Chapter 109. Molly Mook’s Rowdy Rook in Ulladulla
We made good progress through the clear morning, and it didn’t seem long before Ulladulla came into view.
Barry beaked my attention
toward an approaching bird,
we slowed down as it neared.
When the bird arrived overhead,
it stretched out its wings and said:
‘Ahoy, sailors and swimmers,
you look in need of dinners.
I am Molly Mook,
landlady of the Rowdy Rook,
and I invite you to our snug nook.'
I said we were doing well,
but the offer sounded as swell
as the wave just approaching,
so how faraway is the Rook
as the crow flies, Molly Mook.
Molly laughed, before saying, 'It is nine nautical miles as the crow flies, and I should know, for I am one; not a rook, I am a crow, and I fly as the crow flies.'
It didn't sound a vast detour, and Molly seemed a chirpy character, so with the consent of the others I agreed:
'We'd like to visit the Rowdy Rook,
so without a second look,
please lead us there chuck.'
The Rowdy Rook has a Familiar Look
Molly said the harbour would be busy, so she led us to the beach above. From there, we walked down Ocean Street to the Rowdy Rook; I'd shapeshifted out of dolphin by then of course!
The Rowdy Rook was as welcoming as Molly had suggested. It was full of corvids of all types, and played some vids that made you think cor! The Black Crowes, Byrds and Them Crooked Vultures were particularly amazing.
We were ravenous by the time our mag pies arrived, and they fitted the bill; stylishly served in plates shaped like a spoonbill bill. That was some cook at the Rook.
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Notes
Ocean Street and Mollymook are in Ulladulla.
Corvids are groups of birds of the corvidae biological family; such as crows, ravens, jays and magpies.
Black Crowes, Byrds and Them Crooked Vultures are all real bands.
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Chapter 110. Rowdy Rook Pushes Body, Mind and Spirit to Limit
The chirpy atmosphere continued into the afternoon. Elle was playing darts with a kingfisher called Kingsley; Cathy was dancing flamenco with a flamingo, and Angry was playing chess with a rook.
Stepping on Toe, Flamingo
Several dances later, the flamingo was visibly starting to tire, and stepping on Cathy’s feet; but Cathy kept dancing until the end of the song, which showed steadfast spirit. Then she seemed to make her excuses before returning to our table.
Cathy asked if it was time to flit
as it seemed to be getting late
long time since leaving Barry
and his fantastic family.
I looked at the timekeeping cuckoo,
and was shocked to clock
how many times it had gone tick-tock.
Time flies when you’re having fun
with birds, there are no hands to turn.
Rounding up the Team
I agreed it was probably time to go, and we went over to tell Elle first. I asked her if she was ready to leave, but she replied, ‘Hold on cobber, I just need a bullfinch’s eye to win this deciding game.’ Then she threw it straight in the middle, looking confident in her body. Kingsley was a little crestfallen, but gallant in defeat.
I moseyed over to see how Angry was getting on. He’d just cornered the rook’s king with his rook and king, which I thought showed great mental dexterity. The rook was very sporting, although it had a disappointed look.
Leaving the Rowdy Rook
I shouted to Molly Mook that we had to leave the Rowdy Rook, and thanked her for the hospitality. She thanked us for our custom. The others gave us the bird; in a nice way.
We returned to the beach, singing and swaying as we went. Seeing our bottlenose buddies still swimming in the serene sea capped off a delightful day.
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Notes
clock - slang for look.
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