Tasman Sea

Phillip Island lies just off Australia’s southern coast. We tendered in early this morning only to find that the island was completely out of power due to a fierce storm last night. They said it was the worst storm they've experienced in a long, long time. We stayed awhile on the island, and it was fun to experience the area and walk around its very quaint and lovely town. We walked back with Catherine and Tom, thinking that we would take a beautiful coastal hike to our tender location. However, we ended up spending 1 1/2 hours lost in the Australian bush!! I exaggerate, of course, but we were lost a few times. The old-fashioned maps that were posted can't be compared to my Google Map app! We were tore and hungry, found the highway, and flagged down a bus! The lovely bus driver stopped for us, and we made it back to our tender site! 5.7 miles total 🤣

Later, we took the tender back to the Island to Summerland Beach to watch the Penguin Parade, where little Blue Penguins come ashore in groups. (No photography is allowed. The Penguin photos attached are from the National Parks website). The photo of the 7 week old chick, (taken before sunset) was shot by fellow passenger, Sally Corte. In approximately one more week, this chicks' parents will leave & s/he will be on its own and off to sea to fend for itself. We bought a knitted Penguin jacket! These jackets/jumpers are knitted by volunteers from all over the world and used to save the lives of little penguins affected by oil spills.

Fun facts: they are the only blue penguins in the world; they have around 10,000 feathers; their poop looks like fairy dust because of the oily seafood they eat. They're adorable!! It was a wonderful day and evening! When we returned to our ship, close to midnight, we were welcomed back with hot chocolate, warm soup, and tasty sandwiches! This Viking crew is unbelievably gracious!

Feb 15. Jul & I took another Needle Felting class today where we made tiny Penguins! Tomorrow, we dock in Eden, Australia,Read more