Perth Again

I make better use of my time in Perth on this visit.

We see the zoo where the red panda is shy, but the meerkats are not. As my assistant will tell you, meerkats have developed a number of noteworthy behaviors, all of which would be described as 'goofing off' if you were to do them:
* "...one or more meerkats will stand sentry...while other members are foraging or playing in order to warn them of approaching dangers."
* "Meerkats have been known to engage in... what appear to be wrestling matches and foot races."
* "More than one field researcher has reported witnessing meerkats in some sort of singing ceremony they compared with yodelling."

Researchers are now studying how these animals behave in the presence of a foosball table.

We rent a car and drive north to see the Pinnacles Desert.

The trip takes two hours each way if you don't get lost. That I have sunset photos from the highway speaks to the performance of the navigator, who will remain nameless.

In Australia, rural driving as darkness falls can be dangerous. In addition to the ever-present threat of roaming domestic stock, wildlife is most active at this time. Animals are often confused by the sound of a vehicle, running towards the sound instead of away from it. As a result, some car rental companies will not offer insurance for dusk or night use. Thankfully, we have no trouble. Our excellent policy covers the damage incurred when I bounce a sheep into the ditch at full speed. Maike drives the rest of the way back to Perth as I start seeing animals in every shadow and shape by the side of the road.

We never get to Rottnest Island. If someone goes, please let me know what I have missed.