The Koala Myth

Grrrr…  I have, once again, failed in my ongoing attempt to spot a koala in the wild.  I’ve communed with possums, kangaroos, emus, bush turkeys, and exotic birds, but the koala manages to elude me.  I’m becoming somewhat disillusioned and paranoid, considering that koalas don’t actually exist in the wild.  I’ve started to contemplate the distinct possibility that koalas are, in fact, a mythical creature created by the Aussies to taunt foreign visitors.  Sure, they laze about in zoos and nature sanctuaries, but they don’t really roam the wild.  And until I witness hard evidence to the contrary, I’m going to take this theory and run with it.

I did have a moment of hopeful anticipation this morning, though, as I hiked up the Mt. Warning summit trail.  I tramped through the rainforest, keenly observing my surroundings, spurred on by the online trail descriptions’ promises of abundant native wildlife.  And, after only a few minutes, I heard rustling in the nearby brush.  I held my breath and strained to see what was creating the raucous.  I was convinced it had to be a koala!  I was so excited that I nearly wet myself!  Sadly, it turned out to merely be two joeys playing around.  Humph!  Under normal circumstances, I would be pleased with my kangaroo encounter, but I’m becoming very single-minded.  I’m dying to see a koala!  No such luck today.

Don’t feel too bad for me, though.  Today’s hike was a great day trip.  I ventured south to northern New South Wales, making my way through the vast sugar cane fields to reach Mt. Warning, so named by Captain Cook named in 1770 because it warned approaching vessels of the reef bordering the coastline.  Prior to his arrival, the aboriginals had called it Wollumbin, fighting chief of the mountains.  And, as I approached the looming rock face, it seemed every bit the majestic chief of aboriginal mythology.  Even the overcast weather couldn’t detract from its beauty; the resulting mist that crept up the mountain only added to its mysterious allure.  It turned out to be a really cool way to spend, what could have been, a lonely Sunday.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy the pictures, which are featured in the current slideshow to the right.