Email Augustus!

Recently I have had several emails from different people asking me questions. It is most enjoyable to be able to answer well thought out questions. If you would like to email me you can do so at age.of.fishes@gmail.com. Some of the emails I have replied to are below:

From Andy: Augustus what do you do to prepare for a flood coming down the river?

To which I replied: Dear Andy,

Thank you for your question, I enjoy answering questions immensely.

I had to think about this one for a little while because it has been so long since my River flooded. 

You see generally life in the river floats along in an easy sort of way, and a flood changes all that. As a fish I don't have access to all the warning systems that humans do, but to a certain extent I can tell in advance what The River is going to do. This mainly comes from living so long with The River. 

So in a few days before a flood, I feel the rhythm of the river shift slightly, it becomes fuller and stronger, until soon from the very beginning of the river it starts to roar. You can hear it thundering down the riverbed, feel the water ahead of the flood trembling because of the rush that's coming. The last few minutes before the flood reaches where we are, from in the river it seems like the whole world is shaking. At this point most fish will hide. Myself I like to wait, I will swim against the ever increasing current and right when I can see that huge frothing surge of floodwater heading down on me, then I will dart into my home among the tree roots and bunker down as the muddy brown water rushes past.

The last time it flooded The River was in August, last year, but that was only a baby flood, still it was fun to ride out. The most recent big one was in 2010, and that was a big one! I know floods can do a lot of damage, and I am always mindful of the dangers of a flood, but I do enjoy a good flood.

I really enjoyed answering your question Andy, please ask me any other questions you may want to, now or later. And I would like to ask you the same question, how do humans prepare for a flood coming? I must say I have never considered how it might affect you, and I am interested to know.

Yours sincerely,

Augustus The Fish

From Jennifer: Hi Augustus,

I would really like to come and visit you one day.  What days and times do you think would be the best. I have a two hour drive to reach you.

What type of fish are you?  Should I bring you anything? I’m not sure what a fish like you would enjoy.  I have a large outdoor goldfish pond and they like dry fish food and the occasional grass hopper.  They have had numerous offspring over some years now and I can no longer remember which one is which.  Names are impossible. You must be a special fish to have such an auspicious name.

Regards, Jennifer

My reply: Dear Jennifer,

I am most flattered that you would like to come and visit me. If you would like to visit me personally I live in The River and am available at any time. If you would like to visit the Age of Fishes Museum while you are there to talk to my colleagues they are open from 10 am to 4 pm every day!

I am a Golden Perch Fish, there is more about me on my blog, whatafishthinks.com!

I do not need you to bring anything at all if you would be pleased to visit me, there is more than sufficient for me in my River. I have never actually received a present so I don't know what I would like. Thank you for asking however.

Your goldfish sound like they live a pleasant life, for a goldfish that is. They are not fish that are very well known for their mental abilities. I have never eaten this thing you call 'dry fish food' but I also enjoy the occasional grasshopper. My favourite food however is frogs.

Thank you very much for taking the time to email me, please feel free to email me at any time you like.

Also thank you for the lovely compliment about my auspicious name, I've always liked it.

Yours sincerely,

Augustus The Fish

From Emma and Katelyn: Dear Augustus

I didn't know you were an actor Augustus?? Very well played I could feel your fear! But I have to ask you... Did you really bite that poor man or was it just acting??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ir_l7qTiZ4&sns=em

PS... Katelyn (my little sister that breathing down my neck right now) said to say it's nice to meet you Augustus!

Sincerely Emma J

My Reply: Dear Emma and Katelyn,

Thank you for your amusing message, I had not previously seen that video, but to that fish who made a stand for its rights I say "Well done!”

Thank you for contacting me, it's nice to meet you both as well. Please feel free to ask me any questions you want and I will be happy to answer.

Yours sincerely,

Augustus The Fish.

I really enjoyed receiving and replying to all these emails, I hope I will continue to receive many more emails and letters in the future.

Don’t forget you can email me at age.of.fishes@gmail.com, write to me at:

Augustus

PO Box 360

c/o Age of Fishes Museum

Canowindra NSW 2804

~Sincerely, Augustus The Fish.