback, vivid sunsets, landscapes and vast open space

some also in fine detail, depicting struggles of yesteryear, telling stories that amaze

Because of unusual clear light, expansive vistas, drawn by artistic atmosphere pervading

stick-like figures in desert, Silver Tree, all of those, seeing them fires the imagination

in the many art galleries paintings by world famous painters, many worth a fortune

too many to contemplate, compare, from their artistic influence you won't be immune

For bush lovers, Kinchega National Park, facsinating desert, wilderness areas to explore

historic shearing shed, myriad lakes, with water birds, as you haven't ever seen before

aboriginal buriel sites, in soft sand, stone implements, windblown dunes of reddish sand

intriguing sites to visit, one never has enough time it seems, for this, mysterious land

THE LAST ROAD TRAVELED . . .

If there aren't many places you haven't been in quest of travel, wildlife, outdoors

decide to do this last trip and choose Gibb River Road as the last course

you'll discover this is so much more than just a road, incredible journey to travel

very soon the mysteries of Nature, the Ranges, Gorges and Bush start to unravel

From tarmac to dirt road, the Gibb River Road, only just re-opened after heavy rain

there were the mighty Mitchell Falls, an oasis in almost barren, undulating terrain

our spirits soaring high, sense of being one with Nature, exploring Falls on foot

after long time traveling, they are magnificient, certainly heightened holiday mood

Stopping at some amazing Gorges, pitch tent, swimming, watch spectacular sun sets

waking to glorious chorus of birds, unbelievable sun rises, Nature's colour pallets

Galvan Gorge surrounded by lush greenery, amid this dry barren no-mans land

nearby Bell Gorge, dramatic sheer walls, hewn out of rock, by some mythical giant hand

The Gorges each have an individuality of their own, with sheer walls, water falls

in this dry rugged country little wildlife, it is rare to see a kangaroo, hear dingo call

amazement at mother Nature never stopped, towards end of journey surprise in store

Windjana Gorge, fresh water crocodiles, waiting for prey, motionless on sandy shore

A prehistoric world where it seems time has stood still, plant life seen nowhere else

in some places sheer rock walls of multi colours shimmering in heat, historical wealth

rock tunnel leading to a waterhole, most undescibable beauty, mid boggling to see

Tunnel Creek, cool, deep in places, bats flying low in and out of cave, a bit scary

Gorges linking all this still, peaceful, water protected by ancient multi coloured wall

trickles of wet-season waterfalls, ferns, small rocks, bird life in caves, distant dingo call

in sky above, large birds or prey, swooping, gliding, never still, maybe snakes in grass

the mood had changed, homestretch looming, our final trip's ending had come to pass

Different from the Australia we knew, felt lots more Australian, didn't even have to try

this was a journey totally different from all that we had seen in years gone by

the trip of a lifetime, running out of superlatives to even describe what it was like

the feelings, sights, sounds, firmly implanted upon our minds for ever and our life

HARPS IN THE LONG PADDOCK . . .

In early days in times of drought, no feed for stock

system of tracks evolved called "The long paddock"

stretches from Far-North Queensland to Victoria in south

feeding many a farmer's stock their hungry mouth

The use of the long paddock is rapidly declining

our native animals' sun has once again began shining

researchers put"harps" along these grazing tracks

wanting to know what, where, how wildlife is coming back

No more hiding from bleating , dumb woolly choppers

many a bird said to catch now insects and grasshoppers

those beasts with those nasty horns no more using this patch

more now for us, said the kangaroos to the wombats

Small birds, bats, about those harps they don't sing

we fly into them, hard to see, damaging our wing

we do try to fly either higher or really very low

otherwise for us the long paddock is now a no-no

The main reason for the long paddocks decimation

road trains, quicker, faster transport to new vegetation

in times of devastating floods, fires, long- term drought

not many farmers, their cattle or sheep, get caught

Road trains, along highways, byways, by day and night

putting legends of drovers and swagman to flight

no more boiling of the billy, damper, stew, campfire

forcing many of these colourful characters to retire

Yet another chapter in Aussie folklore, heritage is lost

in age of computers, mighty dollar, the high cost

it is sad, incomprehensible, perhaps a twist of fate

Pitt Street farmers say " Prosper or perish mate"

WHEN RETIRED, TRAVEL AUSTRALIA . . .

Retirement for many people, holds an unknown fear

choice of what to do now we are retired, really unclear

the prospect of being home 24 hours a day, very boring

now is the time to get away from it all, go exploring

There are many old towns, museums, historical places

making new friends, a yarn by a campfire, new faces

listen to birds in trees, singing their songs, day or night

sit and watch rising, setting of sun, brilliant end day's light

Marvel at nature's pallet of colour, in autumn or spring

scenic, beautiful panorama of faraway horizon unfolding

unbelievable sunsets in desserts, mangroves, ocean shores

follow in footsteps of early explorers, who have gone before

See drought stricken and fire ravaged land, fish in a river

size and sight of some aquatic animals make you shiver

eagles and hawks, bustards, brolga dancing, what a sight

owls, possums, sugar gliders, wombats, watch them at night

Burning cane fields, majestic river gums along river courses

see wild flowers in bloom, camels, feral pigs, cats, wild horses

listen to wind in the trees, when camped near billabong

this is retirement, a new world has opened up, life's evensong

Orchards, vineyards, rice and cotton fields, see the irrigation

sheep stations, cattle, sheep runs, backbone of our Nation

aboriginal rock paintings, shell middens, hear the didgeridoo

sight lyrebird, dingo, cascading waterfall, old man kangaroo

Retirement, best part of your life, travel Australia if you can

see our great land, open spaces, throw away your previous plan

memories of places visited, implanted forever on your mind

beautiful Australia, your country, unparalelled, one of a kind

A CRISIS IN MID-LIFE . . .

To young people it seems a long way off

your mid-life crisis is coming too, don't scoff

we all go through it, you, me, friends, everyone

don't despair, it is the best time to have fun

It is somewhere between adolescence and old age

common thinking, brought up the kids, ready for grave

we realised and thought perhaps we've missed life's boat

people raising eyebrows, mumbling that silly old goat

Some men have a pre-conceived idea about all this

the time to fulfill their dreams and weirdest wish

trip to outer space, spending their money, willy nilly

be an astronaut, famous, fling with a young filly

Women hate looking old, worried about crow's feet

dressing-up as younger ones, on age they cheat

divorce, half his super, wild, wild parties, real cool

on with the make-up, rekindle youth, men will drool

The kids looking on, horrified, doing song and dance

o no, they are spending all that money, our inheritance

why, what are they doing to us, doesn't make sense

tried to stop us, miserable failed using any pretence

despite sly looks, some praise, criticising, underhand barbs

new lease of life, not yet for up stairs to play them harps

fountain of new found youth, elixer, ever so sweet

force to be reckoned with, old but not old, indeed

We will eventually answer the reaper's call, the final call

out of this life, into a bigger better next, a bigger ball

the twilight of our life flew by, not a single regret

blowing our trumpet, to our lovely kids, ratta-ta-tet!

JOURNEY IN A HARSH LANDSCAPE . . .

The mid-winter morning is, as usual, crisp, clear and cold

the vegetation to be seen all round appears ancient, very old

low wizened Mallee, Acacia growing in very small fertile patches

morning breeze creating melodies in passing when it touches

Dusky unusual silhouttes rising gracefully against sky of old

it feels like serenity, as always, slumbering beneath limestone fold

distinctive ringing bird calls float across the early morning sky

those of us having been here before, as if friends are passing by

Songs of early birds, Babblers, Fan-tailed cuckoos, Currawong

maybe these birds with their beautiful songs, teaching their young

one would not think that any life could exist in this harsh land

for some birds, animals, it fulfills however a need, diet very bland

Pounding waves along seashore, eerie sounds in stillness of night

millions of stars in sky above, no moon, they provide the only light

presence of underground caves, indicated by blow-holes, big, small

sometimes full of clear water, ironic in area of very low annual rainfall

Landscape scarred, almost barren, anything survives here is a wonder

this is one of the mysteries of this, Australia, a land called "Down Under"

a result of millions oif years of battle between wind, sun, land, and sea

to be in this environment is good for the soul, mind, feeling totally free

It wasn't so long ago when early explorers crossed this forbidden land

saved from perishing on journey by roaming Aboriginal's guiding hand

with their intimate knowledge of finding precious water, some shade

explorers, disillusioned gave up hope, some finally journey's end made

A jewel on the West Coast . . .

It was by mere chance discovering this jewel going down narrow track

never seemed to reach end, anticipating vista awaiting, didn't want to turn back

discovering it, of which the locals, in their wisdom, they certainly don't boast

a place to escape fast pace, humdrum of polluted city, yet so close, on the coast

Beautifully eroded limestone cliffs, standing amongst clear water lapping shore

undulating dunes, pristine beach, here and there a shipwreck, adding to decor

this is a place, although close to suburbia, one can relax, it will always be there

Pt Peron, at back door of city, waiting to be discovered, unparalelled anywhere

Whenever there, new discoveries are bound to be made, maybe in rock pool

or when meandering along myriad dune bush tracks, in summer shady and cool

one could encounter spectacle of Sea-eagles soaring high up in cloudless sky

maybe just sit down and let the beautiful landscape, for later, fill mind's eye

Going fishing off rocks, being careful where one steps, not catching any fish

didn't seem to matter, absorbing and surrounded by nature, what utter bliss

the impressive drama of changing colours of mirror images in water of rocks

one can almost tell the time of day, nature providing it's own time clocks

At night the enchantment of silvery moonlight, over limestone cliffs and bay

to be here forever, why leave, holding one spellbound, whether night or day

in winter would be even more dramatic, swell of huge waves battering reef

to weary sailors full of dangers, shipwrecks, testimony of having come to grief

The sky, cliffs, beach all turning red, ocean looks like pool of blood at sunset

maybe at end of some bush track, a similar jewel waits to be discovered yet

within our Australia, unbeknown to most, may be many more such places

depending on time of year, you too can experience, see nature's many faces