Chapter 7 - Sunshine Coast - Weeks 3 & 4

Day 27 - Monday 16th July 

By 9:15 we at the Sunshine Coast airport to pick up great friend, Fay. Home for coffee then walk to Cotton Tree to get some bread rolls for lunch.

On the walk back to camp, via the beach, we met up with more great friends in Leo and Judy.

After lunch Fay had a well deserved snooze while I made some plain and date scones.  Afternoon tea occurred between 3:30 and 5pm and involved scones, cream & jam, coffee.  When Leo and Judy arrived beer became involved.

Soon Jeff and Annette arrived and the party was in full swing. Red wine and nibbles became involved.

Around dinner time the party was reduced to Shirley, Fay and Chris and it was time for a BBQ and an early night.


Day 28 - Tuesday 17th July 

It was another lovely sunny day, ideal for a drive in to the hinterland. So we headed off to Montville - a lovely village for a long walk, coffee and lunch.  The following photo was taken from our luncheon table.

A pleasant happy hour preceded a BBQ of lamb chops.

Day 29 - Wednesday 18th July 

Around 9 am Jeff and Annette broke camp and headed south to the Gold Coast, while we headed north to the Eumundi Markets. 

Happy Shoppers

 
We were early enough to get a good park and then spent nearly four hours walking three km around the market. Purchases included a top/slacks outfit, two pairs of shoes, one handbag and three pulled-pork rolls (for lunch).

It was another lovely sunny day.

We drove home, had a coffee then had a walk along the beach to the shops to buy a card.  Some of the people from the ship pictured moored off our beach were at the Eumundi market.
 

 

Shirley, Fay and I wandered down to the Maroochydore Surf Club for dinner.  My first round of three drinks cost $3.27, thanks to my birthday courtesy credit (from two weeks ago).   I had a meal called “The Surf” which was a chicken schnitzel topped with avocado and prawns and a side of caesar salad and chips.  It cost $24 and was worth double that.  It could have been the best $24 meal I have ever had.

 

Shirley and Fay each invested $5 in the poker machines and both came home with more than double that, so they were happy.

 

Day 30 - Thursday 19th July 

 
I headed off to Coolum Beach Bowls Club with Leo and Judy.  Our reputation must have preceded us as they split us on to three separate rinks.  However the ruse failed as my new team won with 15 ends out of 20 (second was 11 ends). My prize was a $30 voucher to be spent at the club.

On arrival home I was allowed to cook sausages in onion gravy with mashed spuds and veges.  Shirley and Fay watched on.  They were quite weary as they had spent the day walking, talking and coffee-ing.

Day 31 - Friday 20th July 

 
It was probably our mildest night of the trip and it was pleasant to be on the beach at 6:30 am - with track suit - to get the following photo.

Impressive Cloud Formation at Sunrise

 

Around 10:30 Shirley, Fay and I headed off to Mooloolaba for lunch with great friends Max and Cheryl.  On the way we stopped at two golf shops and came away with one pair of shoes and three polo shirts between us.

The lunch with Max and Cheryl was very enjoyable.

We were home in time for a rest before a walk along the beach, as storm clouds threatened.

Great Friends off for a Beach Walk

Day 32 - Saturday 21st July

As is the weekly routine I had the clothes in the washing machine before sunrise so that I could be on the beach for a sunrise photo.  There were about 30 people to be seen either paddling a canoe, running, fishing, surfing or the most common activity - walking. Of course there was a guy with a camera - me.

The clouds were preventing the sun from doing its best.  The vapour stream from a Sunshine-Coast departing jet crossed the sky.  My phone indicated that it was 9 degrees.

Maroochydore Sunrise

After a shower it was time to hang out the clothes, then update this blog - as gentle snoring put the noise of the waves into the background. It was now time for breakfast.

After mid morning coffee we set off for lunch at Noosa with friends Frank and Barb.  We gave ourselves plenty of time so that we could do a scenic version of the 35 or so km to Noosa.

We stopped for a photo of Mudjimba Island which is also called Old Woman Island, which has fascinated me since we arrived here.

Mudjimba Island or Old Woman Island

We then headed further north and stopped to check out the Palmer Coolum Resort.  Fay and I bought a golf ball marker.  It was 11:15 Saturday morning and we saw two people playing golf.

We arrived at the Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club and had trouble getting a carpark due to some big event in Noosa.  Eventually we caught up with Frank and Barb, and their friends Garry and Yvonne.  We had a lovely lunch.  For the second day in a row I was the designated driver and had to behave.

L to R - Barb, Frank, Chris, Shirley, Fay, Garry & Yvonne

The view from our lunch table was quite impressive with yachts racing up and down the river.

Noosa River from our Lunch Table

We took the direct route home and arrived about 4:15. It was time to get the washing off the line. After our good lunch, dinner was a mere snack of buffalo cheese and biscuits.


Day 33 - Sunday 22nd July

The sea-breeze made it a cool start to the Sabbath. Shirley and Fay walked to the Cotton Tree market, while I drove to other places.  One place for me was to purchase 1.35 kg of prawns for dinner.

Shopping for the ladies was successful with shoes and tops being the main purchase.

We had lunch and then (after a relaxation period) went for an enjoyable beach walk.  The walk along the promenade included an ice-cream.

Ready for an ice-cream

It was another chat and rest period before our last dinner together for the trip.  Prawns were the main ingredient, sauvignon blanc came a close second.

Prawns and Good Friends - Great companions

Day 34 - Monday 23rd July

The first real job of the day was to move the caravan from site 48 to site 33 - about 10 metres away, but 100 metre drive.  There was no rush as we could not move before the motor home on 33 departed.
 

However they departed about 8:15 so we swung in to action.  The move was completed in time for 10 am coffee and carrot cake.

 

Around 11 am we strolled along the beach to Cotton Tree to get some rolls and a cooked chicken for lunch.  Although there was some cloud it was possibly our best day in Maroochydore. I took a photo of a sea-plane that was doing tourist flights.  The photo is far from perfect as the subject would not stay still.

 

Partners in Crime - Alexander Headland behind them

Lunch was lovely. Chicken, avocado and mayonnaise roll. 

Some time later we went for a drive to do some shopping.  We ended up at the Fruit Shed and stocked up on veges and fruit.  We were amazed at the size of the Sweet Potatoes.  The sole sweet potato that we purchased hit the scales at 925 grams.  Both the quality and the prices of all purchases were excellent.

Around 5pm it was back in the car to take Fay to the airport and say goodbye.

 

Chicken and roast veges (including sweet potato) were the choice for dinner.

Day 35 - Tuesday 24th July

We both read late last night and both slept in.  Breakfast occurred around 9:30 as the sun was streaming in the caravan door.  It was maybe the warmest start to the day of our trip - around 18 degrees at 10 am.

The new position of the caravan means that the sunrise is in the right position to find Shirley's pillow - as it peeks over the coastal bush and yukkas.  It is my job to make sure that the sun DOES NOT reach Shirley's pillow - while her head is on the pillow.  I may forget that demand on Saturday as we ready the caravan for our departure from Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast.
 

We went for a 4 km walk that allowed us to have an iced coffee (Shirley) and a milkshake (Chris). I also found the place and time for a $15 haircut, performed by a lovely young blonde who advised me to be careful in Toowoomba as the entire town is haunted.

 

While we were having lunch the blue tongue lizard below walked under my chair.  For the first time this trip Shirley was speechless as (initially) she did not see its legs.  It had moved 4 caravans in the short time the camera was found.

 

Blue Tongue Lizard

 

We recovered to have a 2 km walk along the beach, before happy hour. Later the BBQ became the cooking place for rissoles, zucchini, onion, potato and tomato.

 

Day 36 - Wednesday 25th July

A very heavy dew meant that it was wet under foot, but worth it to get the following sunrise photo at 6:40 am.

Sunrise

 

Shirley was in the shower at 7:30 am so it was going to be  a busy day of walks and coffee.

 

The beds were stripped and the washed sheets & towels were on the line by 8:45.

 

Around 10 am we had a leisurely drive to Coolum where we had an enjoyable 3 km walk along the beautiful beach. 

Coolum Beach

We then strolled along the promenade before walking to the bowls club for lunch.  We each had one drink, a main course and a coffee.  The total cost meant that I was $2.50 out of pocket - courtesy of the vouchers that I won last week.

We drove back to camp and relaxed - all afternoon.


Day 37 - Thursday 26th July

The day was dominated by two walks on the beach, and taking a couple of photos of a flock of Rainbow Lorikeet.  Two of them seemed to be very fond of each other.  Such beautiful birds.

Left - Friends looking on.      Right - Making Out

We had happy hour with Leo and Judy and took a couple of photos from the balcony of their unit. We all dined at the bowls club.

View from Leo & Judy's Balcony

Day 38 - Friday 27th July


I was out of bed at 6:30 am to take my last beach sunrise photo for the trip and load a washing machine for out last big wash of clothes at Maroochydore.

My sole sunrise photo without clouds

We had our last beach walk for the trip.

Shortly after noon Leo and Judy picked us up and drove to Mooloolaba.  Shirley went shopping and we went bowling.  Shirley bought nothing other than a coffee and muffin.  My team came third for the day and I won $10.

The bowling green is covered by a permanent structure

Mooloolaba (Covered) Bowling Green

By the time I got home Shirley had curried sausages making a statement in the caravan.

 

This post is complete. We depart from Maroochydore tomorrow and head to Toowoomba.

Click here to return to the Introduction. 

Click here to return to Chapter 1

Click here to return to Chapter 2
Click here to return to Chapter 3
Click here to return to Chapter 4
Click here to return to Chapter 5
Click here to return to Chapter 6


 This post was last updated around 8:30 pm on Friday 27th Jul

Chapter 6 - Sunshine Coast - Week 2

Day 20 - Monday 9th July 

It was another lovely day and we headed off in to the Sunshine Coast hinterland.  It was a 40 minute drive and took us up in to the magnificent hills that are commonplace along the Queensland coast.

Our first stop was the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. It is a magnificent place to stroll and listen and smell.  Unfortunately it was school holidays and the main sounds came from small children. 

My first photo before entering the excellent new visitors centre was of the nearby Glass House Mountains - so name by Lieutenant James Cook.

Glass House Mountains

The rain forest is populated by a wide variety of birds, insects and small animals.  I was able to get a (blurry) photo of a red legged Pademelon (a small, compact wallaby with soft, thick fur).

We saw a couple of trees with plenty of flying fox.  A visitor clapped her hands and I caught a couple in flight (see inserts to the right).

We left the reserve and had a short stroll to Gardner's Falls.

Gardner's Falls

It was time to head to the Mapleton Hotel for lunch where we both had Beef n Guinness Pie. It was very good.  The following was the view from our table - with the ocean in the background.

The View from our Lunch Table at the Mapleton Hotel

It was time for more exercise so off to Kondalilla National Park and Falls we drove.  The walk was about 1.7 km each way with about 200 steps down on the way in and 175 steps up on the way out. It was another lovely rain-forest.

(Small/upper) Kondalilla Falls

We decided that the extra 1.5 km to the bottom of the main falls was too much so we only saw the small falls.

The car then found its way to the Maleny Cheese Factory where we sampled cheese and each bought a mango smoothie.

We got home after 4pm - quite weary - three excellent walks.

Day 21 - Tuesday 10th July 

Our caravan has a table with (what is called) a wine-glass leg.  This is the main reason that we bought the caravan (just joking). Anyway the wine glass stem is connected to the floor of the caravan by a wide (wine-glass shape) base plate.

We discovered last week that the wine-glass leg base was cracked - and hence the reason for the rocky table - and me spilling my wine.

We found and bought a new leg base and on commencing installation this morning realised that the bolt that holds the base plate to the floor is too short as the new base plate is taller.

So my morning was consumed by looking for bolt specialists, talking to people about local welding people and (finally) going to Bunnings to buy a new bolt.

The table rectification was completed soon after lunch, with a table that is now 25 mm higher.  We are yet to decide if this is good or bad.  Maybe not good for short people.

The afternoon was a combination of rest, rest, walking, window shopping and resting.

Day 22 - Wednesday 11th July 

The start of our fourth week away started miserable (weather wise) and went downhill from there.  We gave in very early and went for a drive, to do some research for possible future caravan parks.

Barra n Chips

We started at Caloundra, looking at parks with the parameters of park quality, proximity to a sandy beach suitable for walks and proximity to essential shops. Our first stop was to experience the best cappuccino since we left home.

About 50% of the parks were easily discounted.  By the time we got to Mooloolaba it was lunch time so we indulged in some barramundi an chips.  There were excellent.

We hugged the coast all the way from Caloundra to Maroochydore. It is a lovely part of the world.

On arrival back at Maroochydore we headed straight to the supermarket for the big weekly shop.  We arrived back at camp around 2:30.

I soon headed to the beach to get a photo of the "angry" surf.  There was one surfer and no people on the beach.

We baked a lovely piece of spicy marinated pork in the BBQ - as the rain started to fall heavily.


Day 23 - Thursday 12th July 

For the third day in a row I woke after 8am. Very unusual.
We had heaps of rain overnight - most of it pretty heavy. Some guys in the amenities were debating whether it was 50 mm or 69 mm.  We survived pretty well except for my mattress having a damp spot, thanks to an open window and a slight leak.  It was going to be sheet-change day anyway so that all worked well. 

Around mid-morning it was breezy and sunny – good drying weather.

After lunch we went researching caravan parks north of us.  We were impressed with two.  Mudjimba Holiday Park for its pretty and peaceful location, and Coolum Beach for its proximity to shops and coffee outlets.  Both are candidates for some later time.

It was time for more reading and sudoku before the spaghetti hit the pot.

It had been a very pleasant sunny day.

Day 24 - Friday 13th July 

The sunshine coast lived up to its reputation with a lovely sunny start to the day.

Around 10 am we walked the 250 metres to the bus stop and caught the bus to Maroochydore Plaza. The same service goes north as far as Noosa Heads and south as far as Caboolture.  We wandered around the plaza for a while then walked home - a total stroll exceeding 4.5 km.

On the way home I took a photo of a mural in the park.

"One Earth, One Spirit"

It was time to relax - again.

We headed back to the "Plaza" for a "Grill'd" burger for dinner.


Day 25 - Saturday 14th July 

It was a slow and enjoyable to start to the day.  The sun was out and getting better by the minute.  So a good walk on the beach was in order.  Some yachts were enjoying the sunshine.

 

After our walk we met up with long time friends (and fellow bowlers), Jeff & Annette from Montmorency, whose caravan was virtually just behind ours.  Later we reserved our places on the numerous tables that were set up for a fund raising dinner - the "Mad Hatters Tea Party".


Soon after 5pm we headed over to the "party" and found out that our $30 included a three course meal (pumpkin soup, roast and dessert) and drinks. The reds included an excellent Wolf Blass shiraz.

The photos tell the story.

L to R - Shirley, Chris, Annette, Jeff (with holiday beard)

Love those Hats



It's all there - roast beef, red wine, raffle tickets, stubby holder

Jeff in white hat in middle of photo

After the festivities the cold drove us back to the caravan where we chatted and finished our drinks.

Day 26 - Sunday 15th July 

A great way to start Sunday.  Clothes in to washing machine at 6:30 am, beach and sunrise photos at 6:35, shower at 6:50, hang clothes out at 7:10 and breakfast at 7:20 am.

The sun was shining.  All good.

It was a quiet day apart from a walk to the Cotton Tree market and a long walk on the beach.


This positing is complete.



Click here to return to the Introduction. 
Click here to return to Chapter 1
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Click here to return to Chapter 3
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Click here to go to Chapter 7

This post was last updated around 8:20 pm on Sunday 15th July.

Chapter 5 - Sunshine Coast - Week 1

Day 13 - Monday 2nd July - Maroochydore

We said goodbye to Lynn about 9:30 and headed north.  It was a great road all of the 170 km to Maroochydore - apart from the obligatory roadworks.

We arrived at the caravan park and established camp.  It took a little longer as we had to do the things that only happen when we stay a bit longer, such as TV antenna, BBQ, awning up and braced.

After a coffee we did a decent shop and stocked the cupboards.

It was then time to check out the beach.  We have a beach access gate about 20 metres directly behind the van.  The two photos below were taken about 15 metres passed the gate.

Looking East, Out to Sea

Looking South

We were now ready for 3+ weeks of bludging, and the taking of sunrise photos.

Around dinner time gentle rain started to fall and drove the numerous happy hour groups in-doors.  However the temperature hovered around 18 degrees.

Day 14 - Tuesday 3rd July - Maroochydore

I had a great night's sleep and was on the beach to take the following photo at 6:40 am. The sunrise was slightly later than forecast, thanks to the low clouds above the horizon.

Man & Friend at Sunrise at 6:40 am - Maroochydore

Although the plentiful rain ensured that everything was wet, the sun was shining - the start to a lovely day.

My next task was to head to the laundry and load the washing machine - the first person to do so today.  The wash completed as scheduled and all clothes were on the line at 7:35 - as the first rays of the sun reached the clothes line. Shirley was still asleep.

After an update to the blog it was time for fruit and cereal - and a good coffee.

It was a quiet day. Reading, sudoku and a trip to Bunnings - as our waste hose does not reach it preferred designation.

As the BBQ had been set up I conjured up chops and veges for dinner.

Note for blog readers. If you click on a photo in the blog it should be shown in a new window - possible larger for a better view.


Day 15 - Wednesday 4th July - Maroochydore

I had another great sleep and was relieved to note that it was overcast - and a good reason to stay in bed for an extra hour.  Not usual for me.

After showers we had a BBQ breakfast of bacon, eggs, tomato, mushroom and toast AND coffee.  It was a great way to start my birthday, along with numerous phone calls.

After breakfast it was back in the car and a dual shopping trip.  First stop was to the caravan accessories shop for a cover for the outside caravan light.  It may have been broken by a branch from a tree during a coffee stop a few days ago. We are not sure.

We apparently bought the last cover in existence.

Next we headed to Mooloolaba for one kg of prawns for lunch.  They were duly purchased.

On the way back we called in to the Maroochy Surf Club to check it out as a venue for a birthday dinner.  It passed, partly because it is within walking distance. 

The paperwork that we picked up convinced me to become a member.  For $5 we get $2 off meals for all people in "my" group.  There will be four of us tonight so we will already be in front.  As it is my birthday I also get a "surprise" on arrival tonight.

After a coffee I fixed the caravan light.

Top: New cover in place. Bottom: New and pre-loved cover.

We then walked to the club and I became a member.

We walked back along the beach and I needed to take another photo of our local beach.

It was time for lunch so the prawns appeared, with lemon, tartare, pepper and soda water.  Healthy living for us!

Prawns for lunch. Note the new light above my head.

After a slow afternoon we changed and headed off around 5:30 to have pre-dinner drinks with Marion an Bob - friends from Eltham.  Their apartment was virtually over the road from the Surf Club.

We crossed that road about 6:15 pm and entered the club.  My birthday gift was a $10 credit on my club account.  That went with the $2 discount off each meal.

We had a lovely meal and a great night, and wandered home around 9:30 pm.

There was more rain over night.

Day 16 - Thursday 5th July - Maroochydore

Although not cold it was a damp and miserable day.  Our repeated attempts to go for a walk were thwarted by the ran.  So we had a restful day.
 
I headed to the beach around 4pm so that I could take at least one photo for the day. I took two.
 

Hazy, Overcast Day at Maroochydore (above & below)

 

Day 17 - Friday 6th July - Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden

After a big sleep in (for me that was 8am) and breakfast we headed off to Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden - around 15 km away.  We wanted to see the Maroochy Bushland Sculpture Garden.  We were not disappointed as it was magnificent.

The rain stopped just before we got to the gardens.

There was a large number of sculptures-with-a-message spread through a superb rain-forest "garden".  The following gives an idea of what we saw.  Most of the sculptures have a title and a meaning, although some were pretty "deep".

The sculptures were created in 2005 over 16 days by eight artists from USA, Japan, South Korea, Spain, France, Slovakia, South Australia and Queensland.  All sculptures are made of Queensland stone.



Left - Spirit House - The sandstone "house" is protecting the marble family, mother & child
Right: Hand of Nature - the rock was formed around 300 million year ago




Left: Python in Waiting                       Right: Snake

Goanna



Top: Leaf Seat
Bottom: Gum leaf seat

Infintity - A symbol of the everlasting dialogue between positive & negative shapes

Left - Black Torso - A woman's view of herself
Middle - Casuarina Torso - A carving of a woman in the first person
Right - White Marble Torso - Even though it can suffer pain and disease the flawed body is beautiful

Two views of The Passage - Birth & Death - The two things we do alone

Equinox - Say no more

Left - Unknown                   Right - Hairy Nosed Wombat

Left - Black Cockatoo
Middle - Chronicle - Remember that we all seek love, peace and reconciliation
Right - Fragment - Piece that broke off "The Passage" (see above)

Listen - Listen to the world and it will speak to you



The Embrace - In the Male and Female embrace they become one whole



Front & back - The Gift - Recognising the Cabbage Tree Palm for its benefits to Indigenous people



Left - The Cycle - A connection between nature, Maroochy people and Japan
Right - Man of Nature - About the links between the body and the spirit



Left - Running water
Right - Sleeping Pelican - The largest flying bird in Australia

There were a lot of "deep and meaningful" signs around the park - the sort of things that make you walk slower and think more.

A Sample of the Signs around the Sculptures

There were a dozen or more attractive mosaic inserts in the path as we walked through the gardens.

A Sample of the Mosaics

We then wandered to another park of the garden where the focus is more educational and floral.

A Learning Facility that Shows How the Rain-forest Works

Some Australian Beauty

A Carving that Shows How a Tree Grows

Looking into a Crystal Ball

All in all, it was a wonderful couple of hours walking though a damp rain-forest and associated gardens.

We then drove in to Buderam and visited the Pioneer Cottage - the former home of a local pioneer - now a historical museum.

Pioneer Cottage

We stopped for a light lunch in Buderam, and a walk around town, before slowly heading home.  I am on a mission to be able to drive around the area without depending on a GPS device - so it was good to get home without incident or a long trip.

It then took me over two hours to sort out my 150 photos from the very enjoyable day.

The BBQ was activated about 6:30 for steak, chips and salad.

Day 18 - Saturday 7th July - Eumundi Markets

Tibetan Momos

As was the case yesterday it was raining and we started the 30 km drive to the Eumendi Markets.  As was also the case yesterday the rain stopped before we got there and help off while we walked the many lanes and visited the numerous stalls.

As was the case last year we tried the Tibetan Momos - a very tasty morsel.

We were also impressed with a wood carving that would not fit in the car.

A 2.5 metre high carved tree trunk

We only walked three km in the 2.5 hours that we were there.

A drive home along the coast was in order.  The water had a good swell

The rest of the afternoon was just that - a rest.  Afternoon tea was provided by the Date, Ginger and Walnut loaf that we bought at the market.

I cooked up a pot of bolognaise sauce to be the main ingredient for dinner.


Day 19 - Sunday 8th July 

This was our sixth morning in Maroochydore and the first where the sun was able to appear without cloud intervention. So I quickly loaded the washing machine, inserted $4 and bolted to the beach - by 6:35 am.  The following photo showed what I saw at 6:41.

By the time I had had a shower and hung out the washing, Shirley was in the shower.  It was an early start for both of us.  There must be a market somewhere!

It had been a wild and windy night so there was not a cloud to be seen.

Around 9 am we walk the one kilometer to the abovementioned market.  It was a pleasant stroll.


This posting is complete.


Click here to return to the Introduction. 
Click here to return to Chapter 1
Click here to return to Chapter 2
Click here to return to Chapter 3
Click here to return to Chapter 4

This post was last updated around 11 am on Sunday 8th July.