Visiting Old Friends and Enjoying The Bush

Oh hello there, this is Isabel. She is one of 12 kangaroos that lives out here in the bush with us and the friendliest but occasionally her family will stop in to say hello. We have gotten to know her quite well over the past few days here a few hours outside of Perth. We are staying with a friend of Michele's and her family while we adjust to a new continent and prepare for a long journey into the outback.

Everything here is so different from Vermont! Not necessarily the people or lifestyle, but all the landscape and wildlife. I don't think I could recognize 1 species of plant or animal. Obviously there are the kangaroos but also unique birds, lizards and trees. For instance the grass tree. It starts as a tuft of grass but as the grass dies it compresses into a brown stump from the top of which more grass sprouts. It might take a few 100 years but they can get pretty tall!
I would compare the climate to that of the American Southwest. The mornings are cool but as the sun gets higher in the sky temperatures soar. And unlike Asia it is pleasant dry heat- not humid.

Our new Holden Frontera, complete with livin' the dream decals

A few days ago we made another big step towards our departure for our road trip- we bought a car.
It's a 4 wheel drive so that will be handy if we ever need to take some adventurous detours! The next week in Perth we will be outfitting ourselves with all the equipment we will need to be self sufficient in the desert.
Stay tuned!

Nick and Isabel during one of the Kangaroos frequent visits

Did you know a group of kangaroos is called a mob?
That's a scary name for something pretty cute!

Sunset over the bush