burning in the bush

Inspired by “trouncing around in the snow” theoldfellowgoesrunning i’ve decided to share an Australian version, “burning in the bush” for my OS friends.  Let’s start with our famous Kangaroo.  Yes not even wildlife is safe from the global trend of narcissistic teenagers having to star in the shot.  This kangaroo is particularly tame and seems happy to pose with my daughter.  I’m guessing by those duck lips that’s not his first selfie. Then there’s this guy.  He usually resides high in the trees of our backyard but when the mercury rises he decends to the lower branches looking for cool relief, 102 vs 104 deg.   Koalas rarely drink water as they get enough fluids from their sole diet of the eucalyptus leaf but when it’s bitchin heat for days in a row we put a shallow bucket of water at the base of the tree and he comes down for a sip or two. Talking of bitchin heat people might think snakes are our main summer hazard but just as menacing is the thong blowout.  Thongs are mandatory attire in our warmer months and although a blowout in your underwear could be equally distressing,  thong is the name we give to the flip flop variety of footwear.   While offering convenient lightweight protection, the heat underfoot can soften the rubber so much the plug often slips right through the hole or snaps at the base leaving you holding the offending shoe in one hand and doing the hot coal hop to the nearest shop for a replacement.  I was gonna put a picture with that but feet… eew.  So here’s some Gum trees. Then there’s our glorious beaches.  If you’re going for the whole day you need to deploy the troops to transport the beach shade, esky, litre of sunscreen and double that per person in fluids.  Everyone needs a hat, a total uv blockout rashie, sunglasses, towels, an extra towel so you dont burn your butt on the car seat when leaving and a wet towel to navigate the scolding steering wheel.  Seatbelt burns are a true medical event along with our annual skin cancer checks.

Our preference is to go in the evenings when the burnings rays are mellowing, the sunsets are glorious and the ocean a cool refreshing delight.

Happy Days

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© all images and text carole migalka and ishimages