A Perfect Day for Finding Scarecrows

Sunday 31 October 

Scarecrows! 

Before we go there, a brief look at the Hungry Hiker walk this Wednesday. The forecast was for an 80% chance of heavy rain. The decision was made to do a city river walk where, if necessary, we could find other options to entertain us.

A light drizzle as we set off was not a deterrent, but after 9 km, the extreme, energy sapping humidity had us drenched with sweat!

On reaching New Farm Park and enjoying the last of the jacaranda colour, the emerging red of the poinciana blooms and the multi colours and perfumes of the roses, the decision was made to take the ferry back to the city and have an early lunch in air conditioned comfort.

View through the Jacarandas in New Farm Park to the city skyline. Most of the blooms have fallen and its vivid green fern-like foliage is emerging.

Note the red of the poincaina. Soon it will be as vibrant as the purple of the jacaranda. 

An amazingly huge clump of 'Dancing Lady' orchid.

And now to find the scarecrows.

Saturday 31 Oct, saw the thermometer rising to 35C. Our visit was Sunday. Jocelyn and I quickly made the decision to leave Mt Warren Park at 6am to beat the heat. We woke to a cooler morning, but had no idea that the thermometer would drop so dramactically! Thankfully we had both put a jacket in the car as the maximum never rose above 17C.

It was pure bliss. Fresh mountain air, wonderful views, glorious tree lined avenues and magnificent gardens gave us feeling that a magic carpet had transported us across the globe to a perfect spring day in England. 

Breakfast view and a favourite launching pad for paragliders. None on this day, as the wind was far too gusty. We had to hang onto the table and bits and bobs, to stop them flying away.

There were 82 scarecrows in total and I believe we found 90% of them, driving slowly and taking time to stop and admire them and their surrounds.

There were many different categories and overall, we felt that the majority didn't fit our definition of 'scarecrow'. It didn't matter. It was wonderful to see so many of the community participating.  We loved them so much that the time passed without our noticing. We were very surprised that it was 2pm when we thought about lunch!

Definitely not scarecrows, but a wonderful display representing an Aussie song - Give me a home among the gum trees, With lots of plum trees, A sheep or two, a k-kangaroo, A clothesline out the back, Verandah out the front,  And an old rocking chair!"

How amazing is this horse? It won best creative. 

Title - The twins finish primary school!

Winner of the best kindy / daycare.

A very glamorous scarecrow.

Boy scouts entry.

Overall winner, and our choice too - St Bernards Primary School. 

Title - Walking to the Bus

Title - Good morning Ma'am.

The witches were having a few problems.

I'm hoping to create this lad for my garden.

'Best first time in the field' winner. Sadly the wind had blown over the arch, but we voted for 'Ben - 01'

Another favourite! 

A visit to Tamborine Mountain never disappoints. Today's temperature, the marvellous scarecrows and the wonderful company of my friend Jocelyn, made today perfect!

I would love to read your comment.

The Joy of the Jacaranda

 October 2021

Jacarandas are native to South America and do very well in our sub tropical climate. They are deciduous, but only briefly, dropping their leaves in late winter /early spring. Their flowers appear early October with  fern-like leaves returning mid November, creating a welcome, green canopy of shade for summer.

Spotting the jacaranda's spectacular, lavendar blooms always boosts one's spirits. You can be driving through a leafy green suburb or out in the country, when suddenly a splash of purple bursts forth. It never fails to give me an injection of pure joy.  The streets and parks that have them planted tree after tree, are a glorious sight, with their lavender canopy of almost fluorescent blooms.  All too soon, they are showering the ground, road and footpaths with a carpet of intense colour.

This quote expresses the thrill of jacaranda month far more adequately than I.

"We always like to think of Jacaranda Season as an opportunity to connect with a sense of wonder - seeing the trees do their purple freeze-frame fireworks display; or just glancing up and seeing the sky through a curtain of purple blooms - there's nothing like these moments to plug us into a sense of gratitude for the here and now."

 The Hungry Hikers went on a Jacaranda search and in doing so, were able to record a total of 7 km walked. I'll now let my images do the talking.

Goodna Parklands

Spot the kangaroos!

Pring St, Tarragindi.

In a previous post I mentioned visiting the Kalbar Hay Bale Sculptures and a garden cafe that was closed. I have since visited with my husband and neighbours. It was a lovely morning sitting with our coffee under the giant trees, enjoying the gardens revived by the fortnight's rainfall.

This past weekend Joc and I visited the Tamborine Scarecrow Festival. We were wowed by the scarcrows and even more purple colour.

This corner of a friend's garden, beckons one to come and sit awhile.

 

And finally, that splash of colour on my morning walk, complimented by the dawn chorous.

Digressing from jacarandas, I have to share the sunrise of a few mornings ago, followed by a post dawn chorous.

Aristotle - "In all things of nature there is something marvellous."

I would love to read your comment.