An Accidental Monday Drive

Tallebudgera Creek Road

Missed the turn off to get back onto Old Coach Road heading the back way to my new housesit... and jeez...they weren't kidding when they said it was a short drive to the hinterland. Not even 10min. out! I found myself in some very beautiful countryside, driving through narrow winding roads, lush green hills, just as the sun was softening towards evening.

Quite a peaceful & relaxing drive, a very pleasant surprise :D

Gold Coast, QLD

Moved into the housesit at Reedy Creek this weekend, will be taking care of a couple of dogs, Chevi & Rudi, and a cat, Kimba, for the next 3 weeks, giving me a chance to explore the Gold Coast area a bit better.


The Gold Coast is "Famous for its sun, surf and sand, Gold Coast City stretches along 57 kilometres of coastline. Beyond the beautiful beaches, is vast rainforest hinterland with breathtaking scenery - all a short drive from our regional centres" and located about an hour south of Brisbane.


[ Mom & Dad, this is the area we explored when we came up to Queensland from Sydney, we stayed at Kirra Beach ]

Last Week in Brissy

Can you beleive I found free 'camping' in the heart of the city?!

There's actually two options in West End, Orleigh Park & Riverside Drive, where travellers seem to be allowed to park overnight...although I am sure you'd get shuffled along fairly quickly if you decided to set up permanent camp here. Lots of morning runners, cyclists & rowers in these beautiful riverfront park areas.

Week 3 - Sunshine Coast, QLD

Monday, December 13, 2010

YAY! Woke up to blue skies & a refreshing breeze this morning!

Coopers Lookout, QLD

I stumbled across a great place to stop last night, Coopers Lookout, just outside of Mooloolabah, south of Cartwright Point. I was pleased to find out it had everything, beach access, BBQs, picnic tables, a shower block AND it was free (always a bonus!).

Spent a leisurely morning walking, doing yoga, swimming & meditating on the beach. And now for a full breakfast of eggs, tomatoes, roasted red peppers & potatoes, done on the BBQ. Yummy!

All very reminiscent of my time in Tasmania (well except for the beach part).

Oh! I can’t forget to mention that I met a lovely older PEI couple! How odd is that?! Supposedly they sailed from South Carolina to Noosa a couple of years ago, fell in love with Mooloolabah, sold their sail boat and now come back every year for 3-6 months. Amazing.

Week 3 - Sunshine Coast, QLD

Sunday, December 12, 2010

I debated with myself all week whether it would be a good idea to continue with my plans to move out of my warm, dry & cozy bedroom at the Bardon House to camp this week.

It was looking good the last couple of days, the sun came back; gorgeous clear blue skies, hot & humid.

And of course now that I’ve bit the bullet…. all packed into Leah’s cozy little van, some clothes, some food, some art, some rain….and some more rain….

I actually dreamt that the raindrops hitting the roof were balloons popping.

Week 3 - Sunshine Coast, QLD

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Sait Family Christmas Bash

Located inland from Noosa on the Sunshine Coast (about 1.5hours north of Brisbane) at their stunning family home. This Christmas party has been going strong for the last 8-12 years, doubling as Tania’s father’s company Christmas function, all his kids invite their friends up for a weekend of live bands, Christmas sing-a-longs, delicious food & good, silly, fun times.

Really wish I'd gotten a photo of this house, it is perfectly set up for an insane pool party a la Hollywood style! The house’s balconies overlook the pool & its decks, across the pool from the house is a covered patio where Tania’s brother, Adam, sets his band up. Later in the evening, after the band has played their set, anyone feeling musically talented can get up, play and/or sing. A truely creative & talented bunch of people!

I feel privileged for having been invited to this fun event. Thanks Tania!

Week 2 - Brisbane Coast, QLD

Back to Cleveland & Raby Bay    
       

Another trip back to the coast, have really been missing the ocean recently…the pounding surf, the cooling breezes, the invigorating smell, the sand between the toes, yes all those things and more.

Raby Bay, QLD

The ocean is truly a balm for the soul.

Week 2 - Brisbane Coast, QLD

A Day of Rainbows!

Despite the weather, light showers off & on all afternoon. I hit the road one day straight after work and made my way down the Brisbane Coast to Victoria Point and worked my way up to Cleveland. Somehow, it was all timed out perfectly, every time I stopped, the rain cleared off, and just as I would be ready to leave the forerunner raindrops would start to spit down.

I saw an amazing number and variety of rainbows; from full double arcs, to single arcs, to one blazing up from the ocean’s surface, to ones jumping from cloud to cloud.

Not only was I blessed with rainbows (5-6 of them honestly!), but also spectacular sunbursts, dramatic heavy skies, vivid greens that you only get after a rain and a beautiful amber sunset.

Halloran Point was stunning, although under construction at the moment, it has a great bike trail right along the waterfront, lots of picnic tables and a free shower block.

Halloran Point, QLD

Week 1

Rain. Rain…and yes…more rain.

Was planning to get out & camp; tour the beaches closest to Brisbane…

Rain, rain, go away, come again another day!

Bluey

Lucky me!

I don’t know how I did it, but I somehow managed to talk Leah into lending me her campervan ‘Bluey’ for the 3 weeks she’s in Malaysia. AND she’s given me free reign to add some artwork to the interior :D