Scarborough to Margate

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Wednesday 24th June

After a week of perfect winter skies and temperatures, this past week chose not to be as agreeable. Overcast skies, drizzle and lower temperatures, were the order of the day. Dare I say maximums of only 19C!

On Wednesday, as we drove north across the city to the Redcliffe Peninsular, the wipers had to be used but we weren't disheartened, as we believed our 'hiking Karma' would make a dry day.

Teeth were chattering as we sat down for our obligatory pre hike coffee, but this coffee, combined with the panoramic view across Deception Bay, quickly put us into the 'let's get going mode.'

The drizzle returned just as we set off, so it was my first chance to test my hands free umbrella. It worked well, but there was no breeze so the jury is still out.

 The rain soon passed, but the dull sky stayed with us all day. We had done half of this walk previously. Today's weather gave it a different perspective.

These yachts were midgets, compared to the mighty USA George Washington aircraft carrier, which we spotted late afternoon, departing Brisbane at the conclusion of 5 days RNR for its crew.

                      Could it be?

                           Possibly.

                        Definitely!

On our final leg, the sun all but won the battle to show its face across Deception Bay.

The golf ponds, just across the way from our back fence, bring constant pleasure to us. On Friday morning about 7am, the rising mists on its still surface begged me to get the camera out. No golfers were to be seen, so I didn't resist.

The following morning it was a totally different view and yet again breakfast was delayed, while I watched and snapped shots of these graceful pelicans.

My husband, Reg, Laurel and I managed another walk together. This time at the Berrimba Wetlands that Laurel and I had enjoyed so much last year. The pelicans were all busy bathing and preening themselves, something I had not witnessed before. The wings rapidly beat the surface, splashing the water over their bodies.

So many wonderful surprises 'hiking down under'.

I hope you have enjoyed these special days with me. I would love to read your comment.

Busy

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Wednesday 17 June

This week I was unable to participate in our Wednesday walk. A dear friend asked me to teach her science classes for 5 days and I was not able to say no. As it turned out, I suffered a 'wet school lunch break' and my buddies deemed it too wet to enjoy the great outdoors. Consequently, I made a special effort to do a local walk daily, but found little new to photograph. I am loving the track over Mt Warren Hill and have found another track to extend the distance, before looping home.
                               6.30 am

Discovery of a new view.

Walking in the new parkland beside the Albert River.

Albert River Valley about 12 months ago. The river is at the end of the fence line.

Saturday morning saw a rare walk with my husband, Laurel and her husband. We parked above the Kangaroo Point cliffs of Brisbane and then walked down the 110 steps to the riverside pathway. We covered 10 kms, walking across the Story Bridge [75 years old in 2 weeks time], along Riverside, through the Old City Botanical gardens, across the Goodwill Foot Bridge, coffee in Southbank and up the steps to the car. It was another perfect, sunny winter's day and the best thing was that Frank was able to complete the walk without any flair up from his many sporting injuries, which too often limit him.

I was so busy enjoying the sunshine and company, that on this occasion I took very few pics.

My favourite Brisbane view.

The steps courtesy of Laurel

Strange sculpture below the bridge.

 Hanging above the markets in Southbank a 'relic sculpture' from World Expo in 1988.

A bright spot in my garden.

A very busy week, but one can always make time to enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors 'down under.'

I hope your week was relaxed and with time to enjoy and count the 'irises'. I would love to read your comment.

Wynnum, Lota and More

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Wednesday 10 June

With Margot's knee still troubling her, we opted to again find a less arduous trail. We headed to the Wynnum foreshore, this time extending our walk to Lota Creek and the Ransome Reserve. It was a glorious, blue, sky, winter's day and we quite quickly covered the 15 kms. We were reluctant to return home.

Saturday the 6th June was Queensland Day and Monday 8th our Queen's Birthday public holiday. Government House opened its doors and grounds to the public in recognition of both events. No photography was allowed in the house and because of it's position on a rise in the garden, it was difficult to capture a good shot of the house. We did enjoy watching the Govenor and his wife being piped to a tree planting ceremony, the complimentary lamington, and  beautiful pond reflections on our walk through the bushland gardens.

The following morning Margot and I were up early to lead a 'Camino' group of walkers on their monthly hike. Margot hiked the Camino last year and I joined because it is another opportunity to be in the bush. We were roped into lead, as the organisers were off on their 2nd Camino walk. We took the group to Enoggera Reserve, where we had recently hiked. We were a couple of hours earlier on Sunday and the crisp winter's morning air, added to the beauty of the area,

  My suburb is called Mt Warren Park. The town nestles around the 'high' Mt Warren Hill. Sadly it's bushy, green crown is gradually being encroached upon. I had noticed that a new development seemed to have appeared and on a recent early morning walk, I discovered that I can now actually walk right along it's ridge line through the bush. I just love it. Great views and I have spotted koalas and wallabies.

                          Sunrise to the east

                      Brisbane to the west

                              Closer Brisbane

                       A day later, same view.

I've also been walking at a park beside the Logan River. Koalas can also be spotted here.

On Saturday afternoon we returned to Wynnum for their Illuminations Festival. The weather wasn't promising. It had drizzled on and off all day. It continued to do so, but didn't ruin the pleasure of the 

8000 plus crowd. The highlight for us were the floating candle balls, on the historic, tidal, swimming pool.

I hope you have enjoyed reading ' Wynnum, Lota and More.' I would love to read your comment.