Lunch with Uncle Russ and Denise at a trendy café in Palm Beach to catch up on family news was a welcome break before plunging back into the horrors of multi lane traffic. I had to pick Gary up from Brisbane airport the next morning, so time was too short to catch up with all my friends in BrisVegas; plus I didn't want to negotiate traffic any more than I had too. Three turns off the freeway and I was safely parked up in Lea's front yard at Woolloongabba, only mildly shaken up. I thought the traffic was bad on the Sydney to Newcastle motorway; but it didn't even come close to the high speed four lane bumper to bumper insanity that is from the Gold Coast to Brisbane. I think the eastern seaboard is going to explode with traffic. Anyway, soothing beverages, tasty home cooked snacks and relaxing company in the backyard soon had my pulse rate back to normal. A walk to Southbank enlivened the senses as we wandered through the blazing pink bougainvillea and extensive vegetable and herb garden, Epicurious. Well done Brisbane for growing the biggest community garden for all to share. With a collected few silver beet leaves and a handful of basil and parsley to add to our lunch, we had to stop for a coffee to admire the beautifully fitted out pale blue Kombi van, Lost Bean.
The journey to the airport was not too challenging as the route went through my old stomping ground, Fortitude Valley. The 30 minute free 'wait for pick up' parking area is another great initiative for Brisbane: saves driving around and around in circles. With husband now in the navigators chair, we headed north to the Sunshine Coast for a few days to visit the in-laws and friends. It was good to get out on the MTB's again together, returning to Tewantin State Forest for another spin around the trails. We also rode along Buddina Beach and beyond, and Finch took us for a tour around Noosa and the National Park.
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| Buddina Beach |
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| Finch & Gary - Noosa |
It was an early start to keep heading north; destination Yeppoon so at least a five hour drive plus stops along the way. We enjoyed a night at the Mercure Capricorn Resort, dining out at the exquisite Japanese Restaurant and soaking up the tropical view of the stunning pool. The last time I stayed here was 14 years ago (it was owned by Rydges then) as a travel consultant for Tourism Queensland. It was from here I headed up to the Whitsundays to have a look around, and it was there that I met Gary. A poignant moment really. So, it was here at the Capricorn Resort that we decided what our plans are for the next five years or so: stay put in the Whitsundays, earn some decent money, buy a little property and enjoy short breaks around the country.
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| Picnic lunch on the road |
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| View from balcony, Mercure Capricorn Resort |
An early swim in and around the pool before hitting the road again for the final leg to home. I used to think the stretch from Rockhampton to Sarina (300kms) was rather dull. However, after travelling around the whole country I have seen even duller scenery. Eye spy does get a little monotonous after the two hour mark, so we invented another game: quote a line or two from a song that contains the word 'love', and the other person has to guess the song and artist. We're still going with that one!
And so we arrive back in the Whitsundays, to Cannonvale. I've now done the big lap. Right around. I think it should be a bucket list item for everyone. It's a big country with so much to see: so many amazing and varied landscapes. It's hard to chose where to stay put for awhile, but sometimes the line in the sand has to be drawn. So, this is our home for the time being. We'll get jobs, buy a place to live and look forward to welcoming visitors. In the meantime, we'll enjoy the view from our temporary digs.
