Another Wet Week

 June is one of the driest and coolest months of the year in Brisbane, but this year, like elsewhere, our weather is unpredictable. This past week has again seen more cloudy wet days than sunshine. Some mornings were wonderful blue sky, only to be followed by cloud and showers in the afternoon.

The Gaiter Girls were unable to meet this week. Mary, for one, was too busy in NY with her Granddaughters and listening to the celebrations of the Knick's win. This gave me the opportunity to again join The Green walkers, on their weekly 6.30 am outing. The village bus took us to beneath the Story Bridge. We blissfully set off,  on to me, a very familar path of      6 km.

Midway, the heavens opened. Most of us came prepared.

 

Janice, 85, needed a breather.

The Hungry Hikers were to meet at 7.30 on Wednesday morning, with the priviso that we check the radar at 6 am to make a final decision.  Result, let's walk. Ha, ha, the rain came out of nowhere not long after. On arriving at Toohey Forest it had eased, but we decided to just walk 5 km and retire to Leanne's unit [not far away] for our cuppa.

Margot, still recovering from her hip replacement, and Joc, recovering from her deep surgery to remove a melanoma from the side of her foot, both joined us.

On Thursdays, I now regularly walk with The Green walkers. A local walk of 5 km and retiring to the village cafe afterwards. It is a lovely start to the day and for getting to know these residents. We were greeted by a fine misty rain, but it didn't dampen our spirits nor that of the local kookaburras.

Friday I spent in bed on an overcast day, suffering a reaction to my RSV injection on Thursday morning. On waking to stunning blue skies and sunshine on Saturday morning, I had an overwhelming need to make the most of it. I took the bus to Southbank. [I am loving how quick and easy it is to do this now.] After a lovely stroll end to end, I was joined by Joc. We found a lovely cafe for a bite to eat and people watch across the man made lagoon.

Joc left about 1pm and I headed for the West End markets. On exiting I was unexpectedly greeted by the first shower of the day.

And another as soon as I alighted from my bus.

Our son visited for dinner and the heavens well and truly opened as I drove him home. The bonus of this constant rain is lush green parks and gardens, so I am not complaining but trying to make the most of any sunshine.

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Sunshine Returns

 And winter arrives with glorious weather. Minimums of 9C rising to 19 and 21C. Bliss.

The Gaiter Girls met at 6.30 at Beenleigh's Doug Larsen Park. The sun was still to fully rise, but the sky of feathered clouds, reflecting on the still surface of the ponds, had me clicking furiously.

Logan River scene.

The Hungry Hikers chose a later time of 8 am, to meet at The Wheel at Southbank. I arrived early and enjoyed our lovely river and spotting the setting moon.

Our walk concluded at The Powerhouse, where the World Press Photography Exhibition 2026 was being shown. A very sobering visit as one is confronted by the most compelling photojournalism of life for so much of our 'modern' world. War, drought, wildfire, poverty, greed and climate change.

I took few photos here, but the size of the blue whale trapped in ice, to the polar bear feeding off its carcass, was staggering. 

Winter colour in a street near The Green, as I walked home feeling grateful for every precious moment of my life. 

Our amazing Gaiter Girl Janice is starring as Rita in the musical Tootsie, which has just opened at Beenleigh Theatre. Saturday afternoon saw us watching this fabulous show. Janice nailed her character brilliantly.

I loved this 'cartoon' of the cold in Sydney. Thankfully, Brisbane's temperatures are always warmer.

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A Rainy Week Finding Autumn

 Week - 25 to 31 May

Endless days of rain. Thankfully the heaviest falls not over Brisbane South. The dawn of Tuesday morning was dark and threatening.

Janice and I walked the Corso to the Schonnel Bridge and the University of Queensland. In the heaviest downpour, we took shelter at the UQ bus station.

We laughed at this garden fence sculpture.

A lone autumn tree. The leaves were too damp to successfully throw into the air. We returned to The Green for coffee, a reward for a very damp, but enjoyable 11 km.

The following day, the Hungry Hikers walked from The Green to Stones Corner, to Churchie and on to Mowbray Park. Feet were tired, [12 km] so we took the Citycat upriver to Southbank, for our coffee.

View from the Churchie footbridge back to the city skyline.  We love Brisbane.

We love Brisbane from the Citycat.

One more autumn tree to toss leaves. Again with little success because of the damp.

Our good friend Jan, turned 70. As you know we love to celebrate. A surprise nibbles, pizza and bubbles was planned for late Friday afternoon, in the park below the Gateway Bridge. We had checked out the area a month ago and the view and sunset looked perfect. 

By Thursday morning we were wondering if the rain was ever going to stop. In fact it became heavier and with a thunderstorm or two thrown into the mix.

It was such a relief when we woke Friday, to sunshine.  On reaching the park at 2.30 pm to set up, we were almost blown away by the strong wind that replaced the rain.  We retreated to  a higher concreted area, that thankfully, was sheltered from the strong blast. The concrete hadn't impressed us when we were originally looking, but it turned out to be quite perfect.

Brisbane has a volunteer classical radio station, 4 MBS. Every May they host a Festival of classics. A music spectacular in our City Hall was the finale. This year they celebrated the 100 years of Australia's world reknowned soprano, Joan Sutherland. Just the most sensational afternoon of magnificent voices and orchestration. Many spine tingling, goosebump and teary moments, as we listened to famous pieces of Joan Sutherland's reportoire.

We then stepped outside to a golden sunset and a glowing red City Hall. Our feet were light, as we made our way to the bus stop.

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