Around Manly

For the past few days we have been in relaxed mode, mostly traveling around the local area, walking, and generally enjoying the early spring weather.  Here are a few of the sights we have seen.  Manly is a small community south of Brisbane and is where Monty’s sister and brother-in-law live. The area was originally mostly a boating area in the early 1870’s, but became more of a resort area when the first train was put through in 1879.  People camped in the area and a few resorts were built to serve visitors from Brisbane.  After the turn of the century when cars started to become popular, people started moving into the community, but it remained an area popular with boaters.  The harbor shown below was built in the mid 1900’s.  The marina now holds over 1,000 boats.  It is fun to walk along the breakwater and watch the boats come and go, and the wind and sail boarders do their thing.

We took a short trip to the Wynnum Jetty where we found in-laid art work based on Aboriginal art.

And around the playground we found tile art in-laid in the concrete.

We are always impressed by the variety of birds, all of  which are very different from what  we have at home. 

Lorikeets

Ibis

Willie Wag Tail

Egret (ok so we have these in the US)

Unusual signs you aren’t likely to see in the US.

And finally food.  We ate at a place called Indigiscapes Cafe. Good food but with a  twist.  The spices and herbs are all “bush” food that add some really delectable flavors. 

And of course the pastries in most cafes look really delicious.  I have had chocolate croissants and fruit scones.  A chocolate croissant hot out of the oven just can’t be beat!!

Tomorrow we are off to Darwin for four days.  Should be interesting.