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Published: March 22nd 2010
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First day of spring (fall) in Melbourne was cool and cloudy. It was perfect weather to visit Healesville Wildlife Preserve and check on the critters. Last year, the endangered species here were sent to the Melbourne Zoo for R & R as the bush fires threatened. Everyone was thrilled when three Tassie Devils were born. Guess the parents thought they were on a second honeymoon. We visited the usual suspects, three varieties of kangaroo, the devils, emus, wombats but the platypus was a no show.
The best part for me was the wild birds that came to feed at the emus’ feeder. There was a Rainbow Lorikeet and a Gullah (a variety of cockatoo) and a wonderful, colorful parrot. The Sulfur Crested Cockatoo screeched overhead.
After two hours strolling the grounds we left for the Rochford Winery for lunch. There I tasted kangaroo for the first, and probably, the last time. It was slow cooked in a ragout with carrots and rice. The meat was tasty and very lean but a bit hard to chew. I understand that is not usually the case. Never the less, I am uncomfortable eating a countries national symbol. It’s like dining on bald eagle. This
was a great lunch with a choice of wines and a lovely lemon cheesecake for dessert. I headed off to the tasting room and decided on the pinot noir that was served with lunch.
Then it was off to the second of our wine stops, a boutique winery owned by a French family that learned the trade in Bordeaux. These wines were not to my taste at all. I shared the day with Bob from Seattle who had a nice sense of humor and vast traveling experiences. It was interesting to chat with him.
A note about the single men onboard. They are anxious for female companionship, if you know what I mean. Once I make it plain that I’m uninterested, they either exit quickly to search for other prey or settle in for a visit and friendship. My tablemate Julian is not shy about his quest. He is about 85 and a former fighter pilot. He disappeared for a couple of nights then returned after his pursuit proved unsuccessful.
March 22 at sea.
The seas are about ten feet today as we make our way to Adelaide. The pool is closed. A couple of wandering albatross are keeping pace
with the vessel as they feed alongside. They are magnificent birds. Their wingspan is over six foot and they only come ashore to breed. The rest of the time they are at sea, gliding the thermals in search of food. They have no trouble keeping up with the ship and we are traveling at 17 knots.
They are such big, heavy birds that it’s hard to take off from land or water. Because they spend so much time at sea, not much is known about their sleep patterns but they probably sleep on the wing.
Today will be a quiet day of reading, team trivia, and Texas hold ‘em tournament. I would love a “live game” but they are playing 1-2 no limit and that’s not my game. Will try to promote a 3-6 game. You never know.
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