Return to Swell

 Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 16 September

The Gaiter Girls chose an early morning visit to this year's Swell Sculptures at Currumbin Beach, on the Gold Coast. The Hungry Hikers ventured down for a late afternoon explore. I didn't mind at all having to visit twice. Both the morning and afternoon light on the sculptures was pretty special.

This year, each piece had an easily read brief, on a poster near the exhibit. On several occasions when I had enjoyed a piece, I would then read the sculptor's description and found my reponse didn't match what had been created. An asethetically pleasing piece, was found to have a deeper, not so happy message for all.

                      

'The Umbrella Effect' had little impact in the morning light, but was quite stunning as the sun set.

This exhibit was a triangular prism, and very emotive given that this time last year, the bush fires were raging. Sound effects added to its authenticity.

We were impressed with these Covid signs.

As the Gaiter Girls returned to our car for the journey home, we were thrilled to see this pelican grandly resting on a light pole, observing intensely, all the the action below him.

4pm and yes, the 'Hungry Hikers' were fueling up before commencing the 2 km sculpture walk, on both sand and footpath.

Views across the bay to Surfer's Paradise, 17 km away.

The Sentinels were totally unimpressive in the morning light, but quite sensational in the afternoon.

Looking back to Coolangatta.

A tranquil sunset and Currumbin Creek, as we farwelled the sculptures for another year.

 

I wonder which was your favourite? I am unable to make a final choice. 

The winner of the Neumann Family Swell Sculpture Award was local artist Mari Hirata's Sentinel.

I would love to read your comment.

Rewarding Mt Cotton

Thursday 24 September

I recently learnt of a trail up Mt Cotton, a high point in our local area.

Driving through the Mt Cotton area, it is not a stand out 'mountain'! Just another bump in our bushy, rolling hills.

"Mt Cotton varies in altitude/ elevation from about 18m [highlight point] to 230 m [highlight point] above sea level."

Yes, one mighty [small] mountain to tackle on this lovely, early morning walk, but the rewards were manyfold.

Going up.

Coming down.

At the top - the Brisbane city skyline was clear to the naked eye, if not in my photo.

Out to the bay.

Looking south. My home is just in behind the smoke. The fire was not of any consequence.

Looking SW to the Scenic Rim peaks and the NSW border.

Leanne was in charge of morning tea. As the notes [re the trail] had mentioned a table at the top, we carried our supplies up to enjoy with the view. I must add, that we met at 6.30am, so it was hardly morning tea time. Unknown to Joc and I, Leanne had been up early to cook us a bacon and egg burgar. Wrapped in alfoil, it was still deliciously warm.

A couple of hours later, after completing a circuit at Venmans Conservation Park, Leanne also provided this amazing lemon slice, for us to enjoy.

Wildlife 

Spot the orange bugs in this image below. We were so taken with the view, that we didn't notice the aggregation of Harlequin Bugs. It was as we turned to continue on, that we were overwhelmed with their numbers and striking colours.

"Aggregation - a defensive strategy. Many aposematically coloured insects aggregate. These are insects that have some form of chemical defense against preditation and are usually brightly coloured."

Venmans Conservation Park.

Several hours after my return from this wonderful walk, I had a stinging sensation on my back. As it worsened, I asked my husband to see if there was a bite mark. He found this tick deeply embedded in my left shoulder. If a doctor is near by, I don't like to detach them myself. A very good decision on this occasion, as it was so deeply embedded the doctor had to eventually dig it out. Thankfully, an antihistame prevented any great discomfort over the next few days.

It may have been a short hike, but it certainly packed in a big wow factor, living up to our motto, "It's not the distance. It's the journey!"

I would love to read your comment.