Work, Fringe, and more 'roos

I asked one of my clients if I could post pictures and discuss the project we are working on. I was given permission, but I still want to be sensitive to the project, so no dot on the map. Pyrite (fools gold, iron sulfate) was mined here to make sulphuric acid (pyrite is a good source for acid). There was plenty of pyrite left when the mining ended and because it is now exposed to the elements it continues to make acid. The area is a source of Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) that pollutes the local stream. We are helping a South Australia agency investigate the site to evaluate remedial measures. We are using a variety of drilling and testing on this project, so it has been very interesting.

Friday night the Fringe Festival (http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/tixhome.aspx), a three-week long avant-garde arts festival began in Adelaide with a parade at dusk. I went to the parade but could not get close enough to see it. The place was mobbed! Several of my coworkers and I found a pub to stand in front of and watch people go by... I will be going to several of the venues over the next couple of weeks...

Today I went for a hike at another Mt. Lofty Range park, the Onkaparinga River Recreation Park (http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/pdfs/BROCHURE_ONKAPARINGA.PDF). This is the gorge of the river that flows out at Port Noarlunga (see last weeks post). I tried to roust some SKM people to go with me but to no avail. When I started on my hike, I ran into to local women, Margaret and Teresa, who were just returning from a loop. We had a chat and they ended up leading me on another loop. They have invited me to go with them and friends to some of the Fringe venues later this week... it should be fun. It was interesting talking to people other than coworkers. We saw a joey and mother kangaroo (picture of the joey below for Nick) and a male kangaroo as well. When we completed the loop, they left and I went on a hike into the gorge. I saw more birds and a 'roo. The scenery is spectacular and I found a great picnic spot that I'll need to return to with the kids when they come in June...