Paddington Kookaburras

Wednesday 9 November

It was on a chance drive through Paddington, a couple of weeks ago, that I spotted the Paddington Terraces Kooka Trail. It immediately went on my list as a possibility for a Hungry Hiker walk. Research revealed that there were 16 artworks created through an innovative community idea with council support. The Kookas, representing our Australian icon, highlight the unique character and heritage of Paddington.  They were a delight to find along the length of Latrobe and Given Terraces 

We met early at City Hall and took the 365 bus to Trammies Corner, at the top of Paddington,  a charming, hilly, residential suburb. 

Trammies Corner is a tribute to the tram drivers who frequented the area during their 'smoko' breaks. A large tram depot was nearby until it surrendered to fire in 1962, sadly striking the death of trams in Brisbane.

We quickly fell in love with these cute Kookas.             [Jocelyn photos]

My images of the sixteen. Alas, this little brown Kooka was only found on a google search.

And some closer detail of this extraordinarily beautiful artwork.

It was an incredibly beautiful November day to be out walking, and Paddington gave us so much more than the Kookas.

Shady tree-lined streets, panoramic views of the city skyline and ridges of white homes. Heritage buildings, worker's cottages, and murals were all enhanced by a sprinkling of the vibrant mauve of the jacarandas in full bloom.

The size of the canopy and trunk of this Moreton Bay Fig was staggering. 

Cafe Chapter IV, opened at 8am. After an early start, it was definitely time for coffee, especially with this stunning view.

Creative artwork wasn't just limited to the Kookas. 

The Kookas Trail stretched over several kilometres, all downhill, leading us to Suncorp Stadium, the bastion of Queensland's Rugby League Football team. Laurel, a keen supporter of the game, had us pose for photographs!

Actually, Laurel is always looking for photo posing opportunities.

Another kilometre of walking had us enjoying the spring spectacle of the Roma Street Gardens.

Continuing on, we walked across the Kurilpa Pedestrian Bridge to the State Library, to soak up some history and nostalgia, viewing their "Queensland to a T", exhibit.

View back to the city from outside the Gallery of Modern Art. 

"The World Turns" is the name of this massive elephant sculpture. [Google for more info]

The Exhibit - "The humble tea towel [1950 - 2016] can be many things to many people - decorative decor, cherished souvenir, a stylised reminder of a treasured time." 

They certainly stirred many memories of our younger selves!

Our favourite!

Leaving the State Library, we concluded our superb morning with a leisurely walk through Southbank to our luncheon destination, where we enjoyed pizza, pasta and a glass of red wine.

A leisurely 11 kilometres had been completely enjoyed!

I would love to read your comment.

Birds, Bees, Butterflies and Blossoms!

 Tuesday 15 November

Life has been busy and my early morning walks have fallen by the wayside. Yesterday, even with a very busy morning schedule, I was determined not to miss another morning. Nature rewarded me a hundredfold. A stifling 33C day followed, and I did have to take an unheard-of afternoon Nana nap, but as I set out at 5.45am, the air was cool and crisp, with the morning light giving everything the most beautiful clarity.

My first photo was taken just a kilometre from my doorstep. The jacaranda season is drawing to a close but this stunning beauty must have been a late starter.

Not far away, a smaller beauty.

A little further on I took this lovely palm tree for my Grandchildren, wondering if they knew that trees grew arms?

There are numerous native shrubs and trees covered in a mass of white blossom at present. Trying to identify each of their names is frustrating. There has been much discussion with my neighbour and the best we can come up with is that they might be Melaluccas, Syzgiums [or Lilly Pilly] and possibly Callistemon. 

Perhaps a visit to the library will help us clarify the names of the bushes sooner rather than later.  Having been a slack walker for a week or two, I was surprised/delighted at the volume of blossom on this walk. They were so alike, I was even more puzzled.

Mt Warren Oval

Different shades of colour and leaves of different sizes

Similar flower but different leaf shape.

They are all a mass of blossom and it was wonderful to hear the bees feeding. 

Turn up your sound.

When I travel to Prince Edward Island or Europe, I am always enamoured by the pristine beauty of the meadows and verges. They are in such contrast to our thick, weedy and messy vegetation, that is more than likely harbouring snakes, lizards, spiders and a dead body or two! In this lovely morning light, I grew fonder of our vegetation's natural, raw beauty. 

Talking of spiders, they were in abundance, their webs shimmering in the morning light.

As I walked towards the second oval, I thought the ground spiders had been spinning their webs again, but no, it was just the white blossom seeds that had been floating in the air. 

The bottom left image was taken on our Hungry Hiker walk today - tropical snow!

A splash of red.

A hidden path to the creek bank.

A splash of gold.

A majestic pine.

A magical corner of light and birdsong.

Soaring gums.

This walk refreshed me for the busy morning ahead and reminded me of how important it is to slow down and let nature refresh the soul.

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