These hat’s with corks handing from their brims were worn to help prevent the tiny pesky flies from flying in to every orifice. There was also a noisy kookaburra bird sitting in the trees adjacent to the courts, who would never stay quiet during play. The bird made a croaking “coocoocooo” and skreeching noise reminiscent of Guatemala’s howler monkeys. Needless to say these things were VERY distracting!
Regardless, I focused and was able to beat my friend Elsie Crowe (#1seed) , an Australian who beat me in the World Championship in the 80’s division finals in Christ Church in 2007, 6-2, 6-4! My opponent in the finals, was Betty Howard from Great Britain who lost 6-1, 6-4! Both ladies were members of their county’s prestigious cup teams and I was ecstatic to be victorious over them!
I brought my prize of champagne to my roommates to share, and ventured on a ferry to Rottnest Island seeking the cute, smiling Quokka who feeds on plants, shrubs, and flowers. Tourists flock there for “selfies” with the adorable member of the kangaroo family. I was grateful to get up close and comfy with the creature who is comfortable with strangers having few predators on the Island.
Seeing those animals and the beautiful landscapes was a glorious finale to my time in Australia!
