Maria Island…

… with the “i” in “maria” pronounced “eye”, not far off the shore of Tasmania. It was occupied by Aboriginal peoples, then “discovered” by Europeans who established a whaling and sealing station. The British turned it into a penal colony, then the limestone was quarried for cement before it became farmland. It became a National Park in 1972. No-one lives on the island but camping is allowed and it receives a lot of visitors.

We left the crowds behind and went for a long hike. The animals totally ignored us. The main image is an Echidna, that looks like a spiny anteater. In the extras I have put a wombat and a couple of views. My photos of kangaroos, wallabies, bandicoots and assorted birds are on my camera and I haven’t downloaded them yet.

The French celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve so we will be going to a Gala Dinner shortly (we are 11hours ahead of London).. i hope you are all happy and well :-)