Suburban Nature

23 October

This time last week I was suffering jetlag, after my 30 hour journey home from Prince Edward Island, where I had spent an amazing two weeks with my son and his family.

After the intense greens of the island, I was dreading returning to our drought browns. Thankfully storms had rolled through a few days prior to my return and a green tinge was appearing. A few days after my return, another storm dropped 21mm.  The magic of rain!

Today however, was the first fully clear, blue sky, perfect spring temperature day since my return. Sheer bliss to be back walking with my friends.

Because of the drought and bushfires, many of our trails are closed. We have had to do more research to find local walks of any length. Last week, in my absence, the group found a rail trail and tunnel on the Gold Coast. This week our walk was also on the Gold Coast. Suburban, but green.

Varsity Lakes was a Delfin, lakeside land development back in 2002. Today we were all impressed with its planning and development.

Our first walk however, was at the Robina Parklands. We pulled up to a closed carpark and found little roadside parking, because of the all the onsite work crews. Alas, the 'Central Park' of the Gold Coast was still a work in progress. Spotting a path to the R of the work, we decided to explore. A well worthwhile decision.

The pathway took us around the perimeter of the developement, allowing us to enjoy beautiful views of a serene Mudgeeraba Creek, green fields and grazing cows.

Urban on one side of the path. Shrubs and creek the other.

Heading north beside the site bunting.

Pastoral views to the left.

Looking back across 'Central Park' to Cbus Super Stadium, home of the Gold Coast, Rugby League team, The Titans. 

Info googled at the end of the day.

Driving to Varsity Lakes we stopped at this peaceful park for our morning tea. The Flame Tree was in full bloom.

Our trail around Azzurra Island.

Lake Orr Catchment Reserve was enjoyed, but alas, it wasn't our starting point as expected.

Finally, the path around Azzurra Island was found. Skirting its shoreline, it was so well landscaped, that we saw few buildings. Peace, tranquility and birdsong reigned.

 The Meridien Park Wetland's birdlife, delayed us for quite some time. What an awesome spot to have on your doorstep.

Tadpoles

Black Swans and cygnets

I think, a Pacific Black Duck.

Moorhen chick

Magpie Geese

A lone Corella.

Bond University [privately owned and expensive] has been on the coast for 30 years now. As we drove past to lunch, it seemed an opportune time to take a wander through its very imposing precincts.

Thanks, Leanne.

Mermaid Beach Surf Lifesaving Club was the perfect spot to satisfy our hunger, after a short walk along the beach.

Southern view

Northern view

Laurel always has an eye out for clever quotes. A perfect find today.

I was missing the dramatic beauty of the Canadian autumn colours. Today's adventure rejuvenated me. The Aussie bush and fauna are truely unique!

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Autumn Heaven

27 Sept - 14 October

Visiting Prince Edward Island for my Grandson's 2nd birthday, I was hopeful of seeing some autumn colour. Initially the trees in the vicinity of my son's home were showing just a little colour. It has been wonderful, to be able to watch the colours change from the warmth of his lounge.

Walks near by were also rewarding.

At the bus stop.

A week after arriving, the weather improved and I took myself on a 15km walk along the Confederation Rail Trail, heading north from Charlottetown. I thought I had gone to Autumn Heaven but it turned out to be only be only the start of my journey to there.

On Saturday, I thought our family drive was just to see pumpkins. The pumpkins were awesome, but we continued on to Moonie Pond. It's autumn colours were sensational.

Stuart finished work at 1pm on Tuesday. On his arriving home, the rain clouds were rapidly clearing so he suggested we drive to Bonshaw Provincial Park, not too far down the road from Cornwall. On previous visits, my husband and I have hiked there several times BUT not in autumn!

View as we drove down.

The brighter light set the colours alight and I walked for two hours constantly stopping, not just to photograph, but to stand quietly in awe of the beauty we were surrounded by. 

Views on the return journey.

I was about to post this, when my son came home from work and suggested we return to Moony's Pond, as it was such a lovely afternoon.

The colours had really popped over the course of the week and had me jumping for joy. What a wonderful son I have.

I am so grateful for this special time with my son and his family. The bonus of autumn has truely put the cream on the cake. I have never before witnessed autumn in its full glory.

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