On the Way to the Dentist

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Monday 18 May

I had a dental check up at Teacher's Union Health, in the City, at 3.10pm, on this day. I decided to organise a catch up with a cousin who lives near the Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens, at 12.30pm, for a short walk and coffee, before my appointment.

After exploring the newly created area beside the Legacy Way, we decided to follow a road up and over the hill behind a sculptured tower. This tower is the ventilation shaft for the Legacy Way Tunnel, which opens this weekend.

                                       

Our decision to head up the road was unbelievably rewarding. I have spent many hours in these gardens when my boys [29, 27] were smaller. In more recent times I have visited, but not realising the changes that have been made, I've just enjoyed my favourite spaces. I was stunned at how extensive the gardens have become and the fact that I was totally unaware of the vast new areas. It turned out to be 2 hours walking, no coffee and a dash to the dentist.

We were blown away by this discovery. How could we have not heard about it from a friend. Created in 1995 to celebrate 50 years of peace after WW2

After walking across a wooden bridge, over a dry creek bed, you enter this court yard. View to the left.

View to the right

               

The plaques are not just for those who lives were lost, but for remembering all who were affected, especially the families at home. Cullen is my maiden name, but these men are not relations.

The surrounding garden plantings are to represent the land, sea, and the distance to battle.

Continuing our meanderings, each new discovery convinced us that Brisbane's Botanical Gardens compete with the astounding King's Park in Perth.

                           
                   Tranquill lagoon.

                      Rainforest and gurgling stream.

 Bunya Tree grove

 Even a view of Brisbane

              Rose sculpture in the rose garden.

And we just had to return through my long term favourite, the Japanese garden.

Now to find time for a relaxed full day visit.

Two days later my walking buddies and I returned to Brisbane Forest Park, to again enjoy Enoggera Dam Reserve. We were greeted by 2 very passive curlews.

We discovered that a grassy canoe entry point had been created.

What bliss to be gently paddling on a perfect day.

After lunch we drove further up the mountain to Jollys Lookout to head off on the 8 km return Thylogale Track. We are often disappointed with directions and distance markers. We did love this walk with its vistas to Moreton Island, Redcliffe, Brisbane, canopies of thick leafy greens and its mossy fallen trees. Tonight however, I discovered that we had missed a huge Moreton Bay Fig, so dignified that it warranted a board walk around it.

'Hiking down under' is certainly a day not to be missed!

I do hope you have enjoyed visiting the varied beauty of these areas that I have enjoyed so much in the past week. I would love to read your comment.