The Adventure Continues...

The adventure continues on the beautiful and bountiful Penguin Island. Going in to see the fairy penguins who have been rescued from accidents due to boats, nets or jet skis dashing about the ocean was definitely a highlight.  

I was relieved to know that the only reason these adorable little penguins are kept in captivity is due to the fact that if they were released back into the wild they wouldn't survive. The oldest of the waddle is over 20 years old, she has had two husbands and has lived longer than most penguins in the wild. Most are lucky to make it to ten years of age. They were very familiar with their human caretakers and also did not mind showing off for the visitors. One in particular was happily splashing about and enjoying the attention. 

 Like the other birds on the island penguins do have to fight to survive day in day out. Apart from the humans they have to avoid sharks and seals who hunt these tiny precious beings. Unfortunately the wild penguins were all out feeding, so the only ones we saw were these little ones. 

This day out truly was one of the most amazing days I have ever had, it wasn't just the company and the wildlife, it was also standing on a tiny island surrounded by water and gazing out at the vast Indian Ocean comprehending this immense body of water that stretched out into the distance. Beneath the surface a whole other incredible world lay beneath, a world vastly different to the one I inhabit. It made me pause and appreciate the wonders that surround us, often taken for granted. It looked like I was standing on the edge of the world, rippling water for as far as the eye could see, this planet it truly amazing.

After leaving the island we then went to Cape Peron to have a swim and explore the surrounding area which added to the pure magic of the day. I realised that I don't visit the ocean enough anymore, the therapeutic effects of the ocean really is remarkable and so reviving and something I do want to have more of in my life. As the summer months have arrived I really do feel that this year I will make time to drive the hour and a half to enjoy this aquatic playground more than I have in the past, at the end of the day a few hours driving every now and then to enjoy this oasis really isn't that difficult....