Thursday 17 June 2021

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!

I would love to read your comment.

16 comments:

  1. The shot with the single wineglass, and ALL of the ones with the city in silhouette-- Wonderful! The black car is a 50 Mercury. I'd rather have the Austin Healy though... Wonderful post, Helen.

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    1. I took the Austin Healy photo for Frank. There were some amazing models on show!

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  2. What a beautiful area. The photos are gorgeous. My favourite is the one with the surfers and a bit of the city on the left. Just perfect!

    I also love the plant material in front of the setting sun and twilight. So peaceful.

    I hope that trip to Canada can be soon.

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    1. This part of the 'Gold Coast' most certainly is beautiful and calm. The sense of calm is enhanced, when you look across the bay to the endless high rise buildings and the business they encompass.
      I see the island is opening up this weekend. I hope it stays Covid safe for you and me!

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  3. Oh, the luxury of spontaneity! How fortunate are we living the life of retirement! Thank you for sharing with us a taste of your lovely get-away. When I see the name Coolangatta, I remember that's where the airport was that we flew into from Sydney when going to the Gold Coast for a few days.

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    1. It was pretty special! I am trying to imagine what you saw and your reactions to this visit. I imagine the visit must have been at least 10 years ago. This end of the coast won't have changed much but the rest of the Gold Coast is much bigger and busier!

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    2. It was mid October of 1998, we stayed a week in my friend's parents condo in Broadbeach. I see that would have been north where it's busier. I remember loving the whole experience. My favourite was a rainforest 4 wheel drive day tour into Lamington National Park and other areas. We did the tourist things: MovieWorld, Dracula's Cabaret, Sea World, something called Cable World, Jupiter's Casino. I remember doing a day cruise to North Stradbrooke Island and getting to go for a crazy ride in a speed boat, and having a picnic on the Island. We did an evening dinner cruise with entertainment. I got to experience a helicopter tour over a part of the Gold Coast near where we were staying. I remember when we flew back to Sydney. I got bumped up to first class on the plane (don't know why, my friends did not get bumped up). It was the last flight for this plane and it was getting a formal send off. The employees lined the runway, waved and saluted as the fire truck sprayed water at the tip of the plane and we then took off. It was a world-wind get-away. That's what I remember!

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    3. Wow, what an amazing week you had! No wonder you have such special memories indelibly etched in your mind. I fully understand, as the memories of my hikes with you in Banff National Park are just as special.

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  4. I could really enjoy a tropical winter!

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  5. Gorgeous shots! A tropical winter is lovely!

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    1. If only our summer could be this enjoyable!

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  6. Wow, wow, wow! The crowds of people aren't for me, but those water views are absolutely breathtaking. And I have to admit being a little jealous as we swelter in a Kansas summer, battling breakdowns during wheat harvest.

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  7. I thought you would enjoy the visit Kim. If I lived in this unit, I would never get any work done. The ocean would beckon me constantly. Your seasons are of extremes. Working in those summer temperatures must be awful.

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  8. The eagle is an osprey, Helen, Eastern Osprey (Pandion cristatus) to be exact, if you want to brag to your friends!

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  9. What amazing beach photos, Helen, with the rising surf and the sunrises and sunsets. You re lucky indeed!

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