2019 has been a challenging year for me, as it has too many of my friends. 2020 started off well on my personal account and there’s plenty of good signs for an exciting travelling year to come. My stolen IPad and diary showed up a few days ago and were returned unharmed. Not everyone has been so lucky though.
Smoke covered fields near Grafton, Australia, New South Wales,
As a well-travelled Australian Permanent Resident, or for anyone, it is hard to describe the devastation going on in this ‘Great Southern Land’.
Ash falling to water systems contaminate drinking water, Australia, New South Wales,
For about 4 months, huge firewalls have been, and still are, towering through Australian Bush, communities and farmland, leaving a trail of destruction and death behind.
Poor visibility over the Clarence River, Australia, Northern New South Wales, Ulmara
It feels like a reoccurring nightmare watching news coverage on tragic events unfolded on a daily basis.
Nearby fires threatened properties, Australia, Northern New South Wales, Ulmara
This would be the world largest firewall ever recorded. Starting on the northeast coast of Queensland, the fires spread sporadically south through New South Wales, over to Victoria in the south-east, went through Australia’s driest state South Australia and has now reached Western Australia.
Smoke hazard in sepia, Australia, Northern New South Wales, Ulmara
This giant loop of destruction had devastating effects on humans, but more importantly on flora and fauna. It’s the innocent that paid the ultimate price; The innocent that lived with fires for Millenia. Substantial fires are still burning in each state mentioned.
Air support, Australia, Northern New South Wales,
Airplanes are still bombing water on fires, hoping for the best.
Long faced Australians, Australia, Northern New South Wales,
Red-faced politicians already blame each other, pointing their fingers to anyone else but the mirror.
Holidays for some, Australia, Queensland, Cape Hillsborough,
Some even went on holidays, leaving fellow Australians in dire straits.
Scratching heads in Australia, Northern New South Wales
Most are still scratching their heads on how it came to this. We all have seen those surreal real-life TV coverages and images that circled the cyber world.
Surreal images in Australia, Northern New South Wales
It deeply saddens me, knowing that these conditions may prevail for another few months till March or April. Bushfires are a natural occurrence in Australia, which ultimately regenerates life. However, human impact on Mother Nature undoubtedly played the leading role in this ecological disaster. This is happening on a worldwide scale. When will we ever learn that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. It’s basic physics, Newton’s Law. What comes around goes around, Mother Nature will not tolerate our reckless behaviour towards flora and fauna. She proves it with dramatic and drastic actions. It is those helpless animals that I care about most. Animals, we all can and should learn from.
With all those sad images in my mind, I needed some positive inspiration. And I found it.
Happy days with happy Koalas at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
I was once again lucky on my photographic adventure along the riverbanks of the ‘Richmond River’. Just outside of Woodburn in northern New South Wales, I came across a koala colony. I know right? Not one, but 5 Koalas!
perfect scenario in perfect surroundings at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The blue skies added depth in field and colours, calm winds added just enough floral movement.
The thick eucalyptus trees blocked the setting sun if I wanted too. These majestic trees stood tall, only a few meters away from me. This is prime koala habitat in ideal photographic conditions. Little did I know then what unforgettable spectacle was to unfold.
Action packed surprise koalas at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
These koalas were astonishingly active. The entertainment award goes to these two, a mother and her larger offspring.
Koala nose imprint at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The younger one is easier recognised on his arty nose print, which outlines a koala head.
Hungry for mother and milk at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
She was hungry for some nutritious milk.
‘No milk today’ at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Mom wasn’t too impressed with that idea and tried adequately to discourage the almost grown youngster.
Fresh eucalyptus leaves leaf here at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Try some of those tasty eucalyptus leaves. Junior appeared persistent.
Koala fast food at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Mom gave in a few times but quickly moved away.
Knock=out stage at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
It was a battle at times and hilarious to watch.
Helping paws at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
But she always lends a hand.
Cuddlxs and love at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
And was up for a cuddle. This procedure was repeated a few times, giving me a perfect opportunity to capture this behaviour on film.
Black and white Koalas at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
I certainly believe that they were watching the sunset at times of rest.
Who goes there? at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Before checking up on my activities.
Koala with Antlers at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Another Koala was sitting in a large branch rather comfortably. It appeared a bit anxious and kept a very close eye on my movements. Was it even growing stags?
Koala-robics at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Some aerobics loosened those tight muscles!
Still not a happy koala at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Not for long, as it was time to sit down again. Back to the playful koala pair.
Funtastic entertainment at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
They were just too cute to watch and my finger stayed on the shutter button to watch and capture this playful Koala gathering. Seeing these cuties interacting with each other was simply incredible.
Different koala, same impression at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Another koala was sitting in a eucalyptus tree a bit further away. It was a pure image copy of the other loner sitting a bit closer.
Sleepy koala at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
There was some movement in a small tree not far from me. The fifth koala sat in a young eucalyptus tree, right above me.
Drop-bear? at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Although, he looked more like the infamous Australian Drop-Bear.
Cute but tired at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
He was tired, it was clear to see. Maybe he is a bit more active later?
So cute at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The family pair were still going with their ‘bear and milk’ antics.
Sulking suckling at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Eventually, the youngster gave up and looked a bit disillusioned. Mom lends a hand but the milky bear had none of it. A sulking suckling. I don’t see that very often.
Happy reunion at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
A little later, junior changed his mind and made up.
Smooching at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
And out?
Caught out at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Oops, someone is watching!
Sleepy koala at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
These koalas were so entertaining, that I decided to this post in two parts. Stay tuned for more koala cuteness to come.
Travels with Ben 
Wirklich wunderbar, dass Du wieder Equiment unterwegs sein kannst Ben. Neben dem Blog verfolgen wir seit Wochen die unglaublichen Nachrichten vom brennenden Kontinent, desse Natur wir kurzzeitig auch mit Dir genießen durften! Danke für die gemeinsame Zeit. Hoffen wir das Beste für diese grandiose Natur und deren baldige Erneuerung, natürlich und vorallem für alle Bewohner!
Viele Grüße aus Dresden von Andrea & Ronald
LikeLike
Glad to hear your personal items have been returned 😉
LikeLike