Three simple hikes, each making my happiness metre soar, leaving me with an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness for having the time, health and good friends to share the simple pleasures of our awesome nature.
Tuesday 20th March
A return to the Coombabah Lakes Conservation Park, to the melodious chorous of its birds and its grazing mobs of kangaroos. Great excitement, when two sleepy koalas were spotted resting high in the gums.
Boardwalk through the Melaleuca, Paper Bark trees.
Unfortunately half the park was closed for mosquito control, so our time here was shortened. This allowed us time to enjoy the sparkling waters of the Southport Seaway, as we sipped our coffee.
Finally, the sheer bliss of a dip in the calm, torquoise ocean.
Wednesday 21st March
Brisbane Koala Parkland
Margot, Laurel and Jenny had hiked here in March of last year and were disappointed at how hot, dry and uninteresting the trail was. Considering how much recent rain we have had, I made the suggestion that perhaps it might deserve another visit.
Yes, it was definitely worth it, eventhough no koalas were spotted.
Early in the walk a dark cloud was seen heading towards us. Within minutes the first drops were falling. We frantically put on our rarely used ponchos, as the driving rain and gusting winds hit us.
Such a relief to find this shelter.
Waiting for the rain to ease, we were amazed to see a 'waterfall tree'. Watch the video.
Once the rain was lighter, we happily set off, enjoying the cooler air, puddles and the transformation of the bush from the deluge.
Koala paw marks, but no koala.
I may be the oldest in the group, but must be the youngest at heart, delighting in jumping in the puddles.
Viewing point of a small stream.
The smiles tell the story of yet another perfect day in our great outdoors.
I would love to read your comment.
A hike, no matter how short, always puts a smile on my face. Looks like you and your friends had tons of fun. Love the h
ReplyDeleteKoalas!
Totally agree. Just in from my early morning walk, listening to the birds singing, spotting an army of mushrooms under shrubbery, 'marching' for a good 100 metres and enjoying being caught in the rain again.
ReplyDeleteThe world is a happier place for the good times you rowdy ladies create! The kangaroos seem to not care about your being there...
ReplyDeleteThis concsevation park is a haven in suburbia, for the roos. With so many walking trails throughout, they are accustomed to the human presence. One can usually get within 20 metres of them before they leap away. There would be well over 200 roos in the park, so were seen around every corner, so to speak.
DeleteWhat FUN splashing in those puddles is! Great shots. Brought a smile to my face.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the fun!
ReplyDeleteI love the pics splashing with the poncho! Looks like a warm rain too, so unlike what I experience.
ReplyDeleteIt was great fun! Incredibly warm and once the rain stopped, the ponchos were off very quickly because of the increased humidity.
DeleteI loved seeing the koalas and the waterfall tree video. I thought your bright ponchos and umbrellas were fun on your rainy day.
ReplyDeleteGreat excitement spotting the koalas. It's really quite rare. Many a sore neck looking high into the gum trees for no avail.
DeleteGlad to see you having fun - even in the rain - we have plenty of that in the UK!
ReplyDeleteJust finishing a cup of tea before heading out for a walk. I expect to find plenty of puddles, but probably no roos or koalas, sadly. Fabulous set of images, looks like great fun was had by all.
ReplyDeleteYoung at heart seems to be the only way to go!! Go jump in puddles till your heart is content Helen :)
ReplyDeleteI most certainly will, Lynda.
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