Buskwalking with Roo's

I have failed to mention until now, that I have once again been humbled by the kindness of friends and Aussie's alike, and have been fortunate enough to stay the last two weeks at a friend's house in Macleod, Victoria (just outside Melbourne).

Andy, who is Australian, worked with me years back when Hillsboro Parks & Recreation and Campfire USA where in partnership. I remembered him as being a great guy who enjoyed tennis. So, when I looked to attend the Australian Open, I wrote him heading some advice about days to go, places to stay while in town, etc. He was gracious enough to allow me to stay with him and his adorable wife, Carrie (who is an American) and thus, here I am. Andy and Carrie moved to Australia about a year ago from Portland.

After a long week of tennis, the second Sunday I was here, they treated me to an Australian delight - Kangaroos. And when I mean treated, I mean, we didn't eat them, but got to SEE them in the wild! I was so excited to hear that a local Wildlife Reserve offered the chance to see them, up close and in their natural habitat. I had seen a couple in Eildon, but was eager to seem more. Little did I know we would see heaps of them that night...

We went for a short walk to the Gresswell Wildlife Reserve just as dusk was upon us, which is when the Roo's like to come out. We were talking along the way, and then all of a sudden there were two Roo's lining the pathway. (Andy had the best eyes for spotting them!).

Kangaroo's!

Mesha pointing at a kangaroo that lingered behind her

As we walked around the far side of the reserve it seemed as if they were EVERYWHERE! A few times they were right on the path and more often than not, I'd pass one without realizing it until Andy or Carrie pointed it out. It was liked they were lining the pathway, as if we were a parade passing by.

I managed to only get a couple photos as the daylight was fading so I vowed to go back earlier and get some more photos...so I did.

I wen to find the reserve on my own...and crazy enough went all over the neighborhood looking for it. Tired from the blazing sun, I sat down to rest on a park bench before drinking the last of my water and venturing home.

The next day I thought for sure I'd find the reserve with Carrie's directions to it...and I did! What was even more funny was that when I reached the entrance to the reserve I looked over my should and about 100 ft away was the bench I rested upon the day before...

Referencing this Map helped me not to get lost in the reserve

I walked around the reserve, but no Roo's were to be found. I was impatient. I paced around. I knew they were here - but where was the question? I was distracted on my hunt momentarily with the sighting of another small animal. At the time I had no idea what it was, but stood on the path studying it for clues... (later than night, Carrie helped me identify it as an Echidna).

I didn't get a good pic myself, so borrowed this, nor was I able to see it's face

Then just as I was about to give up and head home for the night, I looked over and along the path stood two Roo's staring at me. While these Roo's are pretty use to people, I kept my distance and tried to not scare them - or myself...

Perhaps an Aussie-version of a "Deer in the Headlights'?

I think they were talking about me...

This one did not move until I was out of sight

As I kept walking they were everywhere! It was glorious! One hopped along the path in front of me - another nudged it's young to hop along as I approached. Others looked at me with the same curiosity as I looked at them, and some didn't even bother to take notice of my arrival.

I love it! A Roo just hanging out...

As I walked around the path, I came to the edge where the fence of the reserve budded right up against a few homes. You could here children talking, cars zooming by and such, yet the Roo's went along as they pleased.

This one stood tall, and waited for me to pass by - near the Western Border

Mamma and her Joey...she kept an eye on me, as she nudged her baby along

And they bounced away...

Late evening snack?

Bounce. Bounce. Bounce.

They hogged the path...I waited for them to let me by.

One just feet from the entrance/exit...

Just as daylight was fading, I made it back to the entrance and headed home, satisfied that my hunt had been a success. I guess now I truly believe that Kangaroos do exist.

That's all folks...and off I go.