Kangaroo Island

On the ferry ride across to Kangaroo Island I met an interesting local woman named Maggie. We shared stories: I told her about my travels and she told me about life on Kangaroo Island, and her two children who seem just as fascinating as she! If all goes to plan tomorrow I'll meet her for tea.

Maggie did bring up an interesting point of view though. When I mentioned how lucky I was to travel like this, she said, "You're not lucky; you've worked very hard to be able to do this." Which is true; but at the same time there are many who work hard and either because of their situation, or just because they don't have the motivation to leave their hard-working, "safe" lifestyles never get a chance to just explore the world...

On my walk from Snake Lagoon campsite to the ocean, I strayed off the path to explore some caves on the cliffside (from a distance, of course... many caves are sacred Aboriginal sites...). When I arrived about 500m up from the path I was so fascinated by the fact that there were so mean shells and fossils up on the cliffs, that I didn't notive the beehive until I looked up to see the source of a strange buzzing. A massive beehive was built, about 50cm x 30cm, onto the roof of the cave. It was so beautiful, with honeycombs exposed right on the outside where hundreds of bees were busy at work!

As I was climbing up further along the path, being very quite and careful in case of wildlife that may be around, I was rewarded as I pulled myself up a rockface to see a huge, black mountaingoat. Slowly reaching for my camera I saw 2 more white ones join him!!! We stood there forever, just staring at each other, both extremely curious, both slightly cautious. It was an intense experience!

I stayed at the beach until the sun began to set, and then hiked back to camp. I walked the 2 km slowly and quitely as possible, at first with the hopes of seeing more wildlife, but then just enjoying and being a part of the forest's silence. I barely breathed as I soaked up the creaking of trees and the whisper of the insects.

Just now I poked my head out of the tent to peak at the possums and wallabies making a ruckus in the dark... and... WOW the stars out here are phenomenal!!!

I truly am lucky.