Muttonbirds

From Pliny the Elder, greetings,

Where are you?


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Dear Pliny,

I told you I was going to Wooli, and that is why you haven't heard from me for the past two days. We visited Wendy and Colin's farm. You would like the farm, it is very spartan. The second day Wendy took us to Woolgoolga, which was windy, and then to Coffs Harbour which was also windy. I probably received these impressions because we climbed to the tops of lookouts a lot.

At Coffs, we crossed the causeway to Muttonbird Island. We looked for Muttonbirds, but didn't see any, unless the bird I saw flying low over the ocean was one. But no, it wouldn't have been. We learned from an information board that Muttonbirds are really Shearwaters. There are many kinds of Shearwaters, including the Fleshy-Footed Shearwater. They are the ones that migrate to Japan. When they get there they put on those little white Japanese cotton socks, and say Ahhhh.

Yes, it was quiet but lovely at the farm. The farm is currently a secret, which makes it all the nicer to visit. It is close to Pillar Valley, but don't tell anyone. Pillar Valley is so-named because of the strange natural stone pillar on top of a hill there. It looks like a pillar.

I am coming home today. Is there anything to eat?