Dad-on-Holiday

The Camus family, Sweezus and Gaius walked over to Granite Island via the causeway.

What are we going to see? asked Camus, in a dad-on-holiday voice.

PENGUINS! shouted the twins.

Fairy penguins, said Francine.

FAIRY PENGUINS! cried Catherine.

Where? asked Jean,looking around at the bare granite rocks.

We have to look for them, said Sweezus. They live in their burrows. Let's climb up these steps.

They climbed the steps, stopping at the top to admire the spectacular view of the ocean waves crashing onto the rocks below.

How beautiful, said Francine.

Penguins! said Catherine. I want to see penguins!

Where are they? asked Camus. I thought they'd be all over the place.

Oh no, said Gaius. They'll be out fishing. But look over there. Those are their burrows.

Where? said Catherine.

Those holes under the rocks, said Sweezus. See all the white marks? That's their poo.

Poopoo! said Jean.

Poopoo! said Catherine. Mummy, I need the toilet.

Me too, said Jean.

Oh merde! said Camus. Francine where is the toilet?

Back down the steps, said Francine. Would you like to take them?

Alright, sighed Camus. Just give me the wipes.

He took the twins by the hand and set off heavily down the wooden steps.

Francine sat down on a rock. Sweezus and Gaius did the same.

We don't know much about penguins, she admitted. We should have done more research.

I know something, said Gaius. I've made a study of birds. There are only one hundred and fifty fairy penguins left on this island. There used to be more. You see that small island over there? That's West Island. Over two thousand fairy penguins live there. And that's because it's difficult for humans to reach.

The children will be disappointed, said Francine. Let's hope the kiosk is open.

Yes, let's hope so, said Gaius. My breakfast has completely worn off.

Mine too, said Sweezus. I'm starving! Let's go down before the others come back.