Scenic Rim and Other Things.

 Saturday 22nd November

An early start to the day was made, to deliver my cousin to Cabarita Beach to visit her elderly friend. Once again my friend Pam joined me to explore the beautiful hinterland of Northern New South Wales for the day.

Coffee view of Cabarita Beach, with the waves pumping and hundreds of surfers making the most of the fabulous conditions. [Can't see them all here, though]

Mighty, amazing, unbelieveable nature's determination.

A wonderful rural drive took Pam and I to the small village of Tyalgum, for a delicious morning tea and coffee.

On the way - thinking of you, Bill.

Tyalgum is a tiny village surrounded by the rim of an ancient volcano. This day was cool and overcast with a watery feel. Clouds drifted over the blue rim. With the lush, rural green countryside in the foreground, it was impossible not to stop on the side of the road and enjoy the vista.

Much of today's driving was through beautiful canopies of trees.  The poincianas and flame trees have been magnificent this late spring / early summer. Time to stop again.

Our destination was now Tweed Heads, to visit my sister in law. Our route took us through cane fields and beside the the wonderful Tweed River. Note the rim in the background.

Mags's view. One more poiciana .

The following Tuesday the Gaiter Girls set off on a local misty walk . Poinciana reflections.

Spot the pelican.

Yes, it is definitely poinciana time.

Can't beeat a gum though!

Yesterday Today Tomorrow, Brunsfolia or Francisia.

A week later we were walking the Denis Lake and Springwood Conservation Park trails.

Australian Grebe

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo.

Little Black Cormorant.

20 November - the owner of this vehicle was rather early for Christmas.

This post was begun at 4.30 am. The Corellas were awake and raucously calling, non stop! I couldn't sleep so commenced writing, this sitting on the patio, in the cool morning air. 

Turn your sound up so you become aware of what we listen to for a good hour every morning and then throughout the day. I'm not complaining but I would like to sleep a little longer!

Sun up.

16 days to Christmas - I hope you are feeling relaxed and looking forward to the peace and joy of Christmas and family.

I would love to read your comment.

A Very Early Rise

Sunday 30 November

The Hungry Hikers are planning their Christmas celebration. Joc asked me to join her on an early morning walk Sunday, to check out the potential of a particular spot beside the Brisbane River. I quickly agreed and in discussing a meet time, we agreed that we should make it early enough to witness sunrise.

We both follow Instagram's, brizzpic. Mark Coleman is an amazing photographer "finding beauty from above and below", especially along the Brisbane River. It was his Saturday morning post that prompted us to make this decision.

3.30 am saw me hit the M1 to the city. Sheer bliss to drive at this hour. 100k/h all the way. At exactly 

4 am, I was parked and meeting Joc at Wilson's Point that overlooks the Story Bridge and the city to the west.

In the short time that it took us to take the lift to the lower level, the sky had already become brighter. As we walked under the bridge, colour was filling the horizon and reflecting on the river.

 We had a destination in mind for watching the sun rise behind the bridge, but kept on having to pause to enjoy the reflections glowing on the river surface.

4.23 am

Our chosen spot was in a slightly elevated position and we were happy to see clouds forming to the east.

Sunrise was at 4.43 am. This is what we enjoyed as we waited over the next 20 minutes.

Slightly more elevated.

Time to move on. We had a picnic spot to find.

This Spiral Ginger caught my eye . 

Nearing the Kangaroo Cliffs Footbridge, the sky's colour was changing from the reds to soft yellows and whites. It was quite an awesome sight with the red of the Poinciana Trees, bridge and bougainvillea.

Further on, around the bend of the river, we enjoyed this view as we crossed the Goodwill Bridge.

We then turned left to walk below the cliffs back to the Kangaroo Point Bridge.

New views

This will be our view as we sit enjoying our Christmas gathering.

The view crossing the Kangaroo Point Bridge

There is a wonderful dining precinct below the Story Bridge. At this hour it was deserted but would have been pumping, only hours earlier. Time for a cuppa, reward for our 8 kilometres walked.

Back at the car, I just couldn't leave until I had photographed this magnificent Flame Tree, and one last look back to the city skyline.

Mark Coleman's photos of the same morning. Taken of above the bridge and from the opposite side of the city.

Map of our morning's walk.

A totally rewarding morning in our beautiful city. By the time we were driving home, 8.30am, the humidity was already rising for the day. This morning I received a wealth of photos from the family on Prince Edward Island. Ben and Nora had been to a Christmas Parade, market and had chatted with Santa over the weekend. The first, light snow fell Saurday evening. More is to come. Now that really is the perfect Christmas atmosphere.

I would love to read your comment.