Making the Most of Every Day

Tuesday 22 January

To beat the heat of yet another scorcher 34C, plus humidity, the Gaiter Girls were hiking by 6am. Thanks to Rachel, we explored another local, part suburban trail. I had previously read about a section of this trail, but had discounted it as unworthy, because of its short distance. Thanks Rachel, even in the heat and dry conditions, today's 11km offered so much contrasting beauty for us to be grateful for.

Initially we walked through this relatively new estate, admiring grand homes and gardens.

We were impressed with their signage.

The Gaitor 'Hoppers' crossing the street!

Entering the bushland trail.

Sometimes flat, sometimes steep and windy, dry or lush.

Silly trail signs needed silly photos.

The leafy mulch mound, of the nest of a bush turkey.

This sulphur crested cockatoo is looking at us inquisitively,  but he was actually quite upset with his mates.

Eucalypt beauty.

Birdsong and leafy green shade.

Taking time to see ................

Water dragon

Towards the end of the trail, the bush and houses were side by side. What a delightful surprise to discover these wallabies quite at home. They never fail to excite us, when spotted.

Our tall, straight gums also continuously inspire me.

The bright colours of the magnificent jacarandah and poiciana are now fading and being replaced by the striking white beauty of the buckinghamia, along with the softer colours of the grevillias.

On our return from this wonderful morning's walk, the sad news of a friend being diagnosed with cancer, reaffirmed our belief that you have to make the most of every day and the beauty in it.

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Down on the Farm.

Monday 14 January

My brother's 70th birthday gave us the impetus to organise a long overdue visit to the farm. As always, the drive down was a rural delight. Sadly, on this occasion, the lush green of this 'northern rivers' area of New South Wales is suffering from lack of rainfall just like so many other areas. The nearer we got to the farm, it was abundantly clear that the pre-Christmas thunderstorms had avoided them. Fingers crossed.

We broke the journey at Murwullimbah for a coffee break in their lovely Knox Park and its sculpture to the pioneer woodcutters.

The ibis kept us amused with their tooing and throwing as we sat.

On the R is what I believe to be the spoonbill mother. The whiter bird was either a chick, constantly annoying her for food or a male suitor. She took absolutely no notice.

Mt Warning, the peak the Gaitor Girls have summited and the peak the Hungry Hikers love to hate. It is quite a joke in the group. Four of us have climbed it on seperate occasions. I'm the only one who enjoyed it. Admittedly, Laurel did it to catch the sunrise and suffered from the speed of the ascent. She would like to do it again.

I have a wonderful view to look out on from the back of our home, but I am still a tad envious when I visit my brother, of his verandah views.

As we drove up to their driveway I noted that sunflowers were in bloom in their vegetable garden. Once all our greetings were made, my brother was prompted by me, to give a guided tour of all he had done since our last visit. 

Walking out the side door - view up the hill and the forest of trees he planted 5 years ago.

Nearby, a quiet nook for the birds and somewhere to relax.

Paths through his rainforest, created over the past 20 years, led to the vegetable patch.

Spot the tables for our luncheon picnic.

Views from the veggie patch.

Note the milo and maize growing.

View back to rainforest and house - bananas and passionfruit growing.

And of course there were many snaps taken of the sunflowers.

This is a ripe head. Ian has begun to brush the flowerettes to reveal the seed.

Job done.

Another head had been completely enjoyed by the birds.

A hybrid variety.

Their patterning is amazing.

Close up of the milo / sorghum.

Pineapples about to be harvested.

Also the grapes - delcious.

Garden colour.

Their bushhouse is full of orchids.

Gum blossom.

Our lovely al fresco lunch.

We definitely need to find time to visit more often.

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