traveltales: FAIRY PENGUINS

Sunday, September 23, 2012

FAIRY PENGUINS

The Penguin Parade

One evening while in Melbourne, Australia we drove to Phillip Island. We had an excellent lobster dinner at The Jetty Restaurant before going to see the penguins. In Auckland we had seen the largest penguins (emperor) in the world and now we were going to see the smallest ones.

The tiny Fairy Penguins live only in southern Australia and every evening shortly after sunset they march across Summerland Beach to their nesting area an event known as the Penguin Parade.

A visitor center was built to protect the penguins and prevent people from trampling the beaches and destroying the penguins' home. Bleachers line the beach for spectators to watch this evening ritual. If the pathways leading home through the sand are destroyed the penguins get lost. No flash pictures are allowed as the flash hurts the penguins’ eyes.

Over a half million visitors a year visit the center. You can imagine what that many people could do to the nesting area. The penguins live in homes burrowed in the sand.

These tiny animals, smallest of the 18 species, often swim 20 miles off shore feeding. They can dive ten meters and have been clocked swimming 24 mph. Mating season is July-September and these penguins mate for life. Each couple raises two chicks and the parents take turns feeding the youngsters. After 6-8 weeks the little ones leave the nest and learn to swim, they cannot fly. The fairy penguin is, on average, 33 cm long and has an ink blue coat.

Watching the penguins walk across the beach, I whispered, “What an experience! They are so tiny, just precious.”

After the parade one can walk on the boardwalk through the nesting area which is filled with the sounds of the penguins talking. Do you suppose they are asking, “Did you have a good dinner?” Pretty fantastic to be so close to them!

The center has a lovely museum and a nice gift shop.

This was a once in a lifetime experience and it was fantastic!

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.