It seems we are covering very little territory, yet there’s something brand new every day, often an animal. Our first experience with kangaroos happens when a mob thunders past, surrounding us. In excitement we report this astounding news a little later to some Aussies about to embark on the trail. With tolerant smiles and rolling eyes, they say, “Really? That’s nice.” It isn’t long before we realize you have to be blind to miss seeing kangaroos and their smaller cousins the wallabies all over the countryside. Here our tour guide Cassidy clarifies some of the finer points of wallaby behavior.
Others are a little more elusive, but we’re persistent. Koalas munch eucalyptus tree leaves and sleep in the treetops 19 hours per day.
Emus can run up to 40 mph. The shy little echidna is another marsupial (has a pouch) who is covered in spines like a porcupine and has a long snout. So far we suspect that the wombat, yet another marsupial, is a mythical creature. We see droppings and diggings, but no animal. Jeanette and Barry, entertaining travel companions for a few days, take us on a nighttime wombat hunt but still no luck. What do YOU think?
Still, we can hardly complain. We can tell you from first-hand experience (a claim few can make) that the duck-billed platypus really does exist! This little fellow is swimming in a forest pool on Kangaroo Island.Life in our diminutive Troopy keeps us in shape, especially when we need to reach something at an inconvenient time.
We continue to tinker with our nest, removing gizmos installed by previous owners that don’t work (the gizmos, not the owners) (well, maybe the owners, too) and adding our own innovations. When we begin to be seriously plagued by the famous Oz flies, we’ll find out whether our back-door-screen curtain works.
Coastal limestone formations are captivating. Inland a hundred miles or so, limestone still rules. Back a few years (like maybe millions), the ocean would have been lapping at Art’s feet here in the Grampian Mountains. Composed of the calcified remains of ancient sea creatures, soft limestone erodes into fantastic shapes.
When we stop for the night, a neighbor drops onto our door to make sure we’re comfortable. The birds of Australia are brilliant and profuse.
6 comments:
Jo u 2 - I like the pic of Art out on that cliff. It looks very familiar to me! More later -
2 button Mitcho
Hi from the farm. We just returned from Hawaii and a cruise. It was a fun trip and we met some really nice people. Probably not the adventure that you are having though. We are enjoying your pics and commentary.
Lou and Barb
Okay, number one: I'd like Cassidy's outfit for my child; and number two: we're going to need a stuffed Koala.
Profuse? Does that mean they swear a lot? Or are they really sweaty? That cliff picture is terrifying, especially right after the description of limestone as very soft stuff! What are you, CRAZY?
I feel like you've finally found your spiritual home: a country where all the birds and animals look like Dr. Seuss characters. How do the sketchbook and the paints fit in the Troopy? Is there enough water to paint?! Inquiring minds want to know!!
Hi Art and Sally,
It's taken a while, but I've finally caught up with your blog. This is Doris (we met on the beach on the Great Ocean Road and shared that picnic). Your travels are sounding brilliant and sadly something only very few Aussies ever get to experience themselves. We really enjoyed meeting you both and your outlook was inspirational - to your family members who are reading this - I hope you are enjoying Australia from afar, the grandchildren must be having a ball at school for 'show and tell' with your photos and stories. Don't forget, if you find yourselves back in Melbourne, we'd love to have you stay.
cheers and happy camping!
Doris Pearse
mgphouse@bigpond.net
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