14-26-09-25
After the busy music weekend we head to Maroochydore for some quiet down time.
(P:- I guess “downtime” mentioned by the author is her sense of humour showing! How in the heck do you need “downtime” from doing what you want, how you want and when you want?? Go figure)!
We were expecting it to be busy at the van park but it’s the opposite with many sites vacant. The beaches and walking/bike paths are busy though. First mornings busy with washing and cleaning, (the chores still have to be done even when on holiday) (P:- yes a Man’s work is never done)!!! then it’s off for a bike ride. There’s no point asking Philip where we are going, it’s a given that we will ride around to Mooloolaba to the Fish Market. Always one of the first stops we make when staying here. The lure of fresh prawns is like a magnet to him so we have to purchase some and also some fresh barramundi and chips for lunch. Then it’s back on the bikes and retrace our steps back to the park. It’s a lovely place to ride, except for riding up the hill at Alexandra Headland.
(P:-Alexandra Headland! The “Author” always complains about this scenic “knob” that separates Maroochydore and Mooloolaba, when we return to the van she is hobbling and struggles to climb the 3 steps into the Caravan! I suggest the name of a good knee surgeon, Who did wonders with my knees 11 years ago. I then did the sums and came up with a cheaper option than new Knees. The next morning after much “Facebook Market Place” research we are off to find a “bargain priced, as new, owned by a little old lady who couldn’t ride, E-Bike. Mission Accomplished!!)
Another day we drive down to Redcliffe for lunch. This is a much older area but again there is some great bike paths, something to explore next time. While looking for somewhere to stop for lunch we discovered a small alley called Bee Gees Way. After reading some of the placards there we discovered that Redcliffe is the birthplace of the Bee Gees and where they first played together as a group, through a PA at the Redcliffe Speedway. People threw money onto the racetrack and they met the DJ and leading racing driver, Bill Gates who suggested they call themselves the BG’s, and the rest is history.
(P:- We are off to Mooloolaba again today ( Judith likes swimming at the beach there, which conveniently is right near the seafood shop) On the bikes and off we go! For the first time in living memory Phil is left for dead, Judith speeds past me as we tackle Alexandra Headland and disappears into the morning sunlight, All I see is a cheeky grin on her face as she easily rides past me! The same happened on the return after the swim. At the van there are no hobbles or limps, looks like the E- Bike is real cheap compared to new knees!)
More bike rides, walks and relaxing was enjoyed around Maroochydore before we moved parks down to Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. It’s now school holidays and there are kids and family’s everywhere. The bouncing pillow is a drawcard for the kids and they line up of a morning waiting for the gates to open. They move from the pillow to the pool and back again. Bikes and scooters navigate the roads around the park all day and the families are having great times. It’s so good to see families enjoying this time together.
Sunday we spent the day with Philips cousin Peter and his wife Di. Had a great catch up and a lovely meal together. (P:- for years as we drive Judith knits, and knits and re knits children’s and babies clothing and gives to charity ( I guess it keeps her busy rather than being a co-driver instructor all the time). I don’t know how many garments have been knitted but it’s dozens and dozens. Cousin Di had been doing a bit of sorting out and had a 15-20kg bag of wool and a zillion buttons for Judith, she was wrapped! A very generous gift for Judith to knit up and donate to charity- I did try to help one day when Judith wasn’t looking – don’t think she was impressed with the un knitting she had to do).
Monday after a relaxing morning we headed off for a bike ride through the Broadwater parklands over the bridge and out toward Broadwater Beach. It’s amazing to see the beach and how much sand has disappeared due to the latest cyclone. There is lots of building happening and sand dredging to move sand onto the beach. It’s going to take a long time to get the beach back to what is was. Then we cycle out to the Spit, passed what used to be some very swanky resorts but are starting to look very tired. There is again a lot of work happening around the parklands at the end of the spit with new car parks and pathways, jetty’s and gardens. We sit and watch the boats entering and exiting the mouth of the river for a while just soaking in the sun before riding back along the pathway to find somewhere for lunch. Found Pete’s Seafoods, a fish shop and processing factory. Boy were their fish and chips yummy. Nothing better than a feed of fish and chips sitting outside enjoying some people watching. (P:- especially when we can select a fresh fish fillet and have it cooked to our liking). Then it’s the return cycle back to the van. 22 km cycled all up. Not too bad for an old girl (P:- an old girl and her E-Bike).
Tuesday we spent the day with Peter and Di again, taking a drive up to the Tambourine Mountains. This is a lovely area that we have never visited before but is now on our to-do list next time we are up this way. Lots of eateries, quaint shops and gardens etc to check out. Peter has bought us up here to have a look at a building project that is happening. A holiday home that has the most awesome views over the Gold Coast area. The home will be a mansion when it is finished (in about two years time). Two swimming pools, Butlers entry and storerooms, parking for multiple vehicles, massive windows and much more. Just the gardens will be spectacular. About 40 man ferns purchased from Scottsdale, Tasmania, and freighted up here all look to be very healthy with new growth. A man made lagoon, waterfall and deck are gorgeous and there will be a tennis court with its own pavilion and amenities in the grounds as well. All this is on a 50 acre property that has some of the only remaining native rainforest in the area, which is used in movies and tv advertising etc. Some of the movies filmed here are A Touch of a Paradise, Kokoda and Dora the Explorer. I would very much like to come back in a couple of years and see the finished project.
We will spend the next couple of days around this area before we start to head south towards home. (P:- I think the Author needs more “downtime” before heading south to cooler climes)!
Tassie Travellers 