Last night we went prawning! Lesley and Chris invited us to join them and their daughter and son-in-law down at "The Entrance" by the bridge to go prawning. During the day, Tom picked up a couple prawning nets and water proof torches (flashlights) and we met them down by the bridge at The Entrance at about 8:30pm. The kids were excited about it all day. I've never been shrimping in the states, but with prawning here in Oz you wear water shoes and swimmer bottoms (swim suit bottoms) or shorts that you are fine with getting wet. You wade into the water about to the tops of your legs and then shine a light into the water with one hand, and wait until prawns swim by. When they do, you take the net in your other hand and swoop in to try to catch them. We found that they key to catching them is to move slowly and to bring the net up from underneath them. Sometimes they hop right out of the water to get out of the net!
We all had a great time. Tom was the most absorbed in it. He found so many creatures as he was watching for prawns: rays, little poisonous fish, and a squid! The kids were really excited at first, but then as the evening got along and they grew more tired, they began to get anxious about the things in the water that could 'get them.' Alta left the water first and became the 'Keeper of the Bucket" where we kept al our caught prawns. Olin was going strong until he saw a Huntsman spider. I didn't see it and almost touched it and he just kept yelling "Spider, there's a spider!" It upset him, and being late at night that was enough to turn the tide for him. He didn't last much longer in the water, so I took them both back to the car, changed them into their jammies and put them to bed on the beach. I will say that prawning has got to be one of my favorite types of 'fishing.' It is so meditative. You are with people, but you are also very alone in your search for those little swimming creatures under your light. I can't wait to do this again! Other notable things yesterday were that we got to Skype with my good friend Amanda and her husband and three boys. My kids are loving Skyping with their friends. It is making these last few days before school starts so much better for them to have this 'kid contact.' Tom also took the kids to the public library! They got a library card and checked out all kinds of great books about Australia. Olin was really interested in books on Aboriginal cultures and the librarians helped him find some good ones. While the kids and Tom were at the library, I went on a hike. Oh how I love to hike alone! I'd like to hike to the top of the mountain (more like a hill by Alaskan standards) called Mt. Elliot just behind our house. I haven't reached the top yet either because I haven't had enough time, or because it is has been too hot. It was a nice time, though, out in the woods by myself.
2 Comments
Sue Barker
1/23/2017 14:32:59
So - I just read about all the poisonous snakes and spiders. Do you take anti-venom with you when you hike or go far from civilization. I don't like spiders or snakes in close proximity to me. Sounds like you are having a great adventure.
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Myla Liljemark
1/23/2017 15:43:06
Hi Sue! No, we don't take any anti-venom stuff with us. I don't think there is much supply of that for everyone to have their own. There is a request by New South Wales to try to catch Funnelweb spiders and turn them in for their anti-venom supply program. We are just taught how to avoid them and what to do if you do get bit. Apparently, not many people actually get bit. It is kind of like bear attacks in Alaska. Not many people actually get bit.
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AuthorThe Liljemark's enjoy exploring the world. This blog chronicles our adventures. Archives
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