As I watch Australia burning, I remember a glorious experience a few years back. I wrote about it and included it in my book. I wonder what the penguins think of us now.
Who Will Survive
One of my favorite experiences was when Bill, Natalie and I went from Melbourne to Phillip Island. The lure was the arrival every evening at sunset of hundreds of penguins. They would emerge from the ocean, cross the beach and climb the slopes to their natural nesting place.
The Australia tourism people -- always in good taste --had erected stands where we could watch the penguin parade but not interfere. We were instructed politely to maintain quiet and no cameras. It was magical.
The recent article in The New Yorker about the survivalist billionaires reminded me of this "back to nature" moment. Despairing of our institutions, or maybe fearing a revolt, they are "getting away from it all" by burrowing down in lavish bunkers in Kansas. Or, buying up property in remote New Zealand at such a rapid pace that the natives are feeling invaded by nervous Yanks.
I don't know if there are penguins in New Zealand. But I'm sure there are other sea creatures who eye the shore. Maybe they see the panicky humans searching for a nesting place. Making sure "I've got mine." Then, maybe they just turn around and return to the sea.
good story
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