Kangarooless Island

Mothering an orphaned joey

and feeling right at home

On our early morning drive down the Fleurieu Peninsula and through the valles we saw mobs of mobs of  kangaroos. From 7 to 8 AM must be the perfect time to see as many kangaroos as sheep. The ferry crossing was beautiful and smooth but without dolphins. We were lucky to view many on our beach walk along the cliffs of Hewlett Cove. Next week friends and I are scheduled to swim with dolphins.

Kangaroo Island is one of South Australia's most popular tourist attractions, hosting over 140,000 visitors each year. This weekend I was one of them. The SA Teacher's Exchange League (SATEL) group took the big yellow schoolbus,  not used to transport school children for  decades. Off we went at times singing "The Wheels on the Bus." A well deserved public holiday extended the weekend due to the horse races. Relatively speaking, it's not so silly considering I remember hunting holiday break in Durango. We had many adventures; the weekend was full-on, hot, with good laughs and many stories shared by new exchange friends.

Remarkable Rocks were remarkable.

The biggest almost heart-rock with the  wombat mascot

on the opposite side of Remarkable Rocks
is the remarkable Indian Ocean!

Plants grow in eroded rock holes

They were formed by penetrating rain on the upper layer of the rock, decomposing it into separate boulders. Of course the rain, ocean waves, and salt water helped with the erosion. Unfortunately the sun came out after we moved on in our big yellow bus. 

The Admiral's Arch frames the Seal Beach

enlarge to see the seals

Admiral's Arch area located at Cape du Couedic in Flinder's Chase National park was the most remarkable. We walked a boardwalk stopping to watch the colony of New Zealand fur-seals (I have decided that I want to be a seal in my next life despite the sharks). They were having such fun  summersaulting lounging, fighting, catching the surf, lounging on the rocks and in pools. The pups were seen playing or nursing near the rock pools around the arch. The arch is an overhang of rock almost like a backdrop for Dracula. 

Echindna without a puggle

Gina spotted an echidna while staying behind on the track in hope of getting a glimpse of  a platypus. In my reckless way I approached it, only momentarily wondering if it would shoot its quills. Instead it used its long snout to dig a hiding for its face and froze until I left it be. I am glad to know that it does not have the same defense system of a porcupine.

 We watched a scorpion earlier in the day

 It was a great koala weekend. Although they sleep for

 20 hours daily, this guy was almost active.

The goannas sunbathed at the side of the road. Another great adaptive behavior: They lay their eggs in a termite mound which is a perfect incubator. They hatch and their parent goannas are no where to be found. They are left with the perfect food source- termites, of course!

post-hunting nap hour

plovers

Sharing a tree

The rosella lorikeets basked in the trees. We saw a master spear-fisherman's catch lining the sand, the yellow-crested cockatiels flowered entire trees, and of course we were delighted by the seals. We even watched a train of caterpillars cross the track.

And while sitting up front of the bus (Hey no sea/bus sickness, thanks to Melissa who brought me ginger tablets. I actually think they worked). I saw plenty of roadkill but did not indulge in purchasing the roadkill recipe book.

Iconic lighthouse overlooking Remarkable Rocks

We went to a family run sheep farm where cheese was made. Grilled Haloumi from Sicily was a treat. The honey farmer or apiarists impressed me with his knowledge and passion for honey . Several colonies of pure Ligurian honey bees were reared and shipped to KI. Since the island is16 K from the mainland it is too far for the bees to invade, thus pure honey. No non-ligurian bees permitted.  Appreciate your honeybees. They produce 1 tsp in their lifetime unless really cared for and given some easier chances in life. If the bees are closer to water and farming they may produce two teaspoons in their ten weeks of life. So, next time you have a taste of honey, thank a bee.

Many thanks to Martin and Kay for organizing the trip.

now for a little AU trivia:

How many bones in the Great White Shark?

What are the names of four different AU bats?

AND a short Glossary:

Brass razzo: don't have a cent to my name

Brumby: wild horse

jumbuck: sheep

puggle: baby echindna

Shonky and suss: (What's your guess?)

Trivia answers:

0

wombat, dingbat, . . . .

So down the road we sang Once a jolly swagman sat beside a billabong. . . 

Off to bed. Perhaps it has cooled down upstairs in the treehouse. 

Gardner friends: anyone up for dog-sitting Lady over Spring Break??

Spring is upon you. 

No true sign of Autumn here yet. 

Be well. PL