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This was another week where I had an unavoidable early Wednesday morning appointment near the city. Being the chief organiser of our group has its benefits. I was able to arrange to pick up 'The Gang' from Park Road Station at 9.45, after my consultation.
The gang had arrived early and spent time exploring the old Boggo Road Gaol precinct. Just 10 mins from the city heart, it was in operation for 119 years before it closed in 2002.
Photos from Joc
It was a short drive through the city to Victoria Park. There were a few hiccups with parking, but we
were soon enjoying the brilliant blue sky and hot, but not uncomfortable temperatures. There was a plan, but we were not entirely sure of what we would discover. We were not disappointed.
Leaving a leafy area, our first surprise was this dramatic Inukshuk, given to Australia by Canada at the time of Expo 88.
[Laurel]
A wide, grassy overpass allowed us to cross over commuter rail lines and a busy motorway, to descend into the tranquility of York's Hollow. A real treasure I'd only recently read about.
Victoria Park was known by its original inhabitants, as Barrambbin or Windy Place. It was the meeting place and corroboree grounds of the Turban people, who roamed the areas around the Brisbane River. Above is a lovely sculpture of a group of Turrbal people holding a giant snake aloft, while their children play at the water's edge.
As we made our way up one of Kelvin Grove's many steep hills, we spied this cottage built in 1889.
The footpath leading up to the recently developed Kelvin Grove Urban Village, was inlaid with history snippets.
Kelvin Grove for many people, and particularly Margot, is synonymous with teacher training. I had attended the more modern Kedron Park and was unaware of this beautiful building here, built in 1930 as a teacher's college. Because of the depression, its first use was as a school.
Watching the students arrive for lectures, we listed some of the differences between then and now. Of course no 1 is - no computers, followed by using a phone box and not an I-phone. The list went on..... We still believe we were fortunate to attend when we did.
Leaving the college grounds, it was downhill to Enogera Creek, passing lovely Queenslander style homes on leafy, quiet streets. Making our descent we happened upon The Joan of Arc, Catholic Church. Its title seemed out of place here in Oz, so I did some research and came up with the following.
"Early in 1920 the Church in Rome had authoritatively declared that the Maid of Orleans, who had been burned at the stake five centuries ago, was entitled to be called St Joan of Arc. Her name was taken for the Herston Parish and it was believed to be the first parish in the world to bear the name of this illustrious French girl who rose from humble peasant origins."
Enoggera Creek's leafy pathway welcomed us back from our previous visit in 2014, but I had read of an extra length of path, that needed to be investigated.
[Laurel]
Shortly after passing Downey Park [netball, hockey, baseball fields] we saw the entrance to the heritage trail I had read about.
Created in 2001, by The Men of Trees group, it is short, well cared for and very informative about the areas history. Yet another delightful find.
[The Men of the Trees (MOTT) is a non-profit, non-political international society dedicated in fostering the planting, maintenance and protection of trees.]
The displays were beautifully created, but just a little difficult to read.
It was at this point that we discovered that Enoggera Creek, became offically known as Breakfast Creek. I had been a little confused by the two streams. Now it is all clear.
We weren't sure about this piece. Comfort for only a short time.
Was this was another goanna or a dugong?
The frantic pace of city life was just through the trees, but left us in peace.
Exit for us. Entry for some.
On our previous walk in this area I wanted to visit The Northey Street Community Gardens, but was unable to locate them. Today we just stumbled on them, beside the heritage trail. They include an organic market garden, kitchen garden,fruit orchards, chicken runs, a nursery and a weekend farmer's market and cafe. [not open today] They weren't entirely flourishing as I had expected. Perhaps end of summer blues and our dry weather.
After wandering through the gardens, we recrossed the creek, climbed several steep streets and found ourselves at the entrance to the Victoria Park Golf Links. Part of the plan was to eat in the canteen of the mini golf course and play 9 of its holes. The day was getting away from us and as we followed the pathways, we were so impressed by the vegetable beds lining them, that when the bistro appeared before the canteen, we took a right turn. Good decision.
Feeling quite replenished and relaxed, it was a short stroll on a footpath through the golf course, to return to Yorks Hollow. We enjoyed its tranquility yet again, and watched the birds endless diving and splashing.
How lovely is our city, that we can find 12 kms to walk without hearing, seeing or feeling her hectic pace of life? I would love to read your comment.
Eucalyptus blossom.
Magpie Lark or Pee Wee
