Kangaroos, Kookaburras & Kevin: Western Australia Road Trip Day Two
February 12, 2013 in Australia, Oceania, Travelogue
We knew we’d love Australia, but we couldn’t have predicted how much!
We’re kind of critter collectors: amateur biologists of sorts. We’ve long kept nature notebooks as part of our science studies and we’re regularly found clustered around some small creature counting it’s legs or photographing its wings.
If teddy bears were birds, they’d be kookaburras.
We have one at our campsite that I’ve nicknamed “The Supervisor.” He comes and sits right above the picnic table and watches while I cook. He’s so fluffy that I wish I could hug him… but his big pointed beak indicates that he might not appreciate that too much.
Here’s a short list of the animals we’ve seen so far:
- Green parrots
- White cockatoo
- Black cockatoo (endangered)
- Sheep
- Cows
- Horses
- Kangaroos (too many to count, they’re everywhere late in the afternoon)
- Ibis birds
- Kookaburras
- Magpies (for no good reason, we love these birds!)
- A HUGE stingray… seen from a bridge, minimum 10 ft wing span… spectacular
- An emu
Sadly, I don’t have a picture of the Emu.
He was standing right by the side of the dirt road we’re camped on, but I got so excited when I saw him that I shouted, “EMU!!!!” really loud… and the van windows were open. He was so scared he ran for his life into the forest. I can’t say I blame him. We tried to lure him back with chocolate (that worked for Kevin in the movie Up, and that’s what the emu reminded me of. In fact, I’m calling them “Kevins” from now on.)
We also swam in a really cold bay with gneiss rock, and took our baths in a natural pool with fish nibbling at our toes. We did laundry. We worked. We spent too much on groceries (Western Australia is crazy expensive). We found a power inverter that will allow us to charge computers while we drive. The kids played music and sang in the back of the van all the way home and we ate dinner too late, with Orion and the Southern Cross both winking down on us. I’m happy to see the Southern Cross, but I’m even happier that Orion hasn’t disappeared.
The water in the washbasin was so black we had to dump it twice when scrubbing off feet before the kids climbed into the tent for bed. I was reminded of what I used to tell them when they were little:
The quality of a day is measured in the amount of dirt between your toes.
By that measure, we’ve had a very good day!
Our camping set up
The bandwagon
And also, Hannah ripped her toenail clear off whilst rock climbing.
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Oh that sounds fab, apart from the toenail-a form of torture in some places! We have family in Perth who are desperate for us to visit; this post is making me want to!
Ugh, poor Hannah! There also must be sharks in those waters, yes? I have wanted to see Oz since I was 12 and am still holding my breath :). And I would like to see Orion disappear from our hemisphere as soon as possible, as he is way to wintery for me!
Ooops, “too”. And to think I edit for a living…Embarassing. Blame it on the wine :).
I’m so enjoying your impressions of Australia. And I can’t wait until a kookaburra steals your food!! They seem to particularly like sausages. We’ve had multiple “snags” stolen by kookaburras! And magpies have a beautiful song. Except for in spring when your head will look like Hannah’s toe after they swoop you! Hysterical to watch but not fun to be the target!!! Keep up the posts!!
My most fab husband took me kicking and screaming to OZ. He knows me all too well…It was love at first sight!
I would move there in a heartbeat! We spent six weeks there and between my daughter and I we shot nearly 800 pix…50/50 split between beaches and the most amazing wildlife (mainly birds – our preference). If you get the chance, go to Heron Island.
Thanks for the recommendations Sonja!! We are taking tons of pictures too!! Such a fantastic place!
Tracey… yes, what’s old hat to you is all brand new to us!! So far the Kookaburras are minding their manners! Today’s close encounter was with enormous rays on Hamlin Bay.
Hannah seems to have problems with walking on rocks . . .
Just found your blog through “Going Anyway” 🙂 Gosh you guys sound like you have had a wonderful stay in Australia, love your camp set up and your way of washing your feet before bed time! Perfect way to live life – to the fullest.
Looking forward to reading more of your adventures.