God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.

Thursday February 2nd.

Woke and ate breakfast of fresh Tazzie Strawberries and Cherries I bought on the side of the road from a farm stand last night. Mixed with yoghurt it was delicious.

Then to the airport, drop off car and check in. Easy process again, as Hobart is a small airport.

Boarded flight. Was a brand new Boeing 737-800 per the captain. This was only its second time carrying passengers. Great individual touch screens with flight data, on demand movies and TV, plus destination information galore. Looked up s bunch of things to do in Cairns. Also loved the USB port, seats recline both with back recline and seat sliding forward, free iPhone charging! I love Qantas.

Hour and a half fight to Sydney, half hour layover then board flight to Cairns. That fight is about three hours. Nice second flight. Had entire three seats to myself. They served lunch, coffee and and later, ice cream bars. All free.

Landed, picked up car and headed to hotel. It’s an all male place. Pool area is clothing optional, lol. Rested, then swam and chilled.

Then headed to the Cairns Esplanade. Very nice boardwalk along the beach. Hotels, shops, restaurants, etc. You cannot swim at this beach for two main reasons. 1) Saltwater Crocs. 2) Stingers. Major toxic jellies that can kill you. But they have built a huge, and I mean Huge saltwater pool along the Esplanade. Pumped from the sea about 10 feet away.

The Stingers are only around during summer and only by the coast, so out by the Reef it’s safe to swim, scuba or snorkel. I have a boat trip out planned.

Ate a nice dinner and strolled. Nice to not be on super hikes for a change. Bought some more gifts and now headed to hotel to see what comes up, lol. But stopped by macca’s to steal some free WiFi. Lovein it.

No pics today as it was mostly airports and then hotel and those are not blog appropriate (Mom and Dad are reading!). So until tommorow I will say Happy Groundhog Day to those still in winter (except i read it was 70 in Raleigh today).

XOXO

Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name. What’s puzzling you is the nature of my game.

Tuesday January 31st. I woke early after another late night. Went out to Salmanca Place area of Hobart. Had a blast. Brought some friends back to the loft with me to hang out as most places there are outdoor focused and it was cold, windy and very rainy. They left around 1:00 am. But as I had a big day planned I got up at 7:00 am. It was freezing. 10 Celsius.

Packed my gear and headed out to Feycinet National Park. This was a two and a half hour drive from Hobart. Used real map this time as the Bitch in my GPS is a frickin liar, lol.

Rainy drive but clearing. Stopped a few times at some lovely little towns. Swansea was especially nice. Grabbed more coffee and bought books for my nephew JR.

Then when I got to the park it was drizzly ands overcast but the views are worth it. The pics will not do it justice for many reasons, not just the lighting issue.

First part I went to was Friendly Beach. I love a friendly beach, we need more of them! Pure white sand, massive boulders, ultra blue water and massive surf crashing and making huge blows. As my usual these days, I skipped the regular paved walk and took the rough trails through scrub down to the shoreline. There I climbed the rocks, walked the shore, found some cool shells and got a rock for Steve. Watched the surf crash for about an hour. Also climbed some rocks in the sea. Had to take shoes off and time it just right between waves, dash across a bit of sand and scurry up before the next set of waves came in. Up there I sat at peace with myself and the world for a little while longer.

To use a Lost Quote: ‘some people can be told what to do, others need to stare out at the ocean for a while’.

Then back to car and down the road to the main visitor center and main walking trails. Checked in with ranger and listed my plans. These are/were to hike to the Coles Bay Lookout, then Wineglass Bay Lookout, then on to Wineglass Bay itself.

Hike was about 3 hours round trip. Included major rock steps. About 10 thousand of then I think, lol. Grueling. No flat sections, all up or down. But at least the final 20 minutes was all down!

So the view of Coles Bay and Wineglass Bay were stunning as expected. Wineglass Bay and it’s beach, fantastic! There were a couple of Wallies on the trail, and even the cutest one on the beach. This one was looking for handouts, so it was easy to get close. Took great couple of pics. The bay gorgeous.

All along this hike are the giant Pink Granite Peaks that form the centerpieces of this National Park. Amazing, again. These are called The Hazards. My walk to Wineglass Bay took me between Mt Mayson and Mt Amos.

Next stop was a drive down Cape Tourville Road to what else, Cape Tourville. From here there is a nice walk around a lighthouse, unmanned, built in 1971 to guide ships along this rugged coastline. From here there are magnificent views of The Hazard Range, but this time it is Mt Parsons, Mt Baudin and Mt Dove. Also great view from different side of Wineglass Bay. A set if large rocks in the sea are called The Nuggets. Lots of sea birds nest here. In the far distance off Cape Forestier is a large rock sparking in the friskilating dust light called Lemon Rock. Gorgeous.

Then it was back to ranger station to check in and head the two and a half hours back to Hobart. Stopped for Dinner and coffee in Swansea again.

Coolness for the day, an Echidna crossing the road in front of my car. Almost hit the cutie, but apparently they can move quick if the have to. No harm done, just a great sight. Also lots of wallies on the road, dangerous drive back to town. Also got gas in town of Sorrel, barely made it. Gas stations are far and few between here, plus everything closes early outside of Hobart or its immediate suburbs. Whew!

So that makes wild sightings of Kangaroos, wallabys, platypus, echidna, kookaburra, and countless other birds so far.

So Maria Island National Park tommorow. My last full day in Tazzie, sad. You have to take a ferry there, no cars allowed. Also need to bring all your food and water as no facilities at all on the island. But it’s supposed to be filled with wildlife, Wombats in particular. Will try to capture one for Martina’s sister Ellen.

XOXO

I told you that we could fly, ’cause we all have wings. But some of us don’t know why.

Wednesday February 1st.

I officially need sleep! But oh we’ll, time for a flop in Cairns. Woke at 6:00 am, ate, showered, shaved and headed to macca’s for coffee for the hour and a half drive to the Maria Island National Park ferry. It leaves at 9:30 sharp and is only one heading to the island. Then only the 5:00 pm ferry returns you to the Tazzie mainland.

No cars on the island, except two ranger vehicles. Also no fresh water taps outside the ranger station by the docks, and no food available. So it’s bring your own. They ferry clerk even checks. You have to show your water, etc or they won’t let you come.

Toarra Marra Monah is the Aboriginal name for Maria Island (pronounced ‘ma-Rye-a’). The island was named in 1642 by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman (hence Tasmania) after Maria van Diemen wife of Anthony van Diemen (hence Van Diemen’s Land), the Govenor General of the Dutch East Indies in Batavia. For more facts, hit the web. I’m tired of typing on my iPhone, lol.

The ferry took about 45 minutes to cross over. Upon arrival, it is check in time as there is only one ferry out they need to find you if you don’t show up. Unless you are camping on the island, which a lot of people do. There are great longer walks and it takes about 3-5 days to see the whole of the two islands (one island really, but two islands connected by a long isthmus). Mt Maria dominates the island. But this has major geological sites, amazing world recognized fossil deposits and wildlife/bird watching. There is also a fault running through both islands.

Reading about its geology reminded me of Ken back home. Specifically his first novel. As there are extensive Quaternary deposits of alluvium and Aeolian sand forming the isthmus.

First hike was to the Painted Cliffs! Simply beautiful. Once again showing how creation is so much better than anything humans have made. Since we arrived about 30 minutes after low tide, it was perfect time to see this spot. Walking these cliffs and exploring the tide pools were great. Anemones in there, as well as crabs, bivalves and interesting sea plants. Only have pics on camera, not phone so out of luck, the colors are much better in person anyway.

Then walked along white sand Hopground Beach past stands of she-oaks (not oaks at all by the way), and tons of Cape Barren geese. Cool geese with bright yellow/green almost flouresent beaks and grey bodies. Also Pied oystercatcher birds as well as many parrots.

Then a highlight. A Wild Wombat! So cute and furry. Got great pics. Ended up seeing two of these today, the second actually let me pet it. Amazing! Also saw a King Snake, yikes! Also more Wallies, Native Hens and Forrester Kangaroos. Could also hear tons of Kookaburra birds in the trees.

This hike went about the island before returning to Darlington. The historic town that was the original penal colony that was closed and moved to Port Arthur as too many escapes occurred. The water here was easily swim able. Not enough sharks I guess. Just dolphin pods in the area.

Then off to the Fossil Cliff hike. This took us past amazing cliff views to the Fossil Cliffs. Layer upon layer of marine fossils. So cool. You can see bivalve fossils still looking like intact clams, etc. as well as scallop fossils and other types.

Then I headed back to the pier to catch the ferry, after checking back in with the rangers. The 45 minute ferry back to Tazzie had a real treat, a pod of dolphins riding the bow wake, jumping and splashing all around the sides and back of the ferry as well!

Then the drive home. There I had to pack for my flights to Cairns/Great Barrier Reef as well as the northern rainforests!

I did stop to wash and vacuum the rental out as it was a muddy mess inside. Hope it doesn’t cost too much, even after my cleaning.

So until tomorrow, Groundhog Day (which of course has zero meaning in the Aussie summer) I’ll say…

XOXO

Hold me now, oh hold me now. Till this hour has gone around. And I’m gone on the rising tide. For to face Van Diemen’s Land

Monday January 30th

G’day mates. Woke early despite watching the men’s final. Epic match, broke several records. Djokavic in five amazing sets. Ended about 1:15 am. So I showered, ate and headed out to gas up the car. It’s rainy today but hey, it’s just a little water. So I then drove the hour and a half to Port Arthur (named after Govenor George Arthur). Site of huge convict destination.

Welcome to Van Diemen’s Land! I finally understand the references in the U2 song now. This is also where many of the worst were sent after escape attempts, etc. Bought my ticket and joined the walking tour at 11:00. Fortunately the mass of Japanese tourist didn’t join this tour but left with their own guide. This lot of terminal wollies were loud and pushy. Guess they are afraid to miss something, but in the process I can’t see how they absorb anything they see. Oh well, but by the grace of God.

Fascinating tour with Tom, a great guide. The treatment of these convicts was just horrific. For entire details, check the web. So much information given about Van Diemens Land.

Then I took a ferry tour of the natural deep harbor. Even the largest cruise ships can come within 100 meters of shore due to 75-100 ft depths Past the Isle of the Dead, where officers, civilians, wives, etc were buried from Port Arthur. Also past Point Pur (Latin for youth). This was the boys prison. Also after we cleared the point and looked out towards the Tasman Sea, 2000 km south was the Antarctic mainland. Could just about make something out on the horizon. But that could have just been clouds, lol. the guide said on clearer days you can see it as it sits high above the horizon.

Then back to shore to tour the buildings and such. Very interesting place. Glad to explore and learn about these convicts I have heard so much about. The leg irons I tried on we’re super heavy. The solitary cells were horrible. They invented/perfected solitary confinement as well as all sorts os sensory deprivation techniques here if a convict passed out during the 25-100 lashes with a cat-o-nine tails, the ‘Doctor’ would halt the punishment, take the ‘vic’ to a ice cold salt water bath, revive them and then the lashing would restart! Truly these convicts were treated horribly.

The gardens around the doctors house was amazing if not familiar. Reminded me of home, or at least my old home. Red hot pokers, rose campion, dahlia, hydrangea, roses, alliums, mullen! And then of course plants native to the area.

Then I was off to my next stop, the amazing ( I’m using that word a lot) Tasman National Park. This is located on the Tasman peninsula on Eaglehawk neck(where they pulled the body of a scuba diver yesterday). Stunning coastal scenes. Major cliffs. Highlights for most are the Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Blowhole.

However, I found a series of unmarked trails that took me on a two hour hike along the cliffs with smashing surf, other Blows of surf, major ocean views and beach views. It was worth all the leg scratches and the no railings along major drop offs. I have never before seen such sights. If you plan on coming down under, I suggest spending major time in Tazzie. Truly sights to behold. The pics and videos I took are amazing.

I had to drag myself away for the drive back to Hobart. Oh yeah, I stopped at Sunset Beach on drive back to take in the sunset of course. What a day. I am truly thankful for it.

Tomorrow I plan on hitting either Maria Island NP or Freycinet NP. I plan on getting my money’s worth on my Park Pass. Some of the best cash I have ever spent.

I’m also really enjoying this left side driving. Seems normal now. Funny how easy it was to adjust. I even parallel parked from that side today!

Fun fact of the day: Tasmanian population is approximately 507,000. Perhaps it can be 507,001 one day?

And I’m including a pic from Port Arthur for all you ‘Lost-ies’ out there. Get the reference? 4 8 15 16 23 42 Enter.

XOXO

I’ve been out walking, I don’t do too much talking these days. These Days… I had a lover, don’t think I risk another these days.

Sunday January 29th. Woke around 6:30 on my own. Slept like a baby in the loft bed. It’s great to wake in what feels like a home, not a hotel. Took a quick shower, sunscreen applied, cleaned my ear piercing and then downstairs for breakfast.

Fun factoid of today. Here in Hobart, I am closer to Antarctica than I am to Perth on the west coast of Australia.

Then it was off to macca’s again for coffee and wifi. Then I left for a quick 35 minute drive to the town of Brighton. Hitting the Bonorong Wildlife park before heading out for my next stop. My guidebook gave this 3 stars, it’s highest rating, so my hopes are high. This place cares for sick/ injured wildlife. Main attractions are Tasmanian Devils. Bonorong means ‘native companion’ or so I’m told. So it opens in about 10 minutes so I’m writing some quick notes before heading in.

This was really nice place. Get to feed the Roos and pet them. I was feeding one while her joey suckled with his head in her pouch! Also have great Tasmanian Devil enclosures. Got to see them out as I was the first person at the place, and only one for first half hour so the animals were not hiding yet. Amazing birds as well, all talking. Hello, hello, hello… And a cute wombat. Got great pics of it.

Then I headed out for the hour drive to Mt. Field National Park. Great drive (except I want to strangle the bitch iny GPS box. She is a moron. Kept telling me to make u-turns, lol. Same story different continent I guess).

Upon arriving at Mt. Field I bought my entrance passes, talked to a ranger about some walks and headed out. First trail was through fern gully up to Russell Falls. Amazing walk, amazing plants. Huge fern trees. Even bigger gum trees. These are called aptly Tall Trees or Swamp Gums. They are the tallest flowering plants on the planet. The tallest was recorded at 97 meters. They are the second tallest trees on earth. The first being Redwoods. But Redwoods do not flower so the Swamp Gums get that title.

Then I continued to Horseshoe Falls (slightly smaller than the one in NY/Canada, lol. After that it was the Tall Trees Walk through a forest of these giants. Awe inspiring, is all I can say. From there I headed another 40 minutes to Lady Baron Falls. Another great hike and great view! Took lots of pictures that I’m sure will not do this place justice. I am so contented today amongst these trees and plants and falls and rivers. The mosses cover everything!

Hike back to car was also gorgeous. Saw a wallaby on the trail as well. Major hike though. A set of about 30 flights of steps up a steep face on top of all the trail hiking.

Then I checked in at the visitor center. As I’m hiking alone I am checking in and informing them of my routes in case I don’t return, they can look for me. Good idea I think. Informed them I was driving the Lake Dawson Road to do the Lake Dawson area hikes.

This was a 16 km road, all dirt, through a Eucalpt Forest, Mixed Forest, Sub-Alpine Woodland and past Lake Fenton (the major water source for Hobart). Truly amazing range of scenery, altitudes and vegetation. Saw a bunch more Wally’s on the drive. Arrived at the Lake Dobson shelter, parked and talked to this delightful older couple from Hobart. The wife gave me the best path to take.

So I headed down the Urqhart Tract past more amazing sights. From there I split off a back trail towards Platypus Tarn. A Tarn is a small glacial lake. All the many lakes up here are glacial fed, as we are very high up now. There are ski shelters along the route, of course not needed in summer. This hike was killer! The path, was barely a path at all. Up snd down super steep ridges and you have to climb boulders to go along. I’m glad I do so much cardio, lol. But the hike was well worth it! This Tarn was deserted, I was the only one on the ‘trail’ and only one on the waters edge. I sat for a while to rest, drink lots of water and just be peaceful and serene. Soak up the sun, clean air, view. I’m glad I did because the still water was broken. I looked closer near a tree half in the water and guess what! Platypus sighting. I can’t believe I saw some in the wild. Only catch glimpse of them as the break for air, but amazing none the less.

Then it was the grueling hike back. This time I took the Pandanu Grove Nature Walk past Eadle Tarn. I saw wild parrots here. Then around the backside of Lake Dobson. Saw more Platypus here as by now it was 7:00 pm so everyone was gone already and it was quiet. Took lots of pictures of this amazing place as well.

Then it was 16 km drive back to visitor center to check back in. Then the hour drive back to my pad in Hobart. I’m truly exhausted. Took a much needed shower and heated up leftovers from yesterday. Now watching the men’s final from Melbourne. The first set, which I missed was 2 minutes shy of the entire woman’s final last night, lol.

That reminds me of a great quote on Aussie TV during the woman’s final last night. Renee Stubbs said the following quite from Elenor Roosevelt and I love it.

‘Women are like Tea Bags, you never know how strong they are until you put them in Hot Water!’

With that I say goodnight to all.

XOXO

Who can turn the world on with his smile

Saturday January 28th. Woke around nine after a late night. I ended up meeting this Irish guy (another red head, lol) and we hung out until late, or early if you want to be honest about it. So I packed up my stuff and headed to my favorite breakfast place for a final meal in Melbourne. So it was bacon, eggs and toast with several cups of coffee. Then it was catch the shuttle bus to the train station where the airport bus leaves from. Then another easy check in for my flight to Hobart. It was with sadness I left Melbourne but onto the next adventure and Tasmania!

Great flight, has an exit row and only 1.5 hours total ( 58 minute flight time). Yet another flight within Australia that arrived early. This marks all my domestic Australian flights arriving early.

In Hobart I got my bags and picked up my rental car. Was nervous about left side of road, right side of car driving, but it turned out to be no worries! It’s actually fun to turn the other way. The only issue I have is that I keep turning on the wipers instead of the blinker as those are also on the reverse side. Also with the speedometer being in only Km/h I don’t really have a grasp of how fast I’m going, lol. So I just stay in the limit and don’t worry. It’s weird though seeing roadkill that are not possums or squirrels, but wallabys and coots. So much wildlife in tazzie that there is a lot of roadkill.

So arrived at my rental loft. I am so glad I choose a rental here and not a hotel. This place is amazing! The building is called ‘The Warhaus’ and my unit, ‘The Loft’. It’s nicknamed the ‘Gay Grotto’ per my realtor as the other three units are owned by gay men/couples, lol. Wonder how I picked this one.

This is amazing. It’s two floor loft in this converted wharehouse building. I’ll post pics below. Has a great bedroom in the loft and bathroom up there. Downstairs is stainless kitchen, black leather furniture and washer, dishwasher and 5 burner gas oven, etc. also has a driveway for my car and a back enclosed patio. Truly a great place to recharge and relax. I did all my laundry!!!! Great to have all clean clothes again. Also the view of Hobart is amazing.

Then it was off to Woolies to get groceries. I then rented a movie from the Aussie version of Redbox, and watched it while cooking myself a real dinner. Great to eat normally again.

Now I’m watching Sharapova and Azaranka slug and grunt it out in the Final. Wish I was there, but sitting on a couch and watching a giant flat screen is a great change from a hotel room.

Depending on how long the match is I will either catch up on sleep by going to bed early or go into downtown Hobart to look around.

Planning on driving out to one of the many national parks tomorrow. Haven’t decided on which yet. I’ll fill you in tomorrow.

Oh yes, I almost forgot about the kookaburra birds calling in the trees outside the back patio! Too cool.

As the one drawback about this place is no Wi-Fi, I’ll most likely head to macca’s (McDonald’s) later at least to use their free connection to post this update, catch up on my words with friends games and check email, etc.

Aaaarrrrggggg! Maria goes down in two. Azaranka 6-3, 6-0. Maria gets bageled in second set. Now I’m glad I was not there.

Also first time in the history of the grand slam era that a different woman holds each of the four slams and each one was their first Slam. Wimbledon (Li Na), Roland Garros (Schiavone), US (Kvitova) and now Aussie (Azaranka)!

Till later Mates,

XOXO

Life is a banquet! And most poor suckers are starving to death.

January 27th. Issac, a Kiwi, picked me up for journey to Phillip Island tour at 11:23 am. Had great breakfast again. Got to sleep in until 9. Bed at 2am again. I seem to be up late in Australia. Met a guy named Zak at breakfast.

Hip doing really well! Even after three days of sitting in Laver. Again, if you need a hip replaced, let me know. My surgeon did a great job.

Bass highway.

First stop, town of Koo Wee Rup. Small farming town, drained by the Dutch and Italian settlers. Leaving behind fertile, but salty soil. Used for cow grazing and 90% of Aussie asparagus is grown here.

Then down Bass Hwy to bridge to Phillip Island. Beautiful views, etc. also great views of French Island along the way.

Then it was off to penny’s chocolate factory. Eh, tourist trappy, but included in tour and on the route. Some cool sculptures out of chocolate. David, penguins, Dame Edna (lol), a village, etc.

Ok, may be crude but I have to get this off my chest. I have a huge issue with men who won’t pee in a urinal. What are they worried about? I can see a penis whenever I want. It’s not that I care if they are shy, modest or whatever. It’s that they pee all over the seat! I mean really people? How hard is it to lift the seat? If your a germaphobe, then fine. Use some tissue. It’s right there in handy dispensers. Arrrrgggggg!

Next was a winery. By the sea with fields and grazing cows. Truly beautiful scenery. No wine for me, but lots of great cheese to taste with fruits and chutneys and jams.

Off next to koala sanctuary. They are playing the koala song in the van. Goes like: please don’t call me a koala BEAR, I’m a marsupial. Closer to a Roo than a polar bear. If your name is Tom and they call you dick, you might understand. Just call me a koala, not a bear…

The conservation center is an area fenced off where koalas were found naturally. However they were introduced to Phillip Island in the late 1800s. Nice viewing of them. Very peaceful and serene. And cute. They sleep most of each day, but who cares. I still like looking. Also saw a couple of wallabys eating in the bush.

Then it was a stop in the town of Cowes. Love the restaurant called Mad Cowes, I skipped it, lol. Nice place near the sea. Have a pier full of kids jumping into the rip currents, jet ski riders, beaches, etc. walked to Coles (grocery store) to buy more water and food for dinner later at the penguin walk. All in all a nice way to spend an hour and a half. Bought some watermelon sorbet with chocolate chips in a waffle cone. It was really good. Walked through the local outdoor market. Nice crafts and food, etc. This is a big place for Melbourne folks to come holiday. Gorgeous beachfront condos and the like.

Then we stopped off at nobby’s point. This is a place we hope to see penguins in their burrows. This is important as here we can take photos. At the walk, photos are PROHIBITED! It would scare and confuse the penguins. There are tons of people their to watch nightly (hundreds!). But I bought the upgrade package, a seperate viewing area with our own ranger guide. Only 10 people allowed!!!!

So the penguin parade. Where to start. Amazing, cute, so frickin adorable I wanted to scream. These are called fairie or now a days little penguins. The smallest in the world. Again, my package was extra. I was the only in my group on this. We were separated from the hundreds in the visitor center and our guide, a really nice young ranger woman named Skye started giving us our special equipment. This consisted of binoculars, a headset for her talk, and a folding pad chair for sitting on beach ( more on this later).

So down the boardwalk, we are passed by hundreds racing to get a seat in the amphitheater. We took our time listening to Skye point out penguin burrows with chicks in them as well as the odd chick wandering around the entrance to their burrow impatient for mom and/or dad to return with that days regurgitated meal for them.

We also learned about birds called Shearwaters. They also burrow on the sand for nests. However they look like other sea birds. These birds make a call like whitches cackling at eachother. Very spooky sounding as they fly in.

So then it was close to the parade time. We were then walked past everyone and down to the actual beach! There we used our seat things (so we did not have to get sandy, lol) to flop down for the show. Absolutely front row seating, all 10 of us. Using binoculars, we watched as groups of these adorable little penguins emerged. They would wait, hesitate and then form groups called Raifs or something. Look it up if you want, I’m no ranger guide. Once formed they would then race up the beach (tonight was low tide so the beach was extra wide for them to have to cross). Some were so heavy/fat they could only walk a few paces before they would stop to rest. Others stopped to preen themselves or others. The fat ones, per Skye, we’re most likely going to molt soon. Meaning they would have to spend approximately 2 weeks on land until they were waterproof again. Meaning no feeding that whole time. It was even super extra cute, lol.

After the first several hundred passed the beach to their burrows, we got up to head to the other restricted viewing area down the beach. Along the way we saw penguins waddling everywhere. Along the boardwalk, up dunes, etc. Then an amazing site! A pair of wallabys bounced down the dunes toward the penguins. Skye was surprised. Said this is rare to see them cross paths. A lucky group she said. The penguins closest to the wallabys freaked out and started back to the beach, but the Wally’s didn’t linger long, so the little guys came waddling back.

Then another sickiningly cute site. A chick calling for mom/dad, when Skye said listen. We did and heard a reply. The dad ( Skye pointed out how to tell the sex by beak size and shape) came hurrying up. Then after baby went wild, circling and calling, dad started to feed the chick!

So that was just about it for the day, so headed up to visitor center to use the restroom, meet the group at the van and head back on the two hour drive to Melbourne.

Also, can’t say enough about the stars here. Especially at the beach tonight. No lights! What’s funny is Orion. It’s backwards, lol. That and the Southern Cross. We cannot see that in North America! Really cool. Also, Venus and Jupiter were so bright! Amazing numbers of stars. It’s like you can see most of the Milky Way Galaxy out there!

What an amazing day. I think I’ll stop writing now so I can make a private gratitude list to remind myself of all I am thankful for! Until later.

XOXO