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16th March, 2005. Day 2- Just before I tell you what I've been doing today, if you'd like to see what I did yesterday, please take a peek at my arrival page first. You can find the link over there on the left.
Today it has been raining since the moment I opened my eyes this morning. Auntie Julie explained to me that it would be way better fun to explore Sydney on a day when the sun is out. I only sulked for a few minutes, and then I realised she was right. It was nice to have a quiet day of rest after being shut in a box....er um...I mean......flying in luxury across from Japan.
That reminds me, I must tell you about the rude lady at the post office yesterday. Well, maybe I'm just a little sensitive but she asked Uncle Dave what was in the box after he told the lady how surprised Auntie Julie would be to find I'd arrived already. I think he had to sign my adoption papers or something....well, he signed her paper, and she said something rude like the cost to send me was more than I am worth! Have you ever heard anything so rude! Uncle Dave said she was just joking, and hopefully she was. Everyone has been telling me how special I am, and I hoped the lady at the post office would think that too. Well, just as well Auntie Julie, Uncle Dave, Matt and Brooke have been treating me so well. Brooke even set me up last night in my own little house. Now, please don't worry that it's kind of pink...I was just getting in touch with my feminie side!
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Now here's something I found a little confusing. The first meal of the day Aussie's call brekkie - that would be short for breakfast. Lunch is lunch but they don't call supper, supper, they call it "Tea". Now to a mouse who thought tea was a drink that is a tad confusing, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.
I had a really yummy tea last night. It was honey/soy chicken stir fry with veggies. Oh it was delicious! I kept licking my whiskers to savour every last morsel.
it was scrummy! I am a little concerned that they eat chickens though....oh no, I just had a horrible thought.... I sure hope they don't eat.....M I C E!!!!!!!!
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I think I'm pretty safe, Auntie Julie keeps giving me cuddles! |
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17th March, 2005. Day 3 -Good morning world! I'm feeling in mighty fine shape this morning, and even though it's still raining, Auntie Julie & Uncle Dave have promised to take me today to see some of the local area where they live in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW. Since Auntie Julie hasn't yet had time to sew my new coat, she did however look through my bag and found some really cute clothes that look very "Aussie" anyway. I look rather dashing if I do say so myself!
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Here we go! Oh my, I like sitting on these lambs wool seat covers.
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Hey, they drive on the left-hand side of the road, that sure does feel odd.
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Hey world...I can see everything from here, but it sure is dumpin' down! (that's what they call heavy rain).
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The first place we stopped at was Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park. It's like a beautiful rainforest, so lush and green with a boardwalk that leads to the falls.
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This is an Australian gum tree, and it provides food for koalas. I had a bit of a nibble myself, but if you ask me, I wouldn't consider them a favourite food at all. (Elliot is day dreaming about a nice block of cheese)
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Have a gander at this! It's an Australian wombat.
Wombat is the largest burrowing herbivorous mammal. Indeed, it is such an accomplished burrower that early settlers called it a 'badger', a term that is still heard today. However, the closest relative of the wombat is, in fact, the koala. With its short tail and legs, characteristic waddle and 'cuddly' appearance the wombat is one of the most endearing of Australia's native animals.
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This kangaroo very kindly offered to show us the way to the visitors centre... (Mom..they can't spell center either! )and Fitzroy Falls. Just a little bit more walking and we'll be there.
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Not far now.......
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Oh look, can you see those beautiful falls? I'll just move out of the way so you can have a better look.
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Arrr....look at that, Fitzroy Falls are so pretty. It sure was a bit chilly though with all that mist and water spraying back up on us....brrrrr!
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Look at that....that's a snakes skin there on the right. That prickly animal behind is called an Echidna.
The echidna is best known for its amazing biology. Like the platypus, this unusual mammal lays eggs and suckles its young. The echidna and platypus are the only members of a primitive group of mammals known as monotremes. Echidnas are toothless and feed almost exclusively on ants and termites. They expose termite galleries by breaking open nests with their strong forepaws or snout or by digging into soil. They then extract the termites, which adhere to their long, sticky tongues. When disturbed, the echidna either curls into a spiny ball to protect its soft underside, or digs its belly into the soil, so that only the spines are exposed. The Echidna above is trying to hide himself, as you can see. I really am a very nice mouse though, I wouldn't hurt him.
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I came across this interesting sign. It explains when all the seasons are in Australia, and they sure are very different to mine. As you can see from the chart (in my best school teacher voice) December, January, February are summer, March, April & May are Autumn (Fall), June, July & August are Winter, and September, October & November are Spring. Lucky I wrote all that down, as I think it's very interesting to know.
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After we finished visiting Fitzroy Falls, we went to the nearby town of Robertson. Robertson is apparently famous for its potatoes. This is supposed to be a huge potato, however the locals call it "The Wombat Poo" te he! How funny is that! That's me with Auntie Julie. Robertson used to be famous for it's cheese yippee...a real cheese factory, and whilst the cheese factory is still here, they sadly no longer make cheese.
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Excuse the splatters...but look at me. Kangaroo Valley sign I'm guessing that means lots of Kangaroos live there.
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Shhh...if you're really quiet, you might see a Peacock!
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Look....I see one, I see one!!!!!!!! Isn't she pretty!
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Such amazing coloured feathers and she let us get so close.
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Oh wow....how amazing, and you can see more peacocks were roaming around behind us as well.
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Do you remember the movie "Babe Pig In The City"? It was filmed right here in Robertson, and Uncle Dave, Brooke, Matt and their daughter Melissa were all in the movie as extras. Aunty Julie was allowed on set for the filming also, as she had to be Matt's minder as he was under 12. If you take a little peek over my shoulder (see photo below) you'll be able to see the remains of the set. It's now been pulled down, and just a few parts can now be seen.
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If you've seen the "Babe" movie or "Babe Pig In The City" movie, you'll remember this beautiful setting in the lush hills of Robertson. Do you think they would like to make a movie about an important mouse who has travelled the world and tripped the light fantastic!!! Dream on..dream on. Everyone has got to have a dream don't they????
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I was so tired on the way home from my exciting day out, that I fell fast asleep on Aunty Julie's legs. Thank you for joining me on my adventures today. Please come again.
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