When we woke up this morning, we didn’t have to rush to be anywhere or do anything. We had the morning to relax and enjoy our new accommodations. We ate a leisurely breakfast, discussed planned activities during our stay with the concierge, and went back to the room. I looked over some of the pictures I took in Sydney and researched more information about the Great Barrier Reef. We changed for our cliff-top hike, had lunch, and then departed with another family for the hike. We only walked for a mile or two, but our guide, Patrick, was very friendly and filled us in with some wildlife facts. We learned about the different snakes and lizards on the island, how the wallabies actually climb down the side of the cliff to get to the water, and we were fortunate enough to see dolphins down in the sea!
After the hike, we had an information session with Patrick, in which he told us the history of the island and how it was explored and colonized. To my dismay, the island became popular because of whalers, and although the government has taken steps to reduce it, the practice of hunting whales is still very much active today. Of course, the Southern Ocean Lodge seems to have a minimal environmental impact. On my first day here, I noticed many solar panels, and we learned about how the land was surveyed and animals relocated for the Lodge to be built. Some walking trails around the property are even lifted above ground, so you never have to take a chance of accidentally tripping over a burrow or anything like that. I asked Patrick about the political parties in Australia because I read that there is a large variety of political parties involved in the government. Patrick confirmed this, and talked a little bit about how politics worked in Australia. It was interesting to hear all this from a native Australian, instead of from a newspaper or online source.
After the information session, Brooke and I decided to play Scrabble. We played for a while, then my mom joined us. We rarely have moments at home like this, when we can all sit down together and enjoy each other’s company, so it’s nice that our family vacation doesn’t have to be all about exploring some unknown place – all it takes is reflecting about what is truly important in my life.
A little later, we decided we were hungry and sat down for dinner. Every meal here has impressed me, and the kitchen has been spectacularly accommodating for me as a vegan – they have even offered to make me whatever I want, as long as they have the ingredients.
This region of Australia is definitely more rural than almost anywhere I’ve ever been, but it seems they have made caring for the wildlife and the sustainability of the land a top priority. Of course it’s in their best interest being in the tourism industry, but I also sense a genuine love for nature from the people working here. Essentially, because this place is so remote, most of them live here, on the property, and I feel that they truly care for the amazing place that surrounds them.
After the hike, we had an information session with Patrick, in which he told us the history of the island and how it was explored and colonized. To my dismay, the island became popular because of whalers, and although the government has taken steps to reduce it, the practice of hunting whales is still very much active today. Of course, the Southern Ocean Lodge seems to have a minimal environmental impact. On my first day here, I noticed many solar panels, and we learned about how the land was surveyed and animals relocated for the Lodge to be built. Some walking trails around the property are even lifted above ground, so you never have to take a chance of accidentally tripping over a burrow or anything like that. I asked Patrick about the political parties in Australia because I read that there is a large variety of political parties involved in the government. Patrick confirmed this, and talked a little bit about how politics worked in Australia. It was interesting to hear all this from a native Australian, instead of from a newspaper or online source.
After the information session, Brooke and I decided to play Scrabble. We played for a while, then my mom joined us. We rarely have moments at home like this, when we can all sit down together and enjoy each other’s company, so it’s nice that our family vacation doesn’t have to be all about exploring some unknown place – all it takes is reflecting about what is truly important in my life.
A little later, we decided we were hungry and sat down for dinner. Every meal here has impressed me, and the kitchen has been spectacularly accommodating for me as a vegan – they have even offered to make me whatever I want, as long as they have the ingredients.
This region of Australia is definitely more rural than almost anywhere I’ve ever been, but it seems they have made caring for the wildlife and the sustainability of the land a top priority. Of course it’s in their best interest being in the tourism industry, but I also sense a genuine love for nature from the people working here. Essentially, because this place is so remote, most of them live here, on the property, and I feel that they truly care for the amazing place that surrounds them.