All God's Creatures Great and Small

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According to the Book of Genesis, God created all of the creatures of the Earth on the sixth day. For the past 51 1/2 years I have assumed it included your standard lions and tigers and bears (Oh my!)...but yesterday's encounters with many of the indigenous creatures of this vast country reminded me that there had to be room on the ark for many others. And a strange group indeed!!!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to leave Melbourne and go on a tour of two conservation areas, a typical pioneer Australian homestead and to get a sampling of the magnificent coastline that encircles this vast country. I was NOT disappointed!!!

Being an animal lover myself, it was a treat to see many of the indigenous creatures of Australia, up close and personal and to learn about their unusal habits and survival skills. Naturally, the koala is the one creature we associate with Australia and I have to confess, I am nearly ready to adopt! Such docile, sleepy and totally cuddly-looking animals...I can see why people simply swoon in their presence. And unlike surly children, they sleep 20 hours a day so...no talk back!!! Of course, dotted throughout both of the nature reserves were gentle and energetic wallabees (basically, the miniature version of a kangaroo) who were very people-friendly and bounced around quite happily despite the searing heat conditions.

Many of the animals I have provided photos so you can marvel at the incredible variety of wildlife that exists in this country. Of course, the reminder signs everywhere to be cognizant of copperhead snakes, was a bit disconcerting for me...it never works to tell me that they are more afraid of me when I know they are armed with venom and sharp fangs! I would be no match for these reptiles with my newly manicured nails and would simply hope to fall into a deep faint should I ever encounter one.

What particularly impresses me about Australia, is the eco-friendly nature of this country... public washrooms that use rainwater, vast acres of land that have been bought by the government to provide a "home" to many endangered species, the brilliance of their engineering in these sites so that tourists can observe these animals and the great depth of knowledge demonstrated by so many park rangers. The great respect they demonstrate for the environment is quite inspiring to me!!!

The latter part of the day was spent on "Phillip Island" where I had the opportunity to visit an Australian version of "Pioneer Village". Attractively assembled, it did serve to constantly remind me how harsh the conditions these people had to endure and their incredible tenacity. Had I been a pioneer and I encountered a dingo or a Tasmanian Devil (not so cartoonish let me tell you...they eat everything INCLUDING the bones!) I would have immediately demanded a return ticket!!! I even watched a man sheer a sheep in less than two minutes (so envious when I consider how long it takes to "manscape" each week!!!) and sheep dogs bully those seemingly dumb creatures into various corners of the paddock.

The grand finale of the day included sitting on bleachers by the beach and watching hundreds of penguins come out of the water at sunset and go about typical penguin "business"-waddling en masse, preening each other, searching for their burrows and in some R-rated circumstances, attempt to perform the "nasty" despite the thousands of eyes monitoring their every movement. I felt like some sort of shameful bestial voyeur at that moment but must confess, I could not turn away! (and no, they don't smoke a cigarette after the deed is done!). This went on for nearly an hour and was never dull as there always seemed to be one poor misguided creature who got themselves separated from the bunch! My nightfall "March of the Penguins" will forever be embedded in my memory. It was magic to see them in their natural setting and doing, well...what it is that penguins do!

As I looked up at the night sky on my way out, I remembered that the night sky of the Southern Hemisphere is totally different than the one we experience up north. No more Ursa Major or Minor but a large cluster of stars that make up their navigating point, "The Southern Cross"...I truly am on the other side of the world!!!

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Comments

[Jude]

All God's Creatures Great and Small
Oh Kevin, this is just such a "Beautiful" and "Warming" Entry. Thanks so much. I look forward to each and every one. I think you write beautifully and really help me envision each and every thing. I am thrilled with this day!!! You don't want to know how much snow we had, couldn't make it to work. Kevin I wish I was with you this day, with the Koalas and expecially at sunset with the Penquins and ohhhh the "Southern Cross" is awesome!! Enjoy Kevin

[Poncho3101]

Beautiful pictures !
Hi I will be visiting Melbourne by Nov of this year. I was wondering what is the name of the conservation areas that you visited? Also what other outdoors experiences are worth of having in Australia. Did you visited Uluru ? ... Thanks!