Leafy trails

22. 6. 21

The Gaiter Girls were going to climb a mountain, but hiker Rachel is a wildlife carer. The previous evening she had received a call that some children were harrassing new born ducklings in a local park. Rachel needed to assess if the ducklings needed to be rescued or not. We were relieved and delighted to find them none the worse for their treatment. They were only a couple of days old and it was a joy to watch them swimming with their parents.

                                       

The shaded path beside the small stream continued on, beckoning us to discover where it would lead to.

Several kilometres were enjoyed here at Kimberley Park, before we drove a short distance to a favourite path at Parkview Avenue.

Yes, it is mid winter! This is the lovely Liquid Amber tree.

The following day the Hungry Hikers met in the city and took a bus to the outer suburb of The Gap. The plan was to follow the path beside Enoggera Creek back towards the city, as far as time allowed. It looked straight forward on the map I had found, but it very much proved otherwise. Hills climbed, and circles completed. Time ran out just as we discovered the actual trail. Noone was complaining as our motto is " It's not the distance. It's the journey."  We had found beauty, coffee and eventually the trail, and the day had been filled will laughter and friendship.

Enoggera Creek 

On Sunday, Jocelyn and I ventured to Mt Tamborine for its inaugural Winter Festival. It was a cold evening. A lovely atmosphere prevailed. Patrons were rugged up, heaters were in place, fairy lights glowed and a variety of European styled craft and food stalls beckoned. Alas, the mulled wine supplies had been exhausted mid afternoon.

Living with views of the local golf course, is never dull. Balls occasionally land in the pool or on the roof.  Good and bad putts are observed on the 6th green. Banter, and thankfully not as often, cursing is heard as an easy shot proves otherwise. Then there is the enjoyment of the open view, sun and moon rise and the abundant birdlife, especially the pelicans.

Yesterday morning I looked out just before 8 am and was impressed with this array of buggies. 

A gala day of some sort was about to begin with a 'shot gun' start. It was amusing to watch the buggies zipping off to their designated first hole, to await the starting signal.

Finally, colour in our neighbour's garden.

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A Tropical Winter is Hard to Take!

 13 - 15 June

Midday Sunday saw me make a snap decision to make use of my sister in law's, Tweed Head's unit. I was packed and away within the hour. My friend Jocelyn was to join me the following day.

On arrival, I sat on her balcony watching the river traffic, with a refreshing cup of lemon and ginger tea, before heading to the beach.

Every street and inch of grass was packed with parked cars. I had no idea what event was occurring, but ventured on, and as luck would have it for once, a spot opened as I neared. I quickly snapped up this beachside spot. 

This was the event.

Cooly Rocks On at Coolangatta @2021

An explosion of 50s, 60s and 70s nostalgia

A two day event  of a couple of hundred cars and market stalls. The atmosphere was very friendly and relaxed, even though there were many people milling around. I spent about an hour strolling the length of the boulevard and then the sounds of the sea beckoned me to the shore.

The recorded temperature for the day was a max of 19C and min 5C. The following photos were taken between 5pm and 5.30 pm. Sheer bliss for this rugged up girl, and not affecting the surfers at all. They were still catching waves, well after the sun had sunk.

Looking back to the east, Rainbow Bay [car parked here] and the world famous Snapper Rocks. I was constantly turning to catch the ever changing colour and beauty.

Monday morning sunrise view from the unit. [5C - 21C]

It wasn't much later that I was out the door, walking the river path to Point Danger and down to my favourite wave watching rock at Snapper.

The surf was up!

When Jocelyn arrived, we took a thermos filled with hot soup, bread and chairs to Duranbah Beach, located in the next bay, but sheltered from the chilly wind that had risen. Watching waves is a mesmersing delight and became more exciting when we spotted whales breaching out to sea. Too far for good photography, but each splash brought a gasp of awe from us.

Before long it was time to pack and move back to Rainbow Beach. A three kilometre stroll had us back in time to catch the sun setting and share a glass of wine and cheese.

Tuesday's dawn didn't disappoint. [11C - 20C]

6.30 each morning saw this lovely couple out for their morning exercise. I was very impressed.

Jocelyn and I were out walking  along the river by 7.30am. We watched this eagle have his breakfast, and soon saw dolphins searching for theirs.

Guess where we rested? 

The time was now 8.30am and it seemed a local high school, with surfing as a designated subject, were arriving for their first lesson of the day. I've watched many surfers over the years drop into the water from these rocks, but my heart is still in my mouth every time! 

 

On our return, a leisurely breakfast was enjoyed soaking up the serenity of this river view. We soon had to start packing for our departure. Looking east we had been totally unaware of the storm brewing in the west. Rain pelted down soon after Jocelyn drove off, and I had to delay my packing.

How fortunate am I to have this unit and glorious coast to visit as often as I please. The rain refreshed my garden, so my return home was quite relaxed and a truely spectacular sunset was enjoyed from my study window, as I edited my photographs. Life couldn't be better except for a plane ride to Canada, but that will come!

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