KEITH on the MOVE.
On Saturday 15th March 2003 My Pommey friend Keith Whitnell arrived at Brisbane Airport to spend a few weeks with me to escape the bitter cold of an English winter.
On his journey here he stopped over for a few days exploring the magic of Hong Kong and a very interesting trip into China.
Arriving here in Mooloolaba there was still some time to show off some of the magic of this beautiful part of Australia. the beaches of course are always inviting any time of the year.
Next morning we got serious about the beach, enjoying the sunshine and warm waters. Myself, I am waiting for a hip replacement and have to sacrifice the surf at present, needing a walking stick to keep my balance but the Englishman enjoyed first ankle deep, then bravely up to his knees and so on. Later in the morning we took a short drive on the Bruce highway to the Ettamoogah Pub, built crooked as it would be in the outback, quaint in it’s leaning state but lots of history and cartoons covered the walls. A beautiful snooker table in solid timber had many beautifully carved animals. There are some great tourist shops close by; lots of wood artefacts and spiritual make up the small street.
Another nice day so I decided on a tour of the Hinterland, first stop the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve to view the spectacular Glass House mountains rising from the valley floor to give a panorama view for miles around, there is also a wonderful bush walk through lot’s of native bush, bird life, I felt a bit uneasy with the possibility of snakes and spiders, mind you I never said anything to Keith. Moving on through more lovely winding roads, which climbed to a height to allow you to view the Sunshine Coastline in the distance. The crafty town of Montville was next; it is a haven for artists, crafts, hemp products with health creams and conditioners, a very fascinating Cuckoo shop featuring hundreds of clocks and German gifts. Lot’s of delicious eating places to tempt the pellet, shops selling natural timber furniture and nick knacks and handmade jewellery. It is a most relaxing town with a tourist atmosphere. Moving on to Mapleton we stopped at an old timber hotel for lunch, balcony views reached to the sea. With still some time left we drove on through Nambour to the very popular Big Pineapple tourist attraction. There is a miniature train that takes you on a tour around the acres of plantation.
It was an early start next morning to explore the Eumundi Markets, about ¾ hour north on the Bruce highway. The town is made up of hundreds of stalls selling lots of homemade crafts, woof and clothes, jams and soaps, chemical free fruit and vegetables and tempting foods, none of this “made in China” anywhere. When we were shopped out we drove back to the Sunshine coast to the lovely upmarket resort town of Noosa with the beautiful Noosa River wandering among the rows of apartments and tree lined streets. The Golden beach is just through the shops, ( not quite as beautiful as Mooloolaba but nice for a change). Heading home we followed the Sunshine, Peregian, Coolum beaches and past International Airport of Maroochydore, then the lovely drive along the Maroochy River.
Next day was a rest for sand and surf; Keith was off exploring for any topless sunbathers at close range, I relied on my bifocals. When it got too hot for the beach we took a drive south to Coloundra, just 15 klms. away, more beaches and a lovely old tree lined town.
Keith decided on a trip to the Australian Zoo, there is a courtesy bus leaving here every day and you can buy your ticket from our information centre, saves a big queue at the zoo, He enjoyed the natural surroundings for the animals and birds, lot’s of crocodiles and snakes, the zoo is also a place for breeding rare animals and birds.
It sure is a busy time but then if you want to take in all the beauty of this lovely coast, no sleeping in… Keith took a River and Canal Cruise leaving from our wharf, ( heh! We have had some more rain, now it is just a shower or two) The cruise gave a description of the area, the history and meaning plus a birds eye view of some of the luxury homes on the canals.
Being fine again it was back to the beach again to further Keith’s hunger for bathing beauties.
Another day and it all started with a wet morning but as usual it cleared to a nice afternoon, beach, here we come. At least when it is wet here it is warm, not like a certain area called Essex, rain plus snow.
A bus trip for the day to Brisbane had it’s bad moments for Keith, some heavy showers but I think he achieved what he wanted to see, firstly the big sports stadium, I can’t remember it’s name an interesting continuous bus trip around the city, you can get off and on as you please.
Next day it was lovely beach weather again which was enjoyable, I think we had a nice seafood lunch near where the fishing boats come in, this is where I always buy my prawns.
The following day we took a 3 hour drive north to Bundaberg to spend a couple of nights with my sister Nancy and Brother-in-law John who live in Innes Park, a secluded spot about 15 klms from the city, the rugged coastline is a panorama scene you never get bored with. Some fellow kiwi friends joined us for dinner, a nice evening, the wine and rum flowed freely. Keith took a tour of the Bundaberg distillery, I have been through it 5 times before and didn’t fancy a 6th time, he enjoyed the interesting tour of how Bundaberg Rum is made, plus it put a smile on his face to get two free drinks. Nancy & john go to their club every Thursday as there is a $20,000 draw on a members card but it hasn’t been taken for many months, they are hoping, we joined them hoping we could bring them some luck.
We made the trip back to Mooloolaba making a detour to a lovely town called Tawantin, just north of Noosa. We repeated the drive down the Sunshine coast.
Just an overnight stay at home and then next morning we drove south to the Gold Coast to stay with my cousins Colin & Colleen who live in an apartment close to the golden sands of the beach. They live on the first floor of a 15-story building, we enjoyed the lovely pool in the complex, and I think I found some relief for my hip with the support of Colleen’s instructions on exercises in water. ( I can’t swim in the surf as the sand is soft and I am always afraid of falling over).
I took Keith on a guided tour around the coast and south to Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta and Tweed heads, the later being through the border into New South Wales, we took a drive into N.S.W. just for kicks, one gains an hour as Queensland doesn’t have daylight saving, they say the locals drive into Queensland border pubs for an extra hours drinking.. The coastline has certainly changed a lot over the last few years.
Well! Well! Well!, just about time to say goodbye to my honoured guest, I took him to Brisbane Domestic Airport to fly on to Sydney, Keith managed to change his ticket for an few days earlier so he could spend a bit of time with his friend there before heading for Thailand where he will stay a few days in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, should be very interesting, especially the north. His next stop will be back to England, which is still in its winter mode.
I hope Keith had a good time here, I tried to act as my usual tour guide as I do for the many friends that have visited me since I moved to this wonderful little part of paradise just under twelve months ago. The beauty of this spot is that there are lots of wonderful places to visit along the coastline and the hinterland is but a short distance away.
During Keith’s stay here we managed a lot of eating out in Surf and Bowling Clubs,, reasonable booze prices and nicely prepared meals at a reasonable price. My motto is you can’t make a good job as tour guide and cook as well.
My main weakness in food is a good feed of shelled prawns marinated in garlic… Yummy.
I do believe my recently semi-retired friend is off to Prague in the Czech Republic about two weeks after returning home. What is next on his travel plans??? Who knows, but I guess one day he will have to start looking for another job. Me, just wait till I get this new hip and a clearance from my doc, I will be on the first plane out to some exciting place.
Good on you Keith, hope you enjoyed your stay with this old fellow and all the smart remarks that go with it.
Till we meet again.
Cheers.
JIM
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