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| Almost there |
Port Moresby by 8.10am, no real sleep, an egg mayo roll for breakfast and a hectic airport to cope with. We passed through immigration, got our Kina (the local currency which has a rather strong economic footing at present, making an already expensive trip even more financially challenging) and made for a local hotel to while away a couple of hours over a cool drink by the pool. We birdwatched as we relaxed and saw Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Helmeted Friarbird, Singing Starling, Tree Sparrow, Pacific Swallow, Bar-Shouldered Dove and Willie Wagtail - yes- that really is it's name, and what an excellent choice it is for a bright chirpy little fellow that flits about and generally shows off, brilliant naming for once.
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| The Highlands of PNG on our way to Rondon Ridge |
We had already been moved to a later flight as our original had been cancelled, then this (12.30) flight was put back. First to 12.50, then 13.10, 13.20, and finally 13.55. We eventually left around 14.15 pm. Too late for lunch, but an orange juice and two biscuits were provided on the flight!
On arrival at Mount Hagen, the baggage was heaped out in a free-for-all, and we were collected by Paul and his team and taken to Rondon Rodge Lodge, this journey took a couple of hours as the roads were so bad.
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| Rondon Ridge complete with Spirit carving |
We did however see the following: Pacific Swallow, Pied Bush-Chat, Black Kite, House Sparrow, lots more Willie Wagtail and Long- tailed Shrike.
On arrival at the lodge, (1100 ft), we were shown around, and then left to our own devices for a couple of hours. White-shouldered Fairy-Wren were seen just outside our room, Hooded Munia and Yellow-browed Melidectes were our final additions to the day.
