Amazing Facts About Koala Joeys

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1. Baby koalas are called Joeys. All marsupial babies are called joeys – kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, tasmanian devils, possums & bilbys. The meaning/origin is unknown – it’s possibly just a diminutive used at that time for any small animal. Joey as a baby marsupial was first recorded in use in 1839.
The use of the word joey may have started with the word being applied for a British fourpenny coin. Politician Joseph Hume promoted the use of the fourpenny, thus the coin developed the slang name joey after him.

2. The first time you see a koala joey it is already 6 months old. Koala joeys are born as tiny naked creatures that don’t look anything like a koala. They move straight into the pouch, and remain unseen until they emerge at around 6 months old.
Actual emergence takes time. The joey first pokes his head out of the pouch at 5.5 months, and fully emerges at 6 to 7 months. By 8 to 9 months the joey becomes too large to get into the pouch, and spends all his time on his mother’s belly or back.

3. Koalas invented pro-biotics. Koala joeys eat ‘pap’ – a special substance produced by their mother that looks like poo and acts like a probiotic. It contains gut flora that the joey needs to process eucalyptus leaves. The mother koala produces it from her caecum (a special chamber in her large intestine) and delivers it from her cloaca, so though it looks a bit like poo, its not.
Pap is absolutely essential to a koala’s health. Wildlife Carers with orphaned koala joeys will frequently ask the wildlife care community for a postal delivery of pap from a koala mother – any koala mother will do, the closer the better but any is better than none. Imagine receiving that package of squishy green slurry in the mail!

4. Koala joeys are born out of their mother’s central vagina. Female koalas have three vaginas.

Why? Its complicated, and deserves a complete blog on the subject. Suffice to say that the two lateral (side) vaginae are for the passage of sperm to the uteri, and the median (central) vagina is for birth.
5. Koala joeys are born high in a tree. There is no danger of them falling to the ground – they are so tiny they get trapped in their mother’s fur. At birth a koala joey weighs only 1 gram – as much as a single sultana/raisin – and is only 2cm long.

It’s Koala Joey Season in the state of Victoria right now. All over the state wild koalas can be seen with joeys – hotspots are The You Yangs near Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road and Raymond Island, East Gippsland.
Echidna Walkabout runs the following tours to see koalas in the wild – with a high chance of seeing koala joeys each year from September to November:
Wildlife Journey 4 days
Great Ocean Road 3 days
Koalas & Kangaroos IN THE WILD 1 day
For more information contact:
Janine Duffy
janine@echidnawalkabout.com.au
T: +61 (0)3 9646 8249
Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours & Koala Clancy Foundation
http://www.echidnawalkabout.com.au http://koalaclancyfoundation.org.au

*Reprinted with permission from Echidnawalkaobut


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslAmazing Facts About Koala Joeys
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Master Bridge Climbing

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Another year, another trip, another Amazing Aussie Adventure with another Harbour Bridge Climb. Yes, I can officially call myself a master bridge climber now.

A bit easier and actually even more exciting than the last, but still a test of fear as I push myself to the heights above the Sydney Harbour. Each time I travel to Australia, or even another destination, I take chances to step outside my comfort zone. The feeling of accomplishment makes it well worth the discomfort as much as seeing and experiencing all the world has to offer.
The sights from the bridge are well worth facing any fears you may have to experience Sydney from this vantage point. There are three hundred and sixty degrees of pure beauty as you scan across the city and the harbour. On a clear day like we had, you can see the Blue Mountain ridge in the distance. Each climb presents a different experience than the last.

With varying guides, climbs, and times of climbs, you are sure to have a new experience each time you make your way up onto the bridge. There is a climb for every client and those with fears. As you make your way along your metal path, your guide will fill you in on the history of how the bridge came to be. It is a tale of absolute wonder, considering they did not have the modern building conveniences today. Learn how brave these men had to be up there, putting in the pegs that connect this and all with ultimate precision and alignment. Discover how brave you are as you rise above the city to see the most spectacular sight.

The climb runs all year and just about all weather. My last climb was a wicked windy day, but we prevailed. The wind actually made for an incredibly clear view seeing well beyond the reaches of the harbour. The center provides all gear. All items are securely attached to your blue and grey jumpsuit as you are securely attached to the bridge itself. You only need to bring a do it attitude and closed-toe shoes. Indeed you have your knees knocking by the end of your adventure (mine always are), but the exhilaration of completing this climb will bring you back for more adventure.

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslMaster Bridge Climbing
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Giving Back…Zumba for Haiti

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One of the great things about being in the travel industry and having my own agency is that I combine my passions and do the things I enjoy in life. One of the near and dear things to my heart is giving back to others in and outside of my community. If you visit our webpage, you will see there are several donations and conservation efforts that the agency participates in.

Over the weekend, I had an exceptional opportunity to give back in a fun and unique way thanks to my travel industry connections. My Aussie mate, Melissa Watt, from Travel2 invited me to her Zumba studio BellaVita and the event they were running to help Haiti after Hurricane Matthew’s devastating effects.

My daughter and I, who also participated with me in the event, were more than eager to help as we were much luckier on the other side of the island than Haiti’s poor people. During Matthew’s rage, we arrived in Punta Cana, located in the Dominican Republic. For those who don’t know, Haiti and the Dominican Republic are two countries on one island in the Caribbean. As Matthew approached, we were lucky that its course had shifted, but it did not shift quite far enough to miss the island altogether. While the sun came out for us and we had little to no signs of the storm ever being near, Haiti was not so lucky. The country continues to add to its death toll from mother nature’s beating. I believe upon the last check before writing this; there were now 1000 people dead. What is even worse now for people is the fear of a cholera outbreak due to poor water conditions.

To help with Haiti’s conditions, BellaVita came up with the idea to provide a free Zumba class for patrons and new guests to enjoy an hour of exercise and fun. The event asked for donations in any size to be given and would go to Haiti’s relief efforts. The particular funds from this event went to Hope for Haiti. As a bonus, for each $10 donation made, participants were entered into a raffle for a free massage.

While my daughter and I did not win the massage, we got a great sweat dancing Zumba style to tunes inspired by Haiti. What a great opportunity and setting for me to combine my fitness, travel, and giving passions. There are so many opportunities for us to do our part, and it doesn’t have to be taxing. In a world that seems upside down these days, I encourage you to make your positive mark on life.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslGiving Back…Zumba for Haiti
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Darling Girl, When All Else Fails…Join the Circus

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Why am I hanging upside down on these red silk ribbons? I’ve run away to the circus, of course.

LOL. I wish, but I did get to live a bit of a childhood fantasy this past week at the Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The Club Med Punta Cana has a unique one of a kind experience, Creactive. Club Med has created that in conjunction with Cirque du Soleil. It is located smack in the middle of the resort where you can be the acrobat for a day or every day of your trip. The staff operating, demonstrating, and teaching the skills to vacationers are Cirque du Soleil, either past or present members.


The various apparatuses and skills are available throughout the day at different times. Children are typically scheduled in the morning hours. For us, a group of travel agents that were game for a go at the “big tent” stunts, we had a 3 pm appointment our Thursday afternoon there. I was able to try three of the main big items available in Creactive: the silk ribbons, the wall, and the trapeze.

What little girl hasn’t had dreams of being a dancer, let alone one who can swing and dangle from the air?

It was such great fun to learn three basic beginner skills on the silks. Surprisingly, you will find these ribbons are not silky and are quite uncomfortable to the foot. The tricks require putting your weight into the ribbon leg and pushing through, keeping it strong. One of the poses we did remind us of a lady on a ship’s bow, and the last one was just pure fun. We learned how to tip ourselves upside down. Given more time, I would have gladly stayed to learn more. I understand the silks have taken to the gym in some areas, and I am seeking out a class on my agenda for the upcoming year.

The second apparatus was what they called the wall. It reminds me of how they pull off stunts in movies where people look like they are fighting in the air or walking on walls. What looked so easy turned out to be the core workout of a lifetime. Who knew? I did learn the basic push, a turn and then tried my hand at walking sideways along the wall. I was amazed at how fast this wore me out and raised my cardio. Again, great fun, and I would have continued with more time.

The last event we went to was the trapeze. Here, I buried my fears of height. However, my shakes were a dead give away that I was still scared to death. I think the climb up was worse than the actual swing on the bar. I have to give kudos to the instructors, who were my spotters and safety net. They talked me through my fear, and I swung from the skies. After my last two, I must admit my strength had piddled, and I couldn’t completely pull off my trick, but I pushed through the fear and was flying high. I would definitely give this another go. I met one of the resort guests in line who had been coming every day. As he accomplished skills, they continued to teach him more difficult tricks. It was fun to watch him perform a flip in the air after a release from the bar.

Right now, Club Med Punta Cana is the only place you can get this amazing Creactive experience. The Sandpiper in Florida does have some circus stuff, but it is not to the same scale or with the unique touches that Cirque du Soleil brings. Club Med does have plans for expanding this experience among a few of its other resorts. The rumor is the next resort will be their one in France. They are a worldwide all-inclusive product. While they are not a resort for everyone, this might be the new experience you are looking to check off.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslDarling Girl, When All Else Fails…Join the Circus
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Mind Your P’s and Q’s

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What do I mean by mind your P’s and Q’s?

On a recent flight to Mexico, I was sadly made aware of how rude our society has become. I was on a United flight from Newark to Cancun at 8 am. The flight attendants on board were bubbly and friendly. One, in particular, caught my eye as she was very conversational with many of the passengers. Listening to her speak with the passengers in front of me we learned she was in her seventies, from Hawaii, and still had 9 kids living at home. She didn’t look a day over 60, and needless to say, we were all shocked when she shared her age.

Later in the flight during the in-service, she was the one who happened to serve me. The standard “What would you like to drink?”. I said, “May I have a ginger ale, please.” Her response completely caught me off guard when she thanked me for my manners. She told me it is not very often that anyone uses the word please anymore and that I was very well-mannered. I was shocked.

Is please not an automatic word to use when requesting something?

After hearing this, I decided to keep my ears open through the rest of the flight and service. And oddly enough, she was right. Almost no one was using their manners. I even heard her voice again from the back compliment another passenger like myself. All I could think was have we really strayed so far from our common roots that I am sure most all of us were taught as children.
If your parents didn’t teach you, then certainly using good manners was posted in some cute poster form and practiced by your teachers at school. Seriously, how hard is it to remember words such as please, thank you, and excuse me? Obviously, one simple word can totally change your interaction with a stranger or even a friend. Have we not all grown up hearing, “one kind word can change someone’s entire day”?

For those of us who have forgotten, or get to busy in our lives to remember here is a list of things we learned as toddlers that should never be forgotten:

Use good manners every day.

Say “please”, “thank you”, “excuse me”, “you’re welcome”
Respect others, particularly those elder
Be kind to others
Respect other people’s property
Help keep a clean environment.
Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
Greet people with “Hi” and “How are you?”
Put your electronics down when speaking with someone.
Open doors for others
SMILE
The next time you’re on a flight, standing in line, or out shopping, I challenge you to use your manners and see if you can brighten someone’s day!

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslMind Your P’s and Q’s
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