Magic Minute From Terror to Wonder

By Laurie Smale

MAGIC MINUTE // “So there we were, comfortably chatting by the fire in the wilds of the Bogong High Plains, completely oblivious to what was about to happen …

I do remember the comforting red glow of the fire reflecting on our faces; the pitch blackness of our remote surroundings; and the wondrous backdrop of a star spangled sky.

Suddenly all Hell broke loose!

Swarms of largeish winged shadows attracted by our campfire and silhouetted by the night sky, began bombarding us!

“They’re bush bats!” Someone cried out, as we cowered to protect ourselves!

Then, in the starlight, I caught a glimpse of their irridescent cigar-shaped bodies and it all came back to me.

“They’re Bogong Moths! Our indigenous people used to feast on them over the Summer months.”

I’d learnt all this studying Australian history as a mature-age student.

Their fears now allayed, everyone wanted to know more!

And while our winged friends harmlessy flitted around in the firelight, we talked all about them till they finally retired to their nooks and crannies among the rocks.

A truly memorable experience!

I’m Laurie Smale… Till my next Magic Minute. 🪄

#lauriesmale #magicminute # #findingmefindingyou #terrortowonder #bogongmoths #bogonghighplains

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