Only Three, Brisbane

Wednesday 20 November

Our meeting time today was 7am at Southbank. Although we were only three, the glow of the boganvillea brightened our spirits, as we set off along the shoreline of the Brisbane River to the Story Bridge. It was another hot, smokey day. 

Our destination was Victoria Park Golf Course for a game of mini golf. The direct route was only 4 km from our meeting point so I had enjoyed planning an indirect route the evening before. We covered 14 km, revisiting favourite haunts and discovering some lovely old buildings. You see so much more when you have the time to explore our lovely city on foot. Such a happy day!

Even in these dry conditions, these grasses are still determined to enhance this wall.         (Jocelyn]

Half way to the bridge, where we took a cross river ferry to continue towards our destination.

Along this section of the river shoreline, an eye catching tree was in full bloom.

No, it's not autumn.

One of our favourite views from the General Post Office entrance, through to Anzac Square and Central Station.                                                                                                                 [Jocelyn]

Last week we had stumbled on the office tower, named '100 Creek'. Its foyer had this stunning digital mural, with a coffee shop next door. I vowed to return, not realising it would only be a week later. A relaxing half hour was spent here watching the dramatic scenery of various areas of Queensland whilst enjoying our coffee.                                                                                             [Jocelyn]

An art deco building as we walked along Wickham Terrace.

The Old Windmill, built in 1820 by convict labour and once an observatory and windmill tower.

Our jacarandas continue to keep us gasping at their mauve beauty.

Our walk took us through the Roma Street Parkland and gardens. It was a real joy to see the multitude of colours and GREEN lawns.

Granny with a kangaroo - for Ben.

As the delicate mauve of the jacarandas fade, the brilliant red blooms of the poincianas captivate.

We are always in awe of the variety of colours of the peeling bark of our eucalyptus [gum trees].

The Bush Stone-curlew is a native Australian bird. It is a mainly nocturnal, ground loving bird that has an eerie, high pitched call. Blending so well with the dry conditions of the golf course, someone has tried to give it some protection.

The view back to the city over a brown fairway.

Eventhough a tropical plant, the bougainvilleas are quite spectacular at present, given our dry conditions.

And now for a round of mini golf with this lovely Christmas theme. 

Jenny was our scorer. Hmm!

Lunch was taken at the Club Bistro.

Walking to Herston Road Bus Station, we passed the Queensland Medical School. A very impressive building built in 1939.

Almost opposite was this clever mural covering a traffic signal box. Artforce is a wonderful Brisbane City Council initiative to transform these eyesores by allowing artists, novice and pro, to paint them. The Hungry Hikers had entered the quarterly bid earlier this year but sadly, we were not successful. It is very popular and once the boxes are released on-line, you have to be very quick.

Our bus dropped us at Roma Street Station, so I had these lovely views as the train crossed the Brisbane River, on my journey home.

Now that we can't walk in the bush, we wonder how many new walks we can find locally. This walk, although familiar, made new discoveries. Brisbane is just a wonderful, friendly, livable city, that the possibilties are endless. Our absent hikers missed out on a top day.

Re the fires. Locally there are no issues, but with our high temperatures and wind, it only needs one senseless person to drop a cigarette butt, a piece of glass or lightening strike to change that, as everything is tinder dry. Elsewhere, the fire dramas continue with severe and castastrophic fire level warnings. 

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