King Tides and Blue things!

Surf boarders just flooded the area and all its beach and headland lookouts, waiting for the King Tide to take effect and bring in some of those important waves! The array in ages is quite dramatic as well.

On the lookout at Burleigh

Rainbow Bay

Snapper Rocks

Obviously something's happening! They're rollin!

and he's happy!

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BLUE THINGS

Unfortunately, over the weekend, quite a few beaches were closed, including Kurrawa, Tugun, Mermaid and so on - why, because of all the "blue things" which were beached with the tide.

The Blue Bottle

(physalia physalis)

This is only called a Blue Bottle jellyfish in New Zealand and Australia (hey they are blue, and at times resemble a bottle), in the rest of the world it is called "Portugese Man of War" because of its resemblance to the 15th and 16th century Portugese War Ships - the sail I guess-similar to the professional photo below.

Back on our beaches - they swim in the hundreds, with tenticles of multiple sizes -can go up to 10 metres, and do they sting ( I remember quite a few of those awful attacks when I was younger!!!!!!!) Once you see them lying on the beach, best to stay out of the water. If you get stung, you are not supposed to touch the sting area, as that will then spread the pain to the next place you touch - not an easy task at the time in such agony!!!

The Blue Button

(porpita porpita)

The Blue button were also washing up with the Blue Bottle at the weekend, however their sting is not as powerful, but can cause some irritation. They are found in the Pacific from California to OZ.

A typical line up of the Blue Bottles and Blue Buttons on our beaches - on a bad day!

Both of them after being sifted by humans!

Blue Sea Slugs

(glaucus atlanticus)

These pretty critters have a more powerful and deadly sting than the bluebottle or the blue button, why - because they are their prey - they have some incredible way of storing the venom from the others and can consume their entire organism. They normally float around (upside down) on top of the ocean, and come ashore at the same time, or shortly after the blue bottles are washed up. So not wise to play with these at all!

Kids and storms

On Sunday morning we headed back to the beach for a walk, and to check out the forecasted king tide that was due to hit the coast that morning. The sky was quite dark and stormy, but parking around most of the beaches was impossible at 8 a.m - they were packed - there seemed to be loads of events going on. We managed to get parking at Burleigh Heads - the small surf was alive with surf boards, the riders probably waiting on the king tide for better waves.

This little one was not perturbed about the storm coming in! Burleigh Beach was alive with activity

Black clouds and all So many teams of Nippers - they start at Under 6 years - I am sure the little one on the left is under 3!

Well this was the last photo - the skies opened up and we raced back to the car, whilst the nippers and surfers carried on with their beach antics!!

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"