I was up at 4 a.m. last Tuesday to catch a 6 a.m. flight from Perth to Adelaide, my next lecture location.
What a beautiful part of the country, Adelaide! Agriculture evidently abounds in the region. After they heard my apple frost story, I had at least two people who grew their own fruit offer me apples at the lecture.
Held in a public library on a university campus near downtown, the lecture drew a wide ranging audience from the regulars to the curious.
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| Adelaide Library |
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| Adelaide Auditorium |
The newcomers were eager to learn more afterward and many smiling faces left the library that evening.
Then up again at 4 a.m. on Wednesday to catch a flight to Sydney where I would meet up with Kathy, my wife, at the airport. Yay! So happy to have her with me after such a long time gone from home.
Kathy had flown in the day before from the USA, had a night’s sleep, and was ready and eager to go by Wednesday morning.
Off to Hobart, Tasmania, we flew, to a place that has always been a mystery to me. The very word “Tasmania,” is intriguing. It’s a state of Australia, but happens to be on its own island. And what’s a Tasmanian Devil anyway…??
I saw a Tasmanian devil
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| Hobart Harbor – view from our hotel room |
That evening, I joined the sponsoring membership for a lecture prep meeting held immediately before their Wednesday testimony meeting. The members turned out in force, and we had an energy packed time of sharing stories and ideas to support the event.
With a bit of free time the next day, Kathy and I visited the Bonorong Wildlife Park nearby. And we got to see some real Australian wildlife close-up! What fun!!
Kangaroos roamed freely throughout the park and we were free to feed them.
I was surprised with my first hand feeding. If you let the pellet food slip between your fingers, the Kangaroos will nibble firmly to get it out. At first you think they’re going to bite your hand off, but they don’t. They just want every last pellet! So, be ready. They won’t hurt, but may surprise you.
This kangaroo wanted to know if Kathy’s camera was edible. He was disappointed. They are very friendly, nudging right up to you, and they are not bashful. Lots of fun…
And we finally saw Tasmanian devils with our own eyes.
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| Tasmanian devil |
They are carnivorous, and they devour their prey. Actually, they are not predators, but scavengers. But they do jump and bite, so keep your hands away. They cannot see over three meters or so, but they can smell meat several kilometers away. So, don’t be smelly! They eat bones and all. Not one little bit of a carcass remains when they are finished.
And then the Wombats! Have you ever seen a Wombat? Such fun, easy going characters they are…and a delight to watch mosey around.
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| Wombat |
But watch out! Don’t stick your hand in a hole to pet one. Their back side is cartilage the strength of steel, and their refuge from attack is to go head first into their hole. When a predator sticks a paw or face into get to the soft side of the Wombat, the Wombat pushes their steel-strength rump up against the top of the mound crushing the intruder.
And then the Koalas! Oh, so cute and adorable. We got to pet one.
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| Koala |
They feed on Eucalyptus leaves only. All the water they need comes from the leaves, so they never go down to the ground, lest they get eaten by predators. The qualities of pure innocence seem to emanate from these creatures. They intend no harm to anyone. They are like a little baby in your arms that soaks in the love, gives unqualified love back, and knows no guile.
Enough of play…
The lecture that evening was held in a most beautiful venue—the Baha’i Faith Center in Hobart.
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| Hobart Auditorium |
Newcomers came looking for healing, and they found it. I had many heartfelt conversations with seekers afterward looking to complete their healing thoughts and continue on their journey of understanding Truth better. One mother poured out a story of woe that had troubled her for years, but now was finding freedom, and asked me to pray for her. I said, “Of course.” And have enjoyed seeing her in the arms of Love ever since.
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| Kathy and me |
Beautiful pictures, great nature lesson, lovely messages of spirituality, healing, and your own joy with your dear wife. Thanks for sharing.
Elaine in Virginia
LOVE traveling Australia with you, enjoy the photos much and the wonderful insights. So glad your wife can be with you now too, have fun! ;o) And tremendous thanks for this blog, very much appreciated
It’s been so wonderful to share your trip and many adventures. Of course, I especially loved all the beautiful animals today. Many thanks, Evan. Peggy
I enjoyed reliving my visit to Tasmania through your pictures. Many wonderful memories—-including seeing a Tasmanian Devil in the wild (quite a rare experience, I think.
You are doing, seeing and sharing so much good. So much gratitude to you for bringing so much joy and inspiration.
Thank you for taking the time to “take us along” with you on your extensive trip. While I almost never “comment,” I do daily read your supportive and “spirit-filled” messages, and find that they do just that!
Beautiful images and ideas here! Thank you for sharing and uplifting my day. Mary