Enjoying Country Vistas

Friday 24 February  - [catching up]

I had long wanted to attend the annual Killarney Country Show. It always coincided with our visits to PEI. This year it was held in February, so friends Jocelyn and Marlene joined me for the approx 200 km road trip out.

An overcast and unusually, cool, February day made the drive very scenic with the clouds drifting over the ranges and down into the valleys. 

I know the road like the back of my hand and didn't bother to check google maps until we came to a sign that said ROAD CLOSED! I was very disappointed as this was my favourite section of our journey.

The road we were on, continued with bitumen, and as it was a long way back to find another road to take us to Killarney, the decision was made to continue, hoping the road would circle around to our destination.

Alas, only a few k's on we were greeted by a gravel road. Another few k's and some workmen vaguely said, 'Yes, you will get there". It was a marvellous mystery drive, and eventually, we knew exactly where we were and were very happy that the road closed sign, sent us into new territory.

A herd of Hereford Cattle were grazing in an unfenced paddock. We stopped to gaze and take photos. 

We noted that the morning was passing quickly and this field was the perfect spot to have our morning cuppa. [Aussie speak]

Continuing on, the road crossed into the state of New South Wales and then back into Queensland.

LHS - Qld road, border fence and NSW's green pasture.

Back into Queensland. 

Bottom image - the headwaters of the Condamine River. Its waters eventually join the Murray Darling River system to reach the Great Australian Bight, over 3000 km away.

If Joc is shivering, it is definitely a chilly day. 

The Condamine above the Queen Mary Falls.

A 3 km circuit took us below the falls.

A few k's on the water tumbles over Daggs Falls.

Mural in Killarney. It is a country show and we soon discovered that as such it wasn't getting underway until 4pm. We wanted to be well and truly on the way home by then. Next year?

The Tannymorel grain storage shed.

Google map image of the agricultural, Darling Downs area we were driving home through.

We didn't experience the Killarney Show, but it had been a marvellous day in the country.

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Party Week

Wednesday 3rd May

It was Coronation Week. We may not be all royalists but we all love an occasion to celebrate!

The Hungry Hikers kicked off the festivities with a Coronation Walk and luncheon. Margot was a week out of hospital after having her hip replaced, so we organised a walk near her, and we all contributed something to lunch.

 The Corso, is a Brisbane River Walk in her suburb. We glamourously covered 6km in just over an hour, in lovely, cool, autumn sunshine.

Time to get down to business.

Jocelyn was in charge of the King Charles Cocktail.

Margot's hip was doing well and she had gone to a lot of trouble with her amazing table setting.

She had also made the King Charles Quiche in mini form.

Paula, Margot's sister, provided a delicious Prawn Cocktail. Jenny, King Charles Chicken, and I made the Coronation Cake.

Friday 5 May

Our monthly gathering of 'The Pigs', teaching friends from the '80s, just happened to be the day prior to the Coronation. Lyndell was our host this month and had planned a 'May the 4th Be with You' theme until she realised the date of the coronation. [Spot our namesake in some of the photos]

The invitation

I have a dear friend who has a wonderful wardrobe from theatre days. I really felt like a princess for the day!

We would all have been at home at Westminster Abbey if only our invitations had arrived on time.

Pimms and Cucumber Sandwiches.

Dining elegance.

The menu 

Pimms and cucumber sandwiches. 

Royal Roasted Tomato Soup, King Charles Quiche with new potatoes and crispy lettuce, Queen Elizabeth Coronation Cake with Clotted Cream, followed by Port and Cheese, when we retired to the formal lounge.

Our amazing hostess, Lyndell, with the King Charles Quiche.

Headshots taken by Jocelyn, who isn't a 'Pig,' but was the Royal Chauffeur organised for Margot to attend.

The roses for the table.

Our celebrations may not have had all the spectacular pomp and ceremony of the actual coronation but it was filled with laughter and the friendships of over 40 years.

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Welcomed by Feathered Friends

 Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 May

It was time for a mini break with my husband Frank. We chose a cabin, overlooking the ocean, at Fingal Caravan Park, where I had camped in March. We were able to get an early check-in for midday. We spent the afternoon reading on the verandah, watching and listening to the waves as they ebbed and flowed. The weather was much calmer than on my previous visit.

During the afternoon, the local feathered community flew in, to welcome us. Such a joy.

Lorikeet.

Butcher Birds

A single kookaburra.

A kookaburra duo.

 Sunset hour, Tuesday.

We enjoyed a lovely stroll along the wide, sandy beach. I made a quick dash to the top of my favourite headland, while Frank continued in the opposite direction. His ankle is much-improved thanks to his kinesiologist's visits over the past 5 weeks, but climbing could well undo all the progress.

Back on the verandah, we savoured the sunset colour.

Wednesday we took a country drive.

Mt Warning

Tyalgum

We never tired of our verandah view, especially with a hot cuppa.

We were much later leaving for our walk this afternoon. 

A lovely lady offered to take our photograph. I loved that she took candid shots as well.

Wednesday sunset hour. 

Frank was straight into brisk walking along the 3 km beach, towards the Tweed River. I was constantly turning in every direction to watch the sky dramatically changing. In the end, I didn't walk the last kilometre. I just wanted to relax and enjoy the moment.

5.34 pm - our autumn days are closing in so much earlier.

Thursday morning just after sunrise.

Our mini break was all but over, but I did manage an hour to myself on the headland.

My iPhone camera doesn't begin to capture the playful antics of a quite large pod of dolphins. I just held my camera up and gazed, hoping for some decent images.

 

This was the first time I had seen a surfer jumping into the sea from the rocks, at this headland. I have seen it elsewhere and my heart is in my mouth every time. 

Check out done, we bought a coffee at the local cafe and drove to parkland along the Tweed River. The river view was tranquil. It was a lovely way to relax before the drive home.

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