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GapYearLap
  • Lyn and Warren Brown
  • Lyn and Warren Brown

GapYearLap

Un’avventura di 143 giorni di Lyn and Warren Leggi altro
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  • Inizio del viaggio
    2 marzo 2022
    Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Sarina show grounds

    Bundaberg to Sarina

    2 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    It begins….

    Bundaberg to Sarina the 8 hour drive sped by and seemed to be over in a flash.

    Car and van performed well with no incidents.

    Surprising number of coffee vans on the route. Morning tea coffee and donuts at the Retro coffee van at the Calliope river rest area - awesome.

    Stayed at the Sarina Show grounds last night. Warm night and grateful for the air conditioning. Nice spot quite well maintained. Would stay again.

    Tomorrow heading to Cape Hillsborough.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    111

    Cape Hillsborough

    3 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C

    Following Sarina is a couple of nights at Cape Hillsborough.

    The bush walks abound with lovely butterflies of all sizes and colours. The views over the bay are spectacular. At low tide you can walk to Wedge Island where there is a variety of soft and hard coral and rock pools to investigate.

    At sunrise the local mob of Kangaroos and wallabies come down to the beach to search for mangrove pods and the food put out by the ranger.

    The spot the van was parked had views of the beach and nice breezes. Weather here very warm with temperatures at 34, although Warren swears it is hotter.

    Big drive today off to the official trip start Etty Bay.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    1

    Etty Bay

    5 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Etty bay is a beautiful spot with the ocean on one side of us and the rain forest on the other.

    The visit was specifically to see the cassowary. And they didn’t disappoint. Within minutes of setting up camp one rather large bird wandered by. And it was certainly a shock when the sneaky chook decided to share our fish and chip dinner.

    After watching the sunrise Warren even managed bacon and eggs.

    We are off to investigate the neighbourhood today maybe find a water fall for a swim.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Josephine falls
    11Murray falls camp groundMurray FallsCooling feet at Murray falls swimming holeWallaman falls2

    Waterfalls

    7 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    Waterfall hunting is pretty easy in this part of the country.

    Josephine falls was the first stop. Favoured swimming spot, with icy cold water when the day is hot. Yep we had to join to locals for a dip. With the number of people at the falls it was surprising to have a snake cross the path when heading back to the car. Just, goes to show to be vigilant on any path in the bush.

    Next Murray falls, between Tully and Innisfail. Has a splendid camping ground and very easy walk to the falls viewing platform. We stopped to cool our toes at the swimming hole.

    Then comes Wallaman falls. After travelling a narrow winding road through thick rain forest it was a short walk to the viewing platform. And well worth the look. Wallaman falls is the permanent largest single drop waterfall in Australia at 269mtrs.

    We decided against the walk straight down to the base of the falls. The day a hot 39 degrees.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore

    Etty Bay wrap up

    9 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    We have had our time at Etty Bay and we both felt sad to be moving on. Destination I would truly recommend. It is quiet, the bay beautiful, people friendly and helpful and there are cassowary and speedy little ghost crabs.

    Super pleased we visited and will certainly visit again.

    Mum and dad left on their trip yesterday and we are looking forward to catching up in Cairns soon.

    The car needs maintenance so off to Mareeba.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    1Poppy at discovery centre

    Cairns, Daintree and Cape Tribulation

    14 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    Down the range from Mareeba to Cairns. In Cairns we are catching up with M&D and niece Pahge and family.

    Next day despite the rain we headed to Daintree. The rain is not cold so off we went.

    Wet wet wet was our trip through the Daintree to Cape Tribulation.

    The rainforest takes on a completely different character when it is raining. Dark but still more beautiful with misty mountains full fast flowing creeks and around every corner is a new waterfall.

    After a very wet walk through the discovery centre. Where Nanny wisely decided to stay dry at the coffee shop. We headed for the cape.

    Upon arriving at the cape and the weather indifferent we wandered to the beach. The rain forest gave way to a mangrove forest then a windswept beach. A flock of little sandpiper birds fed happily on the receding tide.

    Lunch at the Ice Creamery and onto the ferry and back to Cairns.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Cumberland tailings damChimneyTea timePoppy detectoristWarren the serious detectoristRusty not detectingCopperfield GorgeCopperfield gorgePercy the pub pigSome of the miniaturesFairy treeTree carvingTree carving

    Georgetown

    17 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    Heading to Georgetown, we leave the rain forest and lush greenery behind and head into the bush where the anthills become a dominant aspect of the landscape.

    Georgetown on the Savannah Way is home to around 320 people and was originally established to support gold and copper. The town offers a community pool and fitness centre including a very well equipped gym all for free. Surprising us we stayed in Georgetown for four nights.

    After settling in we had a walk around the town. Then a drive 20klm west to Cumberland dam. I didn’t know tailings dam could be so lovely and we spent sometime birdwatching and try to guess what bird is that, luckily there were signs to help. On the site is the remnants of a chimney all that is left of the gold battery. Back to town for a nice cool swim.

    Next day, some serious gold detecting. We arrive at Flat Creek Station set up and have a cup of tea. Rusty decided a snooze in the car was the better place to be.

    Then the detectorists got busy. The haul was three tiny bits of scrap metal and one shot gun pellet.
    Then it was time for a bite to eat and another cup of tea. Enough detecting for the day and back to the pool for a swim then off the the pub for pizza.

    Day 3. Copperfield gorge, Einasleigh and Forsayth . A scamper across the rocks provides a nice view of the gorge and the many fish that call it home. MAD walked upstream to the waterfall and us downstream to the beach.

    Then across the road to the pub where the beer is on ice not on tap we met Percy the pub pig. Normally the kids bring home a kitten or puppy nope they bought home a pig so it had to stay. The pub is full of all sorts of memorabilia, a room of miniatures and a fairy tree out the back. Certainly worth a visit. We stopped at the Forsayth park for a picnic lunch. The park has a meandering path dotted with tree carvings and a display of diesel train engines.

    So now we move on to Karumba.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Wetland coming into Karumba
    Wetland coming into KarumbaKarumba pointKarumba pointAwaiting the sizzle as the sun touches the waterFootball and pizzaCrocodile about 4mtrs long and camera shyNan super fishermanPop super fishermanKrys the crocodile shot in 1957. The replica is life size at 8.63mtrs

    Karumba

    20 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    Karumba on the mouth of the Norman Rive, known for Crocodiles, Sunsets over the ocean and Barramundi.

    Coming into Karumba the area was vast and flat. Wetlands covered in pretty yellow flowers with birds birds and more birds. I think a bird book may be a useful purchase.

    The sunset were magnificent despite the cloud dampening the colours. After watching the sunset from the aptly named Sunset Tavern back to the van for a pizza dinner and football.

    The next day adventure was a fishing trip. A crocodile was lazing on the river bank and quickly disappeared into the water as the boat passed. The Barramundi proved to be elusive however the fish caught will feed us for a while. It was a lovely day on the water. Jerry from Karumba fishing charters went above and beyond to ensure we all had a great day.

    Leaving Karumba in the morning heading for Gregory Downs.

    Final photo taken in Normanton of Krys the crocodile    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    A horse went into a bar...
    Cooling off in Gregory RiverCooling of in Gregory RiverGregory River

    Gregory Downs

    22 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C

    It’s HOT HOT HOT.

    So went for a dip in the Gregory River to cool down. Best to stay wet.

    Tomorrow we are heading to Lawnhill National park MAD we will meet in Mt Isa in a few days time.

    Change of plan broken Blackhawk and water over road results in detour to Cloncurry for parts. Maybe do the top part of Qld on another trip..Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Clem Walton Dam
    Kayaking buddyClem Walton damStars (need to get better at this)Mine pit Mary KathleenTown square plaque Mary Kathleen1Dinner at the Isa1MIne at night.

    Mary Kathleen, Mt Isa

    23 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    Heading to Mt Isa for van repairs we stopped at Clem Walton Park free camp overnight across road from Mary Kathleen turn off. Road nasty to the park, so just pulled up at the dam. Great opportunity to take the kayak for a paddle. The dam was pristine with a huge array of bird life, turtles and a few freshwater crocodiles. With a clear dark night the stars were sparkling like diamonds and as with birds we played what star is that. Next time we are in the middle of nowhere I will get the good camera out and test my night photography.

    Mary Kathleen - two periods of mining now all that’s left is streets, concrete slabs a plaque in the town and 6klms down the road the mine pit. The lake at the bottom of the pit is the most vibrant blue. Amazing what contamination can do. Mine rehabilitation maybe not such a big thing in those days.

    Mt Isa, dinner at the Isa where the steak is always good.

    We have separated from mum and dad while they await caravan awning parts. Meet up again in a few days. We are heading to the Northern Territory to Alice Springs, Uluru etc then meet up again with MAD and will head up north.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Welcom to rhe Northern Territory
    Grasslands as far as the eye could see1And we can go fasterGetting ready for camel rideUs,Waratah and the rockCamel toe1Lucky the camelSunrise over UluṟuSunrise over UluṟuUs and WaratahLizard able to climb rockPermanent waterhole at rock. Sadly no swimmingSun peeks around rock at temperature reaches 36 degreesBirds song kept us company on out walkUs at sunset at UluṟuRock just before sunsetRock when sun settingRock sun settingRock sunset - not quite darkWasp

    Uluru

    27 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    M&D stayed in Mt Isa awaiting awning repairs so we decided to pop down to Uluṟu, yep let’s drive 1,636 klms to look at a rock. And be back in time to meet M&D once repairs are done.

    NT boarder only a couple of hours drive, then scenery was flat yellowing grassland as far as the eye could see. Flat straight road, grasslands and road trains. What added up to a reasonably easy driving day.

    After a quick overnight stop at Wauchope (Walk up) we tackled the next 836 klms with a very early start. We arrived at Uluṟu the in the afternoon. Settled the van in, parking van seems to be getting more challenging. Maybe just difficult after 10 hour drive.

    Another Early start Monday, watching the sunrise over the rock complements of Warrego the camel. It is so easy to fall in love with these gentle giants. I was always in fear of loosing my camera under the camels foot, taking photos as we swayed backwards and forth. I still have my camera and I hope are some reasonable shots if the sunrise and rock.

    After breakfast it was time for a walk around the rock. Two and a half hours later after 10.6klms and a feed of fresh flies. The rock had been circumnavigated. Please note little ring on the penguins map. Video of wasp digging itself a hole in the sand.
    Foot sore and hot we head back to the resort for a nap followed by a lovely cool swim and then back to the rock for sunset.

    The sunset viewing area is where people gather, park up, enjoy a nice wine some cheese and wait for the rock to change colour as the sunsets. And we were part of that crowd.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Sunrise
    1Fly nets are coolWaḻpa gorge

    Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

    28 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Today we head to Kings Canyon, but before we do a quick walk at Kata Tjuta is in order. The morning is lovely and cool at 26 degrees, we are armed with our fly nets. Look a bit dorky but work a treat. And what we forgot yesterday. Had a lovely walk to the Waḻpa gorge. Even found gold on the way. I hope the owner claims lost earring.Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Gorge from Kings CreekWalking track Kings CreekView from Tyler's lookoutView from Tyler's lookout

    Kings Canyon

    29 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    Quick stop over at Kings Canyon. The resort fronts the red cliffs of the range.

    With the aim to travel through the West MacDonnell Range, bright and early we purchased our permit to travel the Mereenie loop and headed off. The Mereenie loop is 160klms of unsealed corrugated road. Three hours later we pulled up at Tylers lookout to gaze out over the plain and check if we had sustained any van damage.

    Luckily nothing serious, we had to readjust the door lock and for some reason a couple of broken latches on the kitchen draws. And why is it that the smelliest things always spill. Thank heavens I wasn’t carrying fish sauce. the soy was bad enough. Quick clean up and we were on our way again.

    Heading toward Alice Springs we visited Ormiston Gorge and the Ochre Pits.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore

    Ochre pits

    30 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Continuing our drive through the West MacDonnell ranges a just a couple of klms off the Namatjira Drive is the Ochre pits.

    Sacred area to Western Arrernte culture for thousands of years. The colours range from crimson, gold to white with defined lines between. Considered some of the best Ochre with a silky touch, vivid colours and slight sheen.Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Devils marbles
    Devils marblesAnother beautiful sunriseBefore day break

    Karlu karlu (Devils marbles)

    31 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Early start this morning as we head back up the highway to meet M&D at the three ways. The sun rise was again spectacular.

    A couple of hours up the road we made a quick stop for coffee (made in the van) at Karlu karlu (devils marbles).

    Formed over a million years these magnificent granite boulders are precariously balanced on each other. They say the boulders are continuing to crack and change. All silent and non changing whilst I was there.😀    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Enjoying a beer under the watchful eyes of the 'Buff'Stuff is everywhereMore stuffOutside stuffGoat looking sfor his two mates. Two cows that rjust roam aroundThe collection continuesCouldn't locate the KFC. And everyplace should have a helicopter on the roofOld grog delivery truck. Phone number 9.Even the playground has stuff

    Daly waters

    31 marzo 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 36 °C

    Daly Waters is definitely one quirky little place. The pub is the focal point with a serious collection of stuff.

    The story goes the first of peoples clothing items to be left were the result of a bet between the coach driver and some female passengers and the collection has grown from there.. there are bras, underwear, hats, caps, thongs, money, stubby coolers and the list goes on and on, all sorts of stuff. Great atmosphere and lots to look at.

    We enjoyed a glass or two during happy hour. And back to the van to watch the Titans beat the West Tigers..    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Rainbow Spring feeds the pools
    Thermal poolThermal pool M&D relaxing in poolFloating down Bitter CreekPoppy floating as wellKeep feet up. Watch for crocodilesNan conquering the creekReflection and creek bed1Yay survived

    Mataranka and Bitter Springs

    1 aprile 2022, Australia ⋅ 🌙 31 °C

    Mataranka thermal spring fed pool crystal clear swimming hole. Whilst Bitter Springs again spring fed and crystal clear is a stream you float down.

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Result of incorrect fuel.
    Katherine gorgeFlowers on Edith falls walkEdith fallsWarren enjoying walkUpper swimming poolCooling feet at upper pool Edith fallsMore falls shots

    Katherine

    2 aprile 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Travelling means being adaptable. From a planned fuel stop only in Katherine to four nights in an instant. That’s what happens when petrol is put in a diesel car. Ooops. A surprisingly frequent occurrence, everyone you talk to seem to know someone or has done it. Lets hope it doesn’t happen again on this trip.

    Katherine has thermal pools, Nitmiluk National Park with a fabulous gorge, limestone caves and waterfalls. Most of the attractions are waiting for the National Parks to undertake croc surveys sadly waterholes are closed for swimming. The caravan park had a great swimming pool. Caves closed due brown snakes.

    The highlight for us was a short hike around Edith Falls. Edith falls is a series of cascades with an upper and lower swimming hole. The upper was open.

    Also photo of nan and pop enjoying an evening stroll.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Magnetic termite mound
    Cathedral termite moundFlorence fallsSwimming hole open at Florence fallsFlora on Tolmer falls walkFlora on Tolmer Falls walkFlora on Tolmer falls walkTolmer fallsWangi fallsView from the top of Wangi fallsFungi Wangi Falls walk

    Litchfield National Park

    7 aprile 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Litchfield National Park just south of Darwin, an easy day trip with lots of nice walks and waterfalls. A few of the swimming holes are not open as the wet season doesn’t officially finish until May.

    Another feature of the park is the presence of magnetic termite mounds. The mounds differ to cathedral mounds as the magnetic termites mounds are orientated within one degree of North South. Ensuring some part of the nest is always in the shade and cooler.

    The path around Wangi falls has rainforest on the left and dry savanna on the right quite the contrast.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Pre sunset with eerie yellow glow
    Darwin sunset over the bayMore sunsetMAD enjoying Darwin water frontCroc in waterhooe on side of roadCrocs puddleThis dude was sitting on side of road at Fogg Dam.

    Darwin

    7 aprile 2022, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Of the many things Darwin is know for, Two I can confirm it beautiful has sunsets and there could be a crocodile in almost every puddle.

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Old WallabyRock artRock artWhat we called Sleeping Lizard RockKakadu wetlandsWater liliesFishing eagleTree full of CorellasJabiru

    Kakadu National Park

    9 aprile 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    To try to understand some of the first peoples connection to country we decided a tour into Kakadu National park was in order.

    With insightful commentary from the guide/bus driver we headed off. With some of the oldest and most prolific rock art collections we visited the ones at Ubirr. Where a painting of a wallaby has been carbon dated to 20 thousand years old.

    A cruise on the Yellow water billabong was next. The billabong boasts a beautiful array of blue and white water lilies, birds, barramundi and crocodile. Sadly, crocs were hiding today.

    Then a quick stop at the Bark hut inn (typical NT pub) for a quick beer before we headed back to the caravan.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Pontoon on Daly River
    Daly riverBoat rampRusty taking poppy for morning walkHiding in car from mosquitoesPlaying soccer with Banjo

    Daly River

    12 aprile 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Not a township, a bunch of mango farm/caravan parks along the river solely for barramundi fishing. Without a boat and with the lizards too big, there was to be no kayaking here.

    Pleasant enough if you discount the swarms of mosquitoes. Daly River is all about Barramundi fishing. People come every year and stay for months, barramundi fishing competitions are held here but you need to be prepared to fish. Bag limits are strictly enforced where you are only allowed 3 fish per person at any time. Including in the freezer on the way home.

    If you are going to visit Daly River be prepared, bring
    - boat
    - insect repellent (lots of it), and
    - even more beer for the fishing stories at the end of the day.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    11

    Lake Argyle

    14 aprile 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Crossed the boarder this morning heading for lake Argyle.

    The Ord river dam was officially opened in 1972 creating Lake Argyle. Lake Argyle holds x000 gigalitres with only uses 10% of capacity for irrigation. It is the most under-utilised lake in the country.

    The resort has a pool they call the infinity pool as it over looks the lake. Every evening we cooled off with a dip watching until after sunset.

    The lake is so large and is considered an inland sea, it is home to some very large catfish that are commercially fished and 30,000 freshwater crocodile.

    With the lake ready for exploration and with all those fish we hired a tinny and headed off. Pop again was the chief fisherman follow by nan with her sparkling pink lure, me not so good. So I opted for a swim. When the weather blew up amazingly quickly we headed for shelter the water then calmed as the storm front passed over.

    A relaxing yoga session was held over looking the pool and we were pleased the Easter bunny delivered whilst we were out watching the sunrise over the dam.    Leggi altro

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  • Lyn and Warren BrownGapYearLapViaggiatore
    Ivenhoe Crossing.
    Middle Spring

    Wyndham

    16 aprile 2022, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C

    A day trip from Lake Argyle turned out to be a day of mud and four wheel driving as we headed to Wyndham.

    Taking Parry Creek Road we tackle Ivanhoe crossing, our first real water crossing. And didn’t get stuck (yay). Next stop Middle Springs, three pools and a small water fall. Middle Spring is a favourite spot of the locals. Black-rock falls is next then onto Wyndham.

    The trip from Black-rock falls to Wyndham was across a wetland. The road resulted in some four wheel driving through large sections of mud turning our white car red. Nan and pop seemed to have a great time. Meanwhile, I was stressing as the snorkel almost disappeared into another mud puddle.

    Wyndham is Australia’s hottest town with an annual average temperature of 36 degrees. Mudflats abound with the convergence of five rivers (King, Ord, Forest, Durack, Pentacost). Looks like crocodile country.    Leggi altro

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