New Zealand Quality Service Awards

READER’S DIGEST ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK SMART ANIMALS Know how to make themselves at home Shade-loving Roos JEAN B. Some years ago on a caravanning trip to the Warrumbungles in New South Wales, I had a most unfortunate day. My husband Tony had decided to hike up one of the nearby mountains, and I was going to sit and read under the shade of our caravan’s awning. Tony left early as I pottered around, eating breakfast and cleaning up. When I was ready to go outside with my book, the door wouldn’t open. I tried again but it wouldn’t budge. I looked out the window to see if anything was leaning against the door when I discovered that a group of kangaroos had taken up camp under the caravan’s awning. There were so many of them they were pressed up against the door. I banged on the door to try to startle them, but to no avail. They’d found a lovely shady spot and they weren’t going to move for any amount of banging. While the roos enjoyed the shade, I was stuck inside, with temperatures soaring into the high 30s. I was so pleased to see my husband returning that afternoon so he could shoo the kangaroos away. 2 December 2024/January 2025