End of Trip–the last report

Alas, it is time to end our adventure.  Our last two days were as fun as our first days of this trip.  On Thursday (Oct 10) we headed to downtown Brisbane to play along the water front.  The Brisbane River meanders through the center of town.  In 1998 the city sponsored an exhibition.  A lot of the facilities continue to be used as parks.  We started our day with a ride on the Brisbane Wheel, a large Ferris wheel similar to the London Eye.  Maybe not as big but give stunning views of the city.

This bougainvillea arch was in full bloom.

The gardens along the sidewalks beside the river were also in full bloom.  This is a very pleasant area of the city.

We then got on the City Cat, which is a water bus that goes up and down the river.  It is part of the public transportation system and is a convenient way to move around the city.  It is also a great place to see the city along the river front.

The boats are catamarans capable of moving up and down the river at 30 MPH.  They are confortable and have lots of seating, both in the cabin and on the fore and aft decks.  Here are some of the views we saw.

Apartment buildings

Victorian era Queenslander homes

Bridges of various ages and designs

A side wheeler that is used for cruises.  There is also a stern wheeler.

Lovely landings.  I don’t know if this was for a private residence or an apartment complex. 

This is part of a shopping complex along the river and included nice restaurants.

We stopped for lunch overlooking the river

On Friday, October 11, was our day to do final laundry and repack our bags.  We did go to Cooper’s Cafe, a local restaurant in Manly for breakfast and a last drive along the waterfront.

This Bird of Paradise plant was in full bloom at Cooper’s.  We can’t grow them in Nebraska!

These are not flooded areas, but are mangrove trees along the water front.  At high tide they are in water as you see here.

On Saturday, we started our long trek home.  It was a long Saturday (we crossed the international date line).  We left Brisbane on Saturday afternoon, flew through Auckland, New Zealand, and arrived in Los Angeles that same Saturday afternoon after traveling for over 17 hours.  We stayed over night in Los Angeles and flew the rest of the way home on Sunday.

Overall it was a fun trip, but once again way to short.  Thanks to Monty’s sister and brother-in-law for the nice time, all the arrangements, and traveling with us.  And to our readers we hope you enjoyed reading about our adventures and seeing the pictures.  Until next time……………..

More Adventures in and around Brisbane

I guess I have either been busy or lazy (or both).  It has been a while since I wrote on the travel blog.  This will be an attempt to catch up without getting too long winded.

Saturday, Oct 5

We had a slower day.  In the Morning we went to the first Saturday Market held in the next town north, Wynnum.  They had blocked off about three blocks of a city street where venders selling clothing, fruits, vegetables, and takeaway foods.  It was fun to wander and look at all the wares and people.

Then we had lunch at a place called Indigiscapes.  It is a garden and café dedicated to creating garden spaces of indigenous plants.  They have example gardens set up to give ideas of building a garden that supports local birds and wildlife.  They have a nice café that uses local ingredients as part of the meals.

While there we say a Wag Tail.  So named because its tail is in constant motion, wagging side to side when not flying.  Note the white eyebrows!

Sunday, October 6

This is the day we rode on a steam train around Brisbane.  The Queensland rail museum operates weekly trains on Sunday.  For our ride the engine was the last steam engine built for Queensland rail.

The rail cars are from various ages. 

I believe the one we rode in was from the early 1900’s

From the train we went to Downtown Brisbane for a little lunch and shopping.  They have converted a street into a walking mall with stores and shops.  A nice area with fountains, art, and some really nice older buildings.

They even had street entertainment.

Monday, October 7

We drove back toward the Gold Coast and into Springbrook National Park.  This is in the mountains Southwest of the Gold Coast near the border between the states of Queensland and New South Wales.  Nice area in a rain forest type area with stunning views of the mountains and coast line.

Moss growing on a tree trunk

Tuesday, October 8

We headed North toward the Sunshine Coast to Bribie Island.  There is a war bird museum that Monty wanted to see.  It was small but fun.  Here is a ex USAF pilot standing in the cockpit of  MIG 17…hmmmmm.

Nieuport Type 17 (WW I) being rebuilt.

Flyable P51 (Australian version)

Then off to ice cream at Scoopy’s….looks like something from the 50s era but they had good icecream.

On the way home we stopped at this overlook of the Brisbane river.  It is actually in a residential street.

Wednesday, October 9

Today we headed north toward the Sunshine coast again.  Our first stop was at the town of Eumundi and the Wednesday Market.  This market was much bigger than the one in Wynnum and covered many blocks.  It reminded us of the Eugene, OR Saturday Market or the market we saw in Hobart, Tasmania in 2000.  Lots of food (take away and fresh fruit/vegetables), clothing, jewelry, pottery, etc. etc.  We spent about an hour or so there but could have spent much more.

Of course there was entertainment, like this guy playing the drums and didgeridoo.

We stopped in Kenilworth for a coffee break.

And then on to King Ludwigs German Restaurant and the beautiful view of the Glass House Mountains.  Klaus and Barbara are friends of Sylvia and Roy and are very gracious hosts.  The food was also excellent.  Here are some views from our table.

They even have an accordion player to add to the authentic atmosphere.

That brings you up to date with our adventures.  Our trip is quickly coming to an end.  Tomorrow (Thursday) we are going to see some more sites around Brisbane, then Friday, we do mundane things like laundry and organize our suitcases, then Saturday we head back east and home.

More tomorrow.