Yesterday afternoon and evening were fabulous. We went to a individual person's wildlife farm where you could touch and feed almost all the animals especially the kangaroos. There were dingos, wallabys, tasmanian devil, emus, kukaburra, parrots and of course crocs.
Then we headed off to the penquin preserve where we could get pictures of the baby penquins waiting for mom or dad to come back with dinner. It was amazing. Just a little after sunset about 8 p.m. our time, the penquins start popping out of the ocean and start waddling up the beach to their nests in the hillsides. They count the penquins every night as there are weigh bridges they must pass so they can count. Last night there were 1,724 penquins who came back to feed their babies dinner. This is a daily occurence. Penquins mate for life and either the father or mother go out at about 3-3:30 a.m. before sunrise so they are not spotted by birds that are their predators. They fish and eat all day and then head back every day after sunset to feed their young. Wow, I'm exhausted just thinking about it. In fact, they have to take many breaks as they make their way up to the nest and many of them fall flat on their face because they are so tired. But they get back up and go on their merry way. And the squacking that goes on is infinitely noisy.
Today we had a lecture on aboriginal art and then the professor who gave the lecture took us to the art museum to see some of the pieces. It really helps for someone to point out what you are looking at and it makes sense of what you are viewing.
Then we were on our own for the rest of the day. So after a bite to eat, I rented a bike and took a ride along and on the Yarra River. Much of the bike path is on the river...in fact, a gate came down at one point and I had to stop as one part of the bike path swung out of the way of a little river cruise boat. Then after the boat passes, it went back. It was different.
Tonight is Friday night so we will go to their Little Italy section of town and see how lively things get here in Melbourne.
One week from today I will start my journey back home. It has been surreal. It has been a break from reality. It's been a good thing to do.
I hope spring is in full swing when I get back. Until then, take care and stay safe and healthy.
Love,
Gloria
Mom,
ReplyDeleteis aborignal a fancy term for black fellows?
Hey Glor, Do they have Outback Restaurants there? Also do people there know that Olivia Newton-John now lives here in Florida?
ReplyDeleteFreddy
Joe -
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of how you remember the actual terms that were set forth many years ago.
Love those baby penguins! I think that it does make it so much more interesting when you understand the reasons why things are a certain way. I was also wondering if you want me to pick up some Blossom tickets for you and the boys this year. They so loved it last year...Lucy and I forever cherish the memory of the evening...