And the Brig turns ??

Today was the boy's birthday, and it was also a lovely sunny, and very warm winter's day. With a lot still going on with the house situation, we could not join the Aunts today, but did get a chance to get to the Northcliffe Surf Club at Surfers Paradise for lunch.

Followed by a much needed walk along the Esplanade.

The beach was quite busy - it is mid winter school holidays Statues - not sure what they are, dotted along the Esplanade, along with stunning Pandanus trees.

Fruit of the Pandanus!

Lamington National Park

We headed for the McPherson Range this morning, well part of it, namely the Lamington National Park, and its subtropical rainforest - less than an hour from the Gold Coast.

Above - The McPherson Range

Photo above: Groom cottage where most of the rainforest walks start from. Named after Arthur Groom who was a co founder of the Lodge.

The rainforest is subtropical, and home to many waterfalls, over 150 bird species

ancient trees and ferns mosses and fungi Leaf skeletons on the rainforest floor.

We took time out - to sit and relax at Binna Burra Lodge

and enjoy some peace

in a truly stunning part of the world

and wonder what tomorrow will bring!

Saturday at the Spit

Today around noon, the sun decided to shine, so we took off to discover a bit more about the Spit. This is where the sea meets the Broadwater, the gap that joins the two is called the Seaway. Slightly south of the Spit is the 1.5 klm sand pumping jetty. They pump the sand to keep the Seaway open so that stormwater on the Gold Coast can escape to the ocean.

Looking from the spit to the sand pumping jetty. The jetty is very popular with fishermen early evening.

This beach (Main Beach) runs the full length of the Broadwater.

This northern tip is "dog friendly" , what a wonderful time they were having, it is also popular with "learner" board riders.

Summer fun in Minnesota

Grandson, Jack has swapped his snow board for board shorts in St Paul.

Kids having fun (Jack in centre)

The main ring at the Circus Camp Jack has just attended.

Such concentration!

Taking a bow (centre)

Ou est le soleil???

Where is the sun - certainly not in the Broadwater. After some wonderful weather on the Sunshine Coast, we arrived back to the Gold Coast on Saturday, and torrential rain, on and off, more on, than off. Anyway guess no one out there is feeling too sorry for us!. It has been the same all the way down the coast.

What does one do when confined to a caravan with headcolds in revolting weather, they watch other species more silly than themselves - namely the "masked lapwing". These 2 in the photo below are amazing, they are sharing the "nesting" duties, which is out in the open in a garden opposite our van, they have weathered torrential, and I mean torrential rain for the last 3 days. It's quite crazy where they lay their eggs, one leaves for hours on end, then it comes back, there is some backchat, then a changing of the guard takes place, and of course if you dare go near them or the their nest - you are dive bombed. Maybe we might be lucky to see the chicks before we leave.

Today, to amuse ourselves in some more very ordinary weather, we spent many hours looking around, including having lunch, at the new IKEA complex just south of Brisbane - most impressive. The house situation is still up in the air - most unusual rules up here, definitely "buyer beware", but then the stamp duty is more "buyer friendly". C'est la vie!!!

Mooloolaba

We went back to Mooloolaba again yesterday - really like the feel of this place. It's about a 15 minute drive north of Caloundra, it is also where Steve Irwin's "Whale One" conservation and sight seeing boat is moored.

It's marina and harbour is extremely busy, we saw some berths for sale, they ranged from $70,000 to $300,000 each, then you have to buy a boat to moor in it!!!!!

The Surf Club is a delight - right on the edge of the beach, with interesting "lifeguards" adorning the ceilings of the club.

We managed to get a table overlooking the beach, next time we will order one meal between us, very generous helpings, at quite inexpensive prices - loads of people sharing. The beachfront along the Esplanade is all high rise holiday apartments and hotels, with a huge array of cafes, galleries and boutiques to choose from.

Plenty of places to walk, and sit and enjoy the atmosphere, and each time we were there, parking was free!!

Time to walk off our lunch.

Frank was quite taken with these "beach showers" and their marine influence!

A winter's day on Mooloolaba beach

There are plenty of rockpools at the northern end of the beach, very popular with families each time we have been there.

The Banksia and its admirers!

The Banksia tree (which is protected here - in this park) is a major attraction, birds first, and then for some of us humans!!!. This particular tree is right beside our van, and the birds who visit and feed off the banksia flower are particularly noisy at dawn and late afternoon. While enjoying an afternoon coffee with Lois and Col today, this little lorrikeet (and many of his mates) joined us - we couldn't get a word in, so talkative were they!!

They just ripped into the banksia flower

and it's nectar

they are so intense

and below is what is left - eventually:

Coincidentally the used banksia pods resemble baby birds with their little beaks open.

Moonrise

Last night's moonrise over the S.S. Dicky was really stunning, I think - such amazing colours at dusk and dawn here in winter, there are always a few people on the beach taking photos.

Sunday's sunrise!

Woke up early this morning to check out the sunrise, it was well worth it, 'specially with the continual movement of large and small craft out in the shipping lane. There were a few other crazies also up with me.

Little ones dancing in the streets We went to Caloundra's markets this morning - they are excellent, but these 2 little ones really caught our attention, , when they took to the foot path and rocked to the music of buskers -we watched them, along with many others, for ages - such cute characters!!!. The little girl's face was painted like a butterfly.

We finished off the day with a long barbeque lunch at Lois and Col's place, the weather, food, and company - were spot on for a relaxing Sunday.