Spring has Sprung in Australia
A better title maybe "Dangerous Encounter's", we will see what you think.
After a very dry winter,this last week saw some gentle rain. Goodness the grass shows a tinge of green: blossom's are appearing and the Grape vines are showing life again. The gum trees are ever green and gives , a sense of well being in our Forest. Wombat's, Wallaby's, Guannas and Bird,s are out, including our regular pair of swifts, who have produced two chick's, who are now flying, after their exercize's just off the veranda.
And so to our little adventure. I have a near vintage, Vanden Plas 4 Litre R a rather rare derivative f the Austin A99 and more popularly seen in movies as a Wolesley Police Car. I opened up to air the inside and removed a clothe off the steering wheel and there flat, was a big Huntsman Spider enjoying the warmth. Hoy!, out of here you , why? came the reply and promptly jumped down and under the accelerator peddle and hid..NO no no, you are out pal. Leave me be, came the reply look, so the paint brush was brought into play, for quick shove, on the brush and out. He gathered he was not welcome and made for the shed and a nice warm corner, where he could keep an eye on me and enjoy the warmth of the Generators when on.
Just as I was getting tools out of the Land Rover, when a spider of a vastly more dangerous kind came walking past my foot. A Sydney Funnel Web spider, a young male I quess, he was a beautiful shiney black and obviously on a mission, as he was in the open on this sunny day. Excuse me, Syd: now listen up. He stopped and I advised him of the peril's of meeting up with a lady (twice as big as him) and having his wicked way with her. Hang on, hang on, I havn't finished. It is said, that you must jump away immediatley after being the big fello you think you are, for if she catches you , you will be eaten Head First, thus giving her babies the genes she want's and a good meal into the bargain.
Like all young men, he was not listening to older folk and proceeded on his way.
The very next day of this spring, I walking off the balcony and OH NO!, lying basking it self along the front of the said Vanden Plas was a young Red Bellied Black snake, deadly chap like the Funnel Web. OK you, move it and like the Huntsman, looked at me and indicated, Why?. Because I said so, in a loud voice,which attracted the attention of Patricia. Hello she said arn't you beautiful and when he moved off she followed him to the near by nearly dry pond. A short time later he re-appeared wriggled around near me. lifted his head and I repeated GO and he did, into the tree line.
A week passed and a storm occured and no doubt the three found shelter and are going about their lives, the funnel web also if he is lucky and took my advise. This second Sunday the Sun was shining again and Patricia and I decided to go the beach for a picnic. The sea was a little too rough on the in coming tide so we paddled on the foreshore. We notice people on the beach standing up a looking out to sea and there and behold ,a little way out, was a WHALE doing it's thing. Spouting water and yes, we saw its tail, rise and splash. Oh what joy it brings to us in Australia,to see these magnificent animal's. We saw another I think smaller one, before we left, closer in.
And so, I have to say Spring has Sprung in Australia and what a wonderful way to conclude my little story
All the best for the Summer to come and the same for colder climes of Winter, may it be safe and joyful.
Malcolm Mason Shallow Crossing State Forest, Australia
