Second Spring and Two Potatoes: An Amusing Journey to the South Seas, Australia, and South Africa

by Ilka Chase

In this, their second orbiting around the earth, Ilka Chase and her husband, Doctor Norton Brown, alight on the fabled islands of the South Seas. They visit Fiji where, from the rear, it's hard to tell the boys from the girls. Both are solidly built, both have exuberant hair, both wear skirts.

They spend sunny days floating over the brilliant and incredible world of coral and tropical fish in Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, arriving finally at the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, one of the wonders of the planet. In the heart of Australia, they visit the curious little pioneer town of Alice Springs and clamber up Ayers Rock, the world's greatest monolith.

In New Zealand, it is their pleasure and yours to meet Lady Hillary, the entertaining forthright wife of the conqueror of Mt. Everest, to zoom breathlessly in a tiny plane among the spectacular Alps of the South Island, and to burrow underground to gaze upon the dark beauty of the glow warm caves of Waitomo.

Leaving the lovely September springtime of Australia, they pick up spring again in South Africa in Johannesburg and sparking Cape Town. To the delight of readers who enjoyed "Elephants Arrive At Half-past Five", Ilka and her husband return to East Africa, visit Naro Moru, the camp where "Born Free", the story of Elsa the pet lioness, was being filmed and become embroiled willy-nilly in the squabbles and controversies of a film company on location.

Ilka Chase has the rare knack of imparting to her readers her own delight in the world, and she views its foibles with an eye at once debunking and affectionate. The Travelers' Tips are helpful, and Doctor Brown again contributes excellent photographs.

Hardcover

First published September 1, 1965