Henry and the hoppers

Since I've been taking about 30 pictures and talking about him for a couple of days, I think he also deserves his own blog post - or at least his the main character in it. Though, I think if this logic is to be followed, I will have to post a blog post on Chester The Dog too. But ah, well, I still think he - Henry, the Wombat - deserves his own blog post (which will include other wildlife stories and pictures too). (My dear supervisor had to point out the spelling of vompatti = wombat - sorry guys!)

So here in all fairness, here they are both: 

 
My supervisor's family was kind enough to take be to Nigel's brother's farm, which is a good 3 hours away. Since Jane and I attended a seminar on Saturday morning, we could leave until afternoon. But no matter, we managed to see and do and experience many things in this short time!  Henry not being the least of experiences. ;) 

Henry's mom was killed in a road accident, but was rescued by Nigel's brother, who has a history of helping out orphan animals and releasing them back to the wild. He's also had wallapies under his hatch if not the roof. Although, Henry was seen to hop on the couch and try and take over the dogs' beds in front of the fire. But he's not a very calm and gentle character this little Henry. He want's to cuddle, but sometimes he also wants to nibble your feet like a good vompat does. Because the male vompats show love by bite the female, it's only natural he and his teeth are known to those nearest to him. And those visiting him (luckily, it didn't hurt much). 

Here's a close-up.

Henry, like other wombats, is a nocturnal animal. Therefore, he was pretty perky and playful when we got to the farm in the evening. Chester loves Henry and shows his affection by humping him. A sight that is a bit kinky, but it's hard not to laugh at it either. Henry gets fed up with that and starts chasing Chester and then they repeat this billion times during their time together. Sorry, no illustration or pictorial demonstration to be provided. :D

Henry is still up in the morning!

But this is what wombats do in the afternoons. They take a nap in nicely coloured baskets. ;) 

The farm had other animals too. There was Diva the dog and chucks, like the Aussies call them. Took about 20 pictures of the chucks, but since I know not everyone is a fanatic chicken fan, will restrict my urge to post them all here, and limit to a few shots of lovely birdies. 


This fellow's checking out what we're up to in the house.

Where as this tweety is concentrating in finding the best bits to eat.

Since the farm is located in a proper Australian bushland, there were other wild animals besides vompats around. Already on our way to the farm we spotted several kenguroos, some were just near the house, grazing in the bush. Headlights shone as they stared at us and we stared at them. Then they decided to hop away. 

We repeated our spotting by the dawn with Jane. The night had been cold, and the fields were covered in frost! Here I am, girl from the North enjoying frosty weather at the other side of the world! :D But walking around was a success, because we did in fact spot a few kangaroos and a wallapy, which is a smaller pouchy animal than kangaroo. 

The pics aren't very good (I blame frozen fingers), but it's my humble souvenir from the morning's walk. :)

Walking back from the kangaroo spotting. The stove is on, the heat is up!

Frost magic in the forest during our daytime walk. 

Playing around with camera by the creek. Spot the dog. Btw, did soak my  feet in the icy water - cold, but works like magic - no more cold feet after that!

 All in all, the weekend was super relaxing, it was great to be outdoors and see what the nature's like around that area. Amazing trees that reach high, high up, beautiful kakadus and the hysterically "laughing" kookaburras. Plus super good food and wine. Let the new week begin, I'm ready!