Thanksgiving in Coff's Harbour - November 28, 2013

THURSDAY – NOVEMEBR 28, 2013 Coff’s Harbour NSW

BOTTOM LINE:

Thanksgiving in Coff’s Harbour, NSW

BACK STORY:

Happy Thanksgiving U.S.A.!!!  In the midst of travel in a foreign country and away from family and friends, we have time to reflect on the things that matter most and all of our many blessings for which we are deeply grateful.  Each of you are on the list and we hope that you have a great day…tomorrow! (we’re a day ahead)  We have not seen any turkey offered on any local menus, so I went on a hunt to find something symbolic of the occasion.  This picture is of a shy wild brush turkey that I chased around.  I was finally able to get a side view.  It has a yellow and red neck/gullet and if we could mix the colors it would be a nice Thanksgiving orange…

Gobble, gobble!  (Bush Turkey)

In the morning we went for a long and hard swim in the salt water pool at the motel.  It was wonderful to get good exercise.  Afterwards we headed down to check out the Coff’s wharf and harbor…that’s spelled HARBOUR locally.  The high school seniors were having their PE class there which was fun to watch.  One group was running to the end of the pier, jumping in and swimming back.  Another group was playing cricket on the beach.  The final group was learning how to boogie board.  All looked like they were getting a good workout.

Coff's Harbour

 

The harbor was protected by two long rock jetty’s.  Personal watercraft and commercial fishing boats with weathered nets gently rocked to the cadence of the incoming tide.  Bell buoys alerted the harbor of the change as did the call of the gulls and pelicans anticipating a meal.  We shared a fish sandwich for dinner at a café on the pier.  We need to plan meals that will be eaten out because many places simply close at 5pm ad we’re left with some unhealthy eating choices.

Byron Bay to Coff's Harbour November 27, 2013

WEDNESDAY – NOVEMBER 27, 2013

BOTTOM LINE:

Drove coastal route from Coolengata to Byron Bay and onto Coof's Harbor, NSW

BACK STORY:

Leaving the tourist area of Miami, we headed south to Coolengata, another coastal community. We wanted to see the crescent coastline between this town and Surfers Paradise to the north.  It was a sunny day and for the first time, the water was a beautiful aqua color.  Surfers, paddle boards and swimmers were out enjoying the water.  A shark watchtower was a reminder a constant threat.

 

Looking north back to cities of Miami & Surfer's Paradise

 

Coolengata Beach

 

Shark observation tower

Keeping an eye out for sharks!

Moving further south we crossed into the state of New South Wales and said good-bye to Queensland where we had spent three weeks of our time.  Unbeknown to us, we also entered a new time zone, which put us ahead one hour. We visited a very windy Cape Byron Lighthouse.  The bluff where the lighthouse stands has hiking trails, a historic museum, café and an stunning view of the Pacific coast.  There is a rock outcropping off the coast where snorkelers visit.  The rocks are called Julian Rocks.  My sister Connie has two sons, Byron and Julian so it was fun sharing the names with her!

Cape Byron Lighthouse

 

View from lighthouse - most eastern point of Australia

A sign along the hiking path warned of snakes.  Snakes are a problem in Australia especially the common brown snake, which if bitten can kill a person.  Any warning was well taken!

Our goal for the day was to drive to Coff’s Harbour.  It was a very long day in the car as we switched back and forth not wanting to miss anything on the way! 

By the time that we arrived to our destination we grabbed a room at a little motel and headed across the street for some pizza.  The guy helping us helped us to more than pizza.  It was a new small restaurant and wasn’t too busy so while the pizza was in the oven he asked if we might like to sample their ice cream line.  Now mind you, this wasn’t the little pink plastic spoons that Baskin Robbins hands you with a quarter teaspoon sample.  This guy pulls out full spoons, a plate and opens the lids of their 8 varieties.  He then looks at our hesitation and says, “Help yourself to as much as you want!”  Bruce was in hog heaven, but used some restraint.  It was a local business promotion and some of the best ice cream we’ve had. Novel idea…dessert before dinner!

Exploring Lamington National Park, Novemebr 26, 2

TUESDAY – NOVEMBER 26, 2013

BOTTOM LINE:

O’Reilly’s Resort at Lamington National Park

BACK STORY:

We headed down the street early in search of somewhere to get a quick breakfast.  We had a full day scheduled and wanted an early start…plus we wanted to get out of the dive we were staying in! To our surprise we found a delightful, cheery little restaurant called Pizza Bar.  It was open for breakfast at 7am and for $9.00 we got two bacon/egg/avocado/tomato/ whole grain toasties with a cup of tea.  Scott was the 24-year-old owner and this was his second business.  He and his waitress served us, gave us touring tips and got us on our way fully satisfied.

Breakfast at Pizza Bar

As we were paying, they commented that they really liked my accent! What?

They didn’t think that Bruce had much of one!

Our outing was a drive up to O’Reily’s Resort in the Lamington National Park.  We had been told by a number of people that we should consider taking it in. 

We meandered through the hinterlands spotted with horses, cattle, wineries and farms.  The typical homes have a single hip roof that joins above the center of the house.  Chimneys are seldom seen and huge wrap around porches are popular.

Countryside Home (1)

 

Countryside Home (2)

People had fruit stands out on the roadside where fresh produce was available along with eggs.  Four avocados go for $2, which I considered a good price.

The road up to the top was twisty and at times one lane!  At one point the hairpin turn was so steep that a separate road was cut through the hill for one car to pass and rejoin the main road.  Luckily there were few cars coming the opposite way so with an extreme drop off, I straddled the center of the road.

Steep bend in road

 

One lane alternate road

The outlook on the way up was stunning and although a bit hazy the view was breathtaking.  The breeze was the only thing that cut the silence along with an occasional bird call.

O’reilly’s sat on top of the mountain, but within the National Park.  The family had been granted permission to live in the park with the condition that the four siblings build and live in four separate cabins.  The four met the condition by building all four cabins that shared a common wall in the center.  That later became the foundation for the current resort lodge.

View from lookout

After sharing a smoke salmon “toastie,” we joined a guided tour into the rain forest and then ventured off on our own to the sky walk.  On the way to the tour, we were attacked by an aggressive group of parrots that smelled food and wanted it from Bruce!

The Bird Man from Lamington

The tour guide, Glenn Trelfo has worked at the site for 32 years and shared new and different facts with us…like the female “trap door spider” that builds a circular nest with a hinged trap door over it.  At night she props the door open hoping to attract a male partner.  When he arrives and mates with her, she then devours him and the door closes.

Camouflaged circular spider nest

 

Tunnel spider trap door!

The sky walk was a wood slat suspended walkway high up in the tree canopy.  We felt like we were in an aviary having birds dart all around us.  Very cool!

Rain Forest Sky walk

 

Climbing the swaying sky walk

 

Golden Robin (1)

Golden Robin (2)

 

Hanging bird nest

Driving down the mountain took a lot less time that it did driving up.  Ever wonder why that is?  It went quickly for us because it was dusk and we began to see Wallaby’s coming out of their hiding and into the cattle grazing lands for their nightly meal.  What fun to see them in their natural habitat!  We did find out that any members of the kangaroo family can harm someone that they sense as a threat. We were told, they rock back on their thick tail, raise their large feet and arms and rock forward while kicking and punching…doing some serious damage!

Wallaby in the wild!

Driving back to the ocean, we headed for a light dinner at Zambrero, a fresh Mex café.  The owner of the chain of restaurants has graciously made a large contribution to the nonprofit organization Stop Hunger Now for which Bruce is involved.  We will be having dinner with him in Sydney in a couple of weeks.  The food was very good and $2 for every meal sold is being donated to the cause.

Drive to Miami on Sunshine Coast of Queensland - November 25, 2013

MONDAY – NOVEMBER 25, 2013

BOTTOM LINE:

Left the Cayman Quay Resort in Noosa

Visited Mt. Tamborine

Settled in Miami Beach on the Sunshine Coast

BACK STORY:

As we left our comfy resort and headed to the highway I spotted a sign for the “Ginger Factory.”  I took the next exit to see what it was.  It was indeed a processing factory and retail outlet for all things ginger!  Beyond the gift shop was the restaurant and ice cream kiosk.  Since neither of us had breakfast, we indulged.  I went with a scoop of ginger macadamia, which had a delicate essence of ginger throughout it.  With eight choices of ginger varieties (ginger nut, ginger vanilla, gingerbread, etc...) Bruce went for a waffle with vanilla ice cream and a ginger sauce…not a winner with him, but that didn’t stop him from cleaning his plate!

Ginger Factory

Ginger ice cream flavors

Bruce's breakfast!

Exiting the parking lot I noticed across the street that they had a macadamia nut processing plant with a self-guided tour and tasting area.  I have always been curious how the nuts are grown, processed and graded, so I took a few minutes to learn.

  

Today was to be the “test” for my driving skills as I tackled getting us through the toll road traffic of Brisbane, up into the Mt. Tamborine National Park and over the Sunshine coast of Miami Beach…no, we’re not in Florida.

The road system in and around Brisbane was easy to drive. The toll system however was a bit confusing.  Thankfully we had the two of us in the car…one to drive and one to take notes. 

There were no tollbooths and there was no indication as to what the toll was.  There were only two signs that gave a phone number and/or a website.  Both indicated that it was our responsibility to contact the government agency to pay the toll within two days of passage or be fined!  Bruce called the number and they did indeed have the camera record of our license plate crossing the bridge but had no means of receiving payment from us.  Ultimately we needed to take it up with the rental car agency that would be receiving the bill/fine.

As we headed south of Brisbane I spotted an exit for the city of “TOOWOMBA” and of course I chuckled thinking of Fried Green Tomatoes…”To Wanda!”  I had victory in my city driving!

The Hinterlands below Brisbane were beautiful having green rolling hills with groves of eucalyptus and pine trees.  The pines are like “iron wood” trees having long, wispy light green needles.

We had been told about a stunning waterfall that we should see.  We found it and maybe in the height of the rainy season it would be stunning, but that wasn’t a word that we would use.

Waterfall in center left

Driving down off the mountain we headed to the ocean to find Sunshine Beach Resort in Miami.  The GPS routed us through Surfer’s Paradise, which was a huge development of high-end shops and tall skyscrapers.  We imagined it to be similar to Dubai with the white sand beaches and turquoise water.

Surder's Paradise, Queensland

Our accommodations however were on the opposite end of the spectrum.  I guess sometimes-booking hotels online works and sometimes it doesn’t.  The only word that described our hotel justly was, “nasty!”

Noosa, Queensland - November 24, 2013

SUNDAY – NOVEMBER 24, 2013

BOTTOM LINE:

Kayaking on Noosa River

Hike at Noosa Headlands

Drove to Perigrine

BACK STORY:

Waking up early (6:30 am), we decided to go for a morning kayak ride while the Noosa River was calm. Unfortunately the oars and life jackets were with the manager and the office didn’t open until 9am.  Rats! 

We launched by 9:15am and paddled in among the houseboats that lined the middle of the waterway.  Across the clear river was an Island with white sand meandering among the mangroves.  Shore birds called to one another as if warning that we were present.  The smell was that of familiar humid, salt air.

The kayak was a tandem sit-on-top kind that requires teamwork for success.  Once we got the rowing in sync we were good to go.  Bruce brought out his fishing pole and sat in front where he could more easily cast. 

We started out paddling up river thinking we would be able to ride the current back to the hotel.  Nature had, however her own plan and when the tides changed, the current was flowing against us making it a difficult return. Good exercise, fresh air, and saw oodles of jellyfish…balancing the kayak was key!

Once we were cleaned up we headed out in the car to Noosa Headlands for a hike.  The roads were filled with visitors heading back home from a weekend holiday.  There were high-end shopping areas and poshy resorts that lined our drive, giving the feeling of wealth.  We did a short hike in the headlands.  Strong winds and a threat of rain drove us back to the car.

We completed our drive by visiting Perigine on the coast where we dined on the best calamari we have ever tasted…tender and flavorful like abalone.  Luckily we were seated inside as the skies opened up to a down pour of rain.

Drive from Bargara south to Noosa on the sunshine coast - Nov. 23, 2013

SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 23, 2013

BOTTOM LINE:

Drove from Bargara to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast

BACK STORY:

With a timely check out of 10 am, we began our drive south toward Noosa on the sunshine coast.  We took a back road out of Bargara and made a quick stop at a lavender farm that I had been eyeing.  Cute place with everything lavender…and then some!  The owner was pleasant and shared that she and her husband were sugar cane farmers and decided to diversify so that they had something different to carry them through a low market.  Their income is  roughly 2/3 sugar cane and 1/3 lavender. 

Lavender Farm, Bargara, Queensland

Because the region is subtropical, she has the only lavender variety that will grow well in the climate conditions.  It is French lavender good for flower arrangements and drying.  Lavender used for culinary or essential oils will not survive in her garden. Their grown son just returned home to be part of the business.

The day was overcast and threaten to rain but never did.  We made it to Childers and shared one last Mammino’s gourmet ice cream before heading down into Gympie again. 

We made it to Noosa in time to find the last hotel room available in the area for the night.  Although it was more that what we budgeted to spend, we took it for two nights.

The place is right on the river that leads to the ocean.  They have a dock for Bruce to fish from, free kayaks for guests to use, and a swimming pool.  It’s definitely a step above the time-share we just left with regards to having a view!

We were directed to a lawn bowling club across the street to have dinner.  Lawn bowling is a BIG deal in Australia.  The facilities are very nice and accommodate large gatherings for competition and entertainment.  The restaurant helps to support the club by offering good meals to the general public at a reasonable price.

Lawn Bowling Club

Last day at Bargara - Nov. 22, 2013

FRIDAY – NOVEMBER 22, 2013

BOTTOM LINE:

Bike ride to Mon Repos, computer work

BACK STORY:

Bruce headed down to the beach first thing in the morning to try a little surf fishing. When he returned I told him that I’d really like to check out a couple of bikes and go for a ride.  With helmets on and a lock in the backpack we headed down the bike path along the ocean toward Mon Repos. I loved the retro bikes that the resort had for us.  I never got sore from the seat and the high handlebars were great for posture.  There were no gears to change just squeaky brakes, which easily warned people of our approaching!  

Rough and "Reddie"

...As for our helmets, they seemed normal to us in shape and color until we began noticing other people had 6 inch plastic zip-ties protruding out at all angles from the tops of their helmets.  We felt like we were missing out on something.   It turns out that people rig their helmets this way to deter testosterone crazed Magpies that during mating season aggressively swoop down and attack the heads of unsuspecting bicyclers!!!  Luckily the mating season had passed or it might have been an short ride!

Helmet with fierce combative design!

The salt air had a light breeze, but provided little relief for the heat and humidity.  Luckily there were areas along the path that had beach showers that we could use before hopping back on the bikes.  The ride was lovely both in the view and to get some good exercise. The ride was an easy 7 miles round trip.

Mon Repos means “my rest” in French and was the name of a family home which once sat among the sea grasses at the oceanfront. The property is now a very elaborate turtle education and research sight. During the day it is visited by the curious.  At night people can pay for a nighttime experience at helping researchers protect turtles that may be nesting or eggs that may be hatching. 

Turtles circle of life

Female Loggerneck, Green and Flatback turtles migrate to this, their birthing area to repeat the cycle.  The center reminded us of others in Florida, Puerto Rico and Grand Cayman that all have put great effort to educating the public on the serious threat to these wonderful reptiles. Gumbo Limbo Center in SE Florida was always a destination that we would take visitors too.  

Each time I read about turtles I learn something new…or maybe I knew, but just forgot!??  One thing that impressed me this time was that the sex of the baby turtles are determined by the temperature and light in their sand nests.  The turtles from this area are mainly female because the sand is warm and dark.

Turtle nesting

One of the things that I observed on our ride was the friendliness of the people.  Old or young, joggers or walkers all people would acknowledge us as we approached them with a “goo-day!” People seem genuinely happy.

The ocean pathway wasn’t just a paved surface to enjoy a ride but was dotted with plaques having historical or environmental facts.  In the 1930’s this sleepy little town of Bargara hosted the annual railway picnic that drew some 15,000 visitors yearly. 

Surf rescue teams are very important to the ocean front towns.  Many of the beaches have buildings near the parking lots that house the teams and training facilities.  Across from one such building I found a huge metal adult play swing.  It wasn’t the typical sit on a sling and pump the swing to a desired height.  This was a hanging kind of swing.  Bruce and I tried and I got to laughing so hard that I almost fell off!  What a fun thing to put up for we older kids!!!  We need playtime too! 

Preparing to launch!

A good swim followed the bike ride when we returned.  After a little lunch we headed down into town to find someplace to hook up our computers.  Two hours later and a $25 bill for use, we finished what we each needed to do.

The kiss of a fresh rain ended our week in Bargara.  Tomorrow we begin working our way down the Sunshine coast to the Gold coast, which is south of Brisbane.  We have another week reserved as a timeshare trade at Halliday’s Beach beginning this next Friday. We are expecting that our pace will pick up a bit.  Pictures look very much like the strip between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach.   

Our time on the Gold Coast unfortunately coincides with “schoolie week,” which is similar to spring break in the US.  The biggest difference is Australian "schoolies" are high school age, not college and the legal drinking age is 18, not 21! I'm not quite sure why a parent would foot the bill and give permission to send their high school kid away unchaperoned to some resort with friends for a week.??? Am I missing something?

Bundaberg, Gin Gin & Lake Monduran - Nov. 21, 2013

THURSDAY – NOVEMBER 21, 2013

BOTTOM LINE:

Drive to Lake Monduran for picnic

BACK STORY:

After a lazy morning we decided to pack a picnic and head north on the roads that connect Bundeberg to Gladstone.  As we drove through Bundeberg and passed the distillery we were struck by how many signs we pass that refer to floods and low lands.  We have noticed that a number of trucks and small SUV’s have an exhaust looking tube running along the antenna line of their passenger window. Bruce asked a guy that had one what exactly it was.  He told us that it was indeed an intake, kind of like a snorkel.  There are so many floods when the rains fall that to eliminate the chance of getting stuck or stalling out in high water, the vehicles can make it across the water easily!  Approaching all bridges we can see measuring sticks for water depths.

The first town that we came to was Gin Gin.  Rum? Gin? …Maybe the afternoon tea in these rural places has a little more than tea in the cups! Ha!  Actually the town was quaint and after visiting the information center we decided to forgo the drive to Gladstone.  The guide said that it was just another port city and would be about 150 miles to drive one way with not much in between.

The lake was for water and power and appeared to be close to flood stage, which was curious since the rains have just begun.  It seemed to be a popular spot for campers and anglers.  We stopped at a vista spot for lunch and were suddenly flooded with beautifully colored birds.  Their songs were equally impressive.  So since there isn’t much else to write about today, I’ll share my “birds eye view” of things at Lake Monduran.

"...Objects may appear closer than they are"

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