Sandi the Watch Goat, Wyralla, Northern New South Wales, Australia
I know right! And yes, this is not a mis-spelling. Whilst most people prefer the old fashioned idea to use dogs, sheep or even geese as ‘watchdogs’, things are a little different on Matt’s Farm.
An orphaned goat at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This orphaned goat was a present that was never returned. I wonder why that is.
A good Watch-goat? at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The big question is: ‘Are goats good Watchdogs?’ And the answer is! ‘Who came up with this silly idea?’ They are scared of any loud noises and their ‘määähhh’ in return is rather cute. But it’s not all bad. They sure have a few strong points. Two of them in fact.
Two very intimidating reasons, Wyralla, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Right on top of their skull. This combined with their stubbornness is a leathal mix and creates an entertaining spectacle. At first, it’s kinda amusing and annoying! Once the pecking order is clarified and restored, she gets only annoying. And this is her real weapon. She can annoy any introducer right out of the gate.
Master thief ‘The Hamburglar’ at Wyralla, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Even the famous masterclass thief, the ‘Hamburglar’, wouldn’t get near his paddy.
Swift moves at Wyralla, Northern New South Wales, Australia
No matter how wicked his moves would be. However, someone had broken through the stubborn fence. Some priceless goods did disappear right in front of my tent by the river. I had the fabulous idea, to fill up my old frying pan with seeds, nuts and other natural goodies and place it on a rustic, well camouflaged chair. The idea was to capture some colourful or simply entertaining feathered friends with my camera, which I kept in my tent for that reason.
High on the friends list Swift at Evans Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Actually, I would have been happy to share with any friend, I don’t discriminate. Ugly photo?)
Early morning bliss at Wyralla, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Early morning sunrise after work is always a fantastic option. Sunrise photo) This is when birds and animals birds are most active. Some mornings are simply breathtaking. But I fell asleep eventually, no friend was captured with my OM-D camera.
Needles to say, that when I woke up, someone had made a meal of the seedy cocktail. I just couldn’t believe that. Who would steal the real deal. Matt had none of that on his plate. My detective instincts kicked right into action. The gate is locked, so it must have been an insider job, an out-truder so to speak.
This koala looks a bit mischievous at Woodburn, Northern New South Wales, Australia
I doubt that the koalas from across the river would take the risk to come over. There weren’t many footprints by the crime scene either, this must be a clever boy or girl.
Sandi was hired at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Drastic actions cause drastic measures. I had to find out who would steal my nuts and hired Sand the watch goat for the next morning’s watch. ‘Bloody oath mate! She is an awesome watch goat!’ Matt answered my question.
Armed with the brown belt at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
‘She came with a brown belt. She even makes her own coffee whilst on duty.’ (Goat droplets look like coffee beans)
I was wondering why she often sat on this couch. His words were still ringing in my ears. I was impressed at first.
Best vantage point at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Like a pro, she measured out the best vantage point around my kayak, tent and Troopy to oversee the a vast viewing area.
No comment required at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Everything good so far, might as well get a chew on.
Something got her attention at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
There was a noise coming from the river. Was it the koala after all? He’d be a very welcoming friend off course,
What to chews at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
I never suspected ‘Sandi’ as the seed of this evil. There was plenty of juicy gras to chews from.
Yummo…! Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Or maybe yesterday’s dinner regurgitated? Whatever she ate, she seemed to enjoy it immensely. Yummo.
Typical security actions Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Like any good security guard, she has a fat belly. Size does matter sometimes. Well, there wasn’t much left for me to do then to keep the matter in Sandi’s capable hoofs. Good job 99 I thought and took my camera in to my tent.
I fell asleep again, only to find that nothing was left in my pan. Sandi wasn’t seen anywhere near and couldn’t ansmääaä my questions. Fortunately, I installed a security camera, triggered by motion. Let’s see.
Something sneaking through the bush at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
There is something in the bushes I can’t quite work out yet.
This nose looks familiar at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Hang on, that nose looks very familiar. Is that ‘Gonzo’ from the Muppet Show? Man he’s getting old.
This nose looks familiar at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
All his hair has grown even longer with a touch of grey. Poor bugger. Fair enough then, I won’t be mad with you! You made me laugh so many, many years ago. Feel free to eat your heart out.
Sneaking up on the treasure at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
But wait, this is a clearer image.
The seedy pan at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
I can’t believe that! SANDI!!!
Sandi enjoying her feast at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
She really enjoyed this mix, which is nice to see.
Pan licking good at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Even a bit of tongue action sneaked in.
Cute photos of a happy goat at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Well, I got my cute photos and story after all. Just not quiet as I hoped for.
She is kinda cute though at Wyrallah, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This is the more amusing version of what happened one morning. Cute old friend Sandi is adorable, just a bit annoying some times. No animals or humans were injured, please don’t try this at home. The End.
And this added tale, fair dinkum, is even funnier. The same morning I wrote this story, Matt kicked me out from his farm. Howzat for karma? We only had a discussion about that whatever virus making news on tv. He didn’t want to listen to my point of view and told me to leave the premises. I thought I was on candid camera and couldn’t stop laughing. Maybe he should have read this story to cheer him up? He was pretty bonged out though. Määäätttt! Therefore, I couldn’t take and add anymore photos I wanted to use for this post.
Shame really, the campspot by the river was fabulous. Listening to the early morning bird choir is just bliss. Watching Koalas on the other side of the river whilst having a cooling swim, wasn’t that bad either.
Travels with Ben 