Lisa Millegan: Kangaroos and convict settlements
Trip Start
Mar 09, 2008
1
5
11
Trip End
Apr 11, 2008
Orford,
Australia
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Me feeding a kangaroo
This week, I got my first close-up look at kangaroos and Tasmanian devils. I saw both at the aptly named Tasmanian Devil Park. They let visitors feed kangaroos right out of their hands! They are such cool creatures- a cross between deer and rabbits. I couldn't believe how gentle and calm they were with us.
Tasmanian devil
The devil is more of a cross between a pig and rat- nothing like the cartoon we all grew up with. I saw kangaroos again a day later when we took a sail boat ride out to Maria (pronounced Mariah here) Island. Maria Island is an old penal settlement that has been converted into a wildlife reserve and camping area. Our team leader Carol and I were walking down a trail when suddenly she noticed several eyes staring at us. Just like deer, the kangaroos blend in with the forest and are easy to miss if you don't pay attention.
Another day, local Rotarian BJ took our whole team on a drive through area logging operations. We walked on the Wielangta trail named through lush rain forest.
Wielangta walk
Warren Boyles, editor of Tasmania 40 Degrees South
Another highlight was visitingTasmania 40 Degrees South Magazine, a glossy quarterly run out of a man's house! Owner/editor Warren Boyles was friendly and asked a lot of questions about American politics and viewpoints. He said most Aussies are closely following the presidential election.
I gave Warren and the other media types I've been visiting cards with the Modesto Bee mascot Scoopy. I've also given some people Scoopy temporary tattoos, which have proved to be a big hit. I'm getting a lot of requests for them. Check out the picture of my second host family- Paul and Cheryl Jack- wearing them.
Cheryl and Paul Jack
Comments
Kangaroos and devils
Lisa: thanks for sharing the photos. Have a great trip.
Dan