Spontaneous Travel

The idea of spontaneous travel has always been something I have loved, even though I’m probably one of the worst exponents of it. When I was younger I used to like getting a group of friends together and heading off into the Great Outdoors, of which there was plenty in New South Wales, Australia – even in our region around Newcastle. Many great times were had travelling around the Barrington Tops, Watagans and the Central Coast. Now though the whole idea of spontaneous travel seems almost to difficult to materialise. However, in recent times the dream of spontaneous travel has returned and I have real intentions of realising it.

The link below is to an article that takes a look at spontaneous travel and gives 9 ways you can bring it about.

For more visit:
http://blog.travelworldpassport.com/be-more-spontaneous-travel-often/

Sea Shepherd: Pirates

The link below is to an article on the conservation group ‘Sea Shepherd.’ A US court has labelled the group ‘pirates.’ I find it difficult to disagree.

For more visit:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/feb/27/sea-shepherd-pirates-us-court

Sea Shepherd Founder: Paul Watson

The link below is to a recent report concerning the Founder and President of environmental group Sea Shepherd Conservation, who has fled to escape criminal proceedings.

For more visit:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/aug/31/paul-watson-sea-avoid-arrest

Blackbutt Reserve

Kevin's Daily Photo, Video, Quote or Link

Since I was unable to visit Gap Creek Falls the other day, I decided I might pop in to have a look at the new animal enclosures at Blackbutt Reserve near Newcastle. I will say straight off the bat that I do have something of a prejudice against Blackbutt Reserve, as I see the place as nothing like a natural bush setting, it being far too ‘corrupted’ by human activity, weeds and the like. Having said that it is a good place for a family or group outing/event. It certainly has its place, but it is not a true nature reserve (in my opinion).

ABOVE: Visitor Centre

I do think that some well designed animal and bird enclosures at Blackbutt could lift the value of the reserve dramatically and make it a really great place for families, especially young families. There are opportunities for educational visits for kids, possible environmental…

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Largest Group of Beck’s Petrel Ever Recorded

Though only rediscovered in 2007, Beck’s Petrel appears to have made a significant comeback. The largest group ever recorded was recently found in southern New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

For more visit:
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/becks-petrel-2012.html

Earth Day (April 22): Picnic for the Planet

April 22 is Earth Day and to celebrate Earth Day, The Nature Conservancy is asking people to have a Picnic for the Planet. The idea is to raise awareness by going on a picnic to some outdoor location with a group of friends and to celebrate the planet we live on – or to give thanks for it.

For more visit:
http://earthday.nature.org/

Annual Hunt of Dolphins at Taiji Cove in Japan

Anti-Whaling group ‘Sea Shepherd’ is again monitoring the annual dolphin hunt at Taiji Cove in Japan. Awareness of the annual dolphin hunt was heightened in the Oscar-winning documentary ‘The Cove.’ The annual dolphin hunt began on September 1.

Videos of the hunt are shown below:

Below: Footage from the documentary ‘The Cove.’

The Wilderness Society Being Torn Apart

Infighting is threatening to destroy the environmental group, ‘The Wilderness Society.’ A court battle now looms in order to sort out the mess that has become The Wilderness Society.

This is a group that I have supported in the past and depending on the outcome of the court case and what then happens with The Wilderness Society will determine whether I support the group again.

The Wilderness Society is a well known environmental group in Australia. It was formed to fight the Franklin Dam project in Tasmania in the 1970s.

The following link is to an ABC news article reporting on the story:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/03/2889021.htm

The Wilderness Society website:

http://www.wilderness.org.au/

The video below is a reflection on the Franklin Dam project protest.