So, What else have I been up to since early August? I went on an overnight camping trip to Wilsons Promontory from August 2-4. Wilsons Prom is about 200 kilometers southeast of Melbourne and is the furthest southern point on the Australian mainland. Tasmania has the most southerly point in Australia's states, a point a bit over 43 degrees south latitude, or the American equivalent latitude of Manchester, New Hampshire. Now, Wilsons Prom protrudes just beyond 39 degrees south latitude, an American equivalent latitude of, say, Cape May, New Jersey. Wilsons Prom, however, resembles Cape May not at all and Acadia National Park in Maine quite a lot. Actually, I'll be honest - it is even more beautiful than Acadia. Oh, and at the Prom, I've finally gotten up close and personal with some Australian wildlife for the first time since I've moved here, which explains the opening graphic for today's blog entry. We'll get to the actual wildlife in a moment.

First, however, I'd like to show you some of the spectacular scenery.



Ooooh!



Aaaaah!



Oooh la la!

Remarkably enough, I had the entire park practically all to myself. Never mind that the temperature outside was over 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the sun was brilliant and warm.

This is still the dead of winter, like early February in the Northern Hemisphere, and Australians avoid the Prom this time of year. They say it's too windy and too changeable, too showery and too chilly. In the summer, you have to book campsites in advance on the weekends, and the beaches are crowded with people. I was happy to have the opportunity to experience this magical place in relative solitude.

Moving right along to the wildlife, I was approached by a portly Wombat on the first night and I stumbled upon what appeared to be a baby Wombat on my last day. Isn't it just the cutest?
Also on the last day, at a grassy clearing near the Visitors Center, I spotted a couple of Kangaroos grazing about. They like to graze in grassy areas, and I've noticed that the Australian parks tend to supply these areas close to some parking lots and picnic spots as more or less designated Kangaroo viewing areas, whether intentionally or not. No question, it's great for the tourist shutterbugs!

All in all, Wilsons Prom is a great place, and one I'll want to come back to again and again, in all seasons.

I'll certainly be keen on planning another trip into the Aussie bush soon.

P.S. Today's blog looks a little dodgy in Firefox and better in Windows Explorer today. Don't know why that is, but it happens. That Blogger doesn't format very well when you use a lot of pictures is a simple answer.