The destination for the Hungry Hikers last week was the tiny rural town of Wamuran, nestling in the hinterland just an hour NW of Brisbane. It was our starting point of our hike along the Caboolture Rail trail.
It was a glorious, blue sky, crisp morning and finally, there was no humidity. There was great excitement when we discovered the very unfamiliar signs of autumn. It was in the colour of the leaves on the ground and, in the clarity of the cold air that had us reaching for extra layers. At 9am the temperature was ONLY 18C. Very cold for a Queenslander!
Oh the joy of scrunching through the leaves and tossing them into the air. A blissful start to our hike.
But, we were here to hike the rail trail!
Work was still in progress at the trail head, but the very friendly foreman called us over and permitted us to be the first to walk right from the trail's beginning point.
The only section of actual track.
Liquorice break at the train crossing.
Soon we were under steam again.
At times we were a little too close to a busy road, but overall the beauty of the farmland and nature's eye-catching flora kept the bounce in our step.
A stunning, unusual, double Pointsettia.
Bouganvilleas
Golden Penda or Expo Gold.
Shimmering pine tree.
A chilly breeze rustling the gum leaves.
Pineapple plants
The Hungry Hikers had found autumn on their 17 km hike, but winter wasn't far away.
The Gaiter Girls destination this week was a beach walk, Burleigh Heads to Currumbin Creek return - a solid, blissful 13 kms. We found 'winter,' Queensland style.
Rachel witnessed the sunrise, but Rebecca, Mary and myself didn't arrive until 8am. The forecast was for a 'chilly' 13C - 22C day.
Coffee at the headland, with just the best view.
The view from the summit of the headland. We walked the length of this beach.
Currumbin Creek
The headland we had climbed and descended.
Enjoying a perfect winter's day on our sunny, beautiful Gold Coast, away from the high rise of Surfer's Paradise.
Blue Heron
It is a joy to be out and about at this time of year.
I would love to read your comment.
All of you under the trees seem like some sort of strange rite... :) I love that hiking trails are being born from abandoned rail right-of-ways. The log train that ran from Longview up to the Headquarters mill is abandoned at this point--- the last trains were 3 or 4 years ago. That mill is gone as well. I suspect Weyerheauser, the timber and land company, would prefer to keep people out. Anyway-- I enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteNot some strange rite, Bill. Just us loving life!
ReplyDeleteThankfully here, the rail trails are attracting funding and are well used by hikers and cyclists.
What lovely shots - but you're enjoying the cooler weather.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful. The temperatures have dropped so much that there was actually snow falling on the ranges 3 hours away. First time since 2015.
ReplyDeleteGlad your season has cooled down. Thanks for sharing these two great hikes!
ReplyDeleteI think you girls just have too much fun! Eighteen degrees here is tee-shirt weather! I intend to revisit Australia in 2020 and maybe will include Queensland on my itinerary and maybe I will be close to where you are. That is an awful lot of maybes! But if it worked out that way can a guy join one of the walks or is it females only?
ReplyDeleteThis bloke joined us.
ReplyDeletehttp://outandabout3.blogspot.com/2014/03/4-girls-and-one-bloke.html
http://outandabout3.blogspot.com/2014/02/and-now-we-are-five.html
I look forward to hearing of your progress re planning this trip, so if the maybes work out, of course you would be welcome and your lovely wife too.
You girls look like you always have so much fun on your hikes! Way to go!!!
ReplyDeleteAt this time of year I am thrilled if it gets to 18C in the middle of the day ... which of course it doesn't so it's pile on jumpers and light the fire weather for a few months.
ReplyDeleteStunning photographs enriched with the usual sense of fun from your little group :)
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