One more Strahan memory

We have met many Aussies, and because this is a county of immigrants, most of those we've met were born elsewhere. However, watching the sunset at Ocean Beach near Strahan, an elderly native-born Aussie engaged us in conversation while he and his wife waited for the muttonbirds (short-tailed shearwaters) to come in. I will not forget the tears flowing out of one of his eyes (perhaps from the wind) as we talked about Sarah Island and he told us his great, great grandfather had been transported for "nothing more than stealing. They didn't deserve such a terrible punishment." I suspect there are many others who feel the same.