The Storm season is here!

We have been expecting the "storm" season to start for sometime, but until this past week we haven't really seen anything. Anyway Thursday afternoon she came, amazing series of changes in the sky, many ferocious shapes, colours and patterns, then came the wind, rain, thunder and a massive amount of lightening.

The sky really darkens and eventually the beaches are empty!

After a pretty good night of rain, and a tremendous light show, we decided to drive across to Burleigh Heads for our walk, it was still rather overcast when we arrived, but then brightened up considerably - however, I guess we are in for some hot and changeable weather over the next couple of months - that's the tropics!

Burleigh Beach - morning after the storm.

Overlooking Burleigh from Burleigh headland.

And looking north to the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach areas. The Brig and the Pacific. The start of Burleigh's small National Park.

Last Wednesday was a scorcher, however we spent it at the Robina Town Centre (a very large shopping complex) - all airconned, no kids nor their parents, (they have gone back to school), just so peaceful, and cool. After Frank had his eyes tested, we trotted off to the movies - saw "It's Complicated" (with Meryl Streep), and both enjoyed every moment of it.

AUSTRALIA DAY!!

Today was AUSTRALIA DAY, recognising the day in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip, Commander of the First Fleet of eleven convict ships from Great Britain and the first Governor of New South Wales, arrived at Sydney Cove and raised the Union Jack to signal the beginning of the colony.

We decided to spend it in Cascade Gardens, joining members of the Australian-American Club - Gold Coast, for a barbeque lunch. Arrived early so we could take a walk around the gardens prior to meeting up with the other members, and decided to take the "Kokoda Track" walk through the rainforest - this is a special memorial commemorating those brave men during the War in the Pacific who had to take on the Kokoda Track in New Guinea. Unfortunately we didn't take the full walk, mainly because the rainforest presently has attracted many bats whom randomly attack from above with their "droppings", so we stayed clear of the trees they were hanging around in!!!

The trees in the park 'sans' bats were delightful

.

wide array of species

There were many groups celebrating - below are some european/australians playing boules, prior to their barbie!.

The Brig fancied this "Hat" wandering around.

A fisherman dressed for Australia Day

His wife suggested I see his frontal view - I did, better her than me!

Back to meet up with the others, we have joined the club for this year, they celebrate and commemorate all things Australian and American, even a little Irish is thrown in.

Had a great barbeque lunch, lots of social chat and plenty of travel discussions.

A most enjoyable "AUSTRALIA DAY"

Miami to Nobby beach!

Yesterday early we set out to explore and walk along the paths of yet a different beach. This time we drove to Miami Beach and parked, then walked the pathway along Miami Beach to Nobby Beach and back again. Each beach seems to have its own personality - and followers, Miami is extremely active on the beach, in the cafes and along the walkways. Nobbys is quieter, have enjoyed a meal at their Surf Club awhile back.

The Surf Club, and the obviously popular "Piccolos" cafe were buzzing with people at 7.30am

And Miami was already full of the early risers!

Some young ones checking where they might surf this morning (as we near Nobbys)

The Brig along the walkway.

Nobbys Beach looking back to Miami Beach

Back at Miami - this little fella was quiet content tied to a fence in the shade with water, while his owners were either swimming in the surf, or having breakfast at the Surf Club or Cafe.

Not far from the pooch, at the end of Miami before the headland, is a small park - loved this little statue in it. People and kids were picnicing there for breakfast on the lawns.

Looking north along Miami Beach

Miami's small headland at the south end!

AND TOMORROW IS "AUSTRALIA DAY"

A 2 year old fairy!

Grand daughter, Immy turned 2 years old today, and celebrated the big day with a party in their garden with friends in Auckland - dressed as a little fairy, courtesy of her maternal grandmother in Ireland!!.

The food was "finger lickin good"! As was the birthday "choccie" cake.

Ethan stayed in his new "irish" fireman's outfit all day to celebrate with the little fairy!

And early morning - Immy opening her present from her paternal grandfather and moi in OZ!

Outpacing Dad!

I think this is a great shot for grandson Ethan (age 4) to keep till his 21st Birthday Party, where it is obvious he is outpacing his dad, Ian - (whose age also starts with a 4) , along a beach on the Whangaparoa Peninsular, north of Auckland over New Year.

Apparently there are a couple of other achievements happening with bike riding and swimming for Ethan as well in 2010.

We continue to still find work to finish around the house, that is early morning after walks and also late afternoon - bit too warm outside in the middle of the day right now. The cyclone talk is starting up north, sooh we will keep a watch on these reports.

Had another lovely family afternoon yesterday, cousin Stephen and his wife Glenda were up from Sydney staying with his Mum, Auntie Nalda, so they all came over for a few hours yesterday afternoon - great catching up. Steve and Glenda are about to take off for 17 days in Egypt, a cruise around the Grecian Isles then finalise with a couple of weeks in England.

Broadbeach capers!

On Saturday morning we decided to spend some time at Broadbeach, after a short wander we went into the Kurrawa Surf Club for an orange juice, ended up joining it for all of $5 (a special rate for those born before 1955), gives us access to all other Queensland Surf Clubs with their great views and RSL's. Sat on the balcony with a long cold OJ and watched the preparations for the first and second of five Australian Ironman and Ironwoman competitions (the third and fourth are on the Sunshine Coast, and the last at Cronulla in Sydney). The top twenty in the country start off, 3 legs of activity - swim, long board and surf ski, with runs in between each leg, then the top 15 repeat it again, and then the top ten do it all again and the winner of this group is the series leader till tomorrow, when they do it all again - unbelievable stamina!!!!

Taken from the balcony of the Kurrawa Surf Club! Start of the men's leg.

Lookin' good!.

Ky Hurst has just come back into the ironmen series, he came 2nd this time, he has also been swimming in the 10klms open water races for Oz at the Olympic Games, and the like.

Ironwoman at work

Sunday morning early we went back to Broadbeach for a longer walk - they were preparing for the second ironman and ironwoman races today.

7 a.m. in the morning we chose to walk from Broadbeach to Mermaid beach, via the walkers path

Took time out to check out the beach along the way.

Mermaid Beach was also really active for early morning.

With the "Nippers" sausage sizzle awning being constructed to assist with the funding of these little guys and their training.

There is a great deal of sand dune revegetation taking place, nice to see a few beach flowers budding!.

*******

Now when we got back to Broadbeach their Market was under way, so yes, another stroll around many great stalls.

*******

Today is the hottest day we have had here so far - 38 degrees, yet a week ago we were fine (30), and southern Australia was in the 40's with catastrophic bushfire danger - but today it snowed in some of those same areas in Tasmania, Victoria and NSW - snow in mid summer here - unbelievable!!!!!.