Waratah/Wynyard

Yesterday was great. I got to pet a wombat, spotted quoll, and Tasmanian devil! I bought some food for the birds, wallabies, and roos. The swans and ducks gathered right at my feet although not close enough to touch. There was an adorable little red-neck wallaby who ate right out of my hand. He grabbed my hand with his front paws and chowed down. I could even stroke his neck a little while he ate. But I think the best was a large male kangaroo (a buck). He was lounging in the shade of a tree/bush using a flat rock as a pillow. He was pretty intimidating with his giant hind feet and claws, but I had the bag of food that his nose seemed to recognize. I crept closer and closer, then slowly extended my hand with feed in it. His soft nose brushed against my fingers as he gently licked up the food from my palm. It was incredible.

After the Wildlife park, I went to Mole Creek Caves that contain, most notably, glow worms. They're really larvae of Fungus Gnats and they are very bright, especially once your eyes have adjusted to the dark. There's also a chamber with the "Palm Tree" because of its shape (it looks so much like one, I guessed its name) and the Cathedral, in which I belted out the first verse and chorus of Black Horse and the Cherry Tree. Had to be done. 😉

Another greatest moment of a very full day was in Devonport at 9 pm when I watched Little Penguins come in to feed their chicks. You must use red light so they don't get scared, so the few pictures I took didn't really come out, even after I converted them to black and white. The two attached are one coming out of the water (on the left, dark spot in the surf) and three preening on the beach. They're about a foot tall, the smallest of all penguins, and the only ones native to Australia. I was the only person (other then the three volunteers) who stayed long enough to see one nest where both parents had been out feeding, came back, and fed the two chicks. Magnificent.

Today has been mostly driving along the northern coast. I've made several stops, but just as I get started on walking around it starts to rain. Then the sun comes back out. Then it rains again. The wind is very high and gusty, and the temperature is about 17°C/62°F. When the sun is out, it's downright hot, but the stupid wind is frigid. Come on, Tazzy, it's summer!

Interesting fact about Tazzy: it's the world's leading producer of legal poppy (medicinal use). Some of the poppy fields are in bloom, and all of the fields have signs posted identical to the one in the picture. The growing conditions are great, but most of all, this is an island whose borders can be more easily guarded making smuggling on or off the island very difficult.

Now, I'm at Three Sisters Beach and about to head to the northwest coast where I plan to spend the night. Probably in the car again. Hotels are at least $100 Australian a night and can reach $250 near the tourist draws. Waaaaay too much.

So long [for now] and thanks for all the fish. ✌️Leggi altro