tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37102114163031086872024-03-06T01:23:07.948+10:00Mike's Far North QueenslandPhotos, videos and the random thoughts of a sandal-wearing beach bumMikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.comBlogger952125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-14250859919092920992022-11-07T17:00:00.003+10:002022-11-07T17:00:00.219+10:00Flagstaff Hill - Lunch is served<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpX32JTGn9xlWPhkQKUTigTdayTxVUGgTG7HG6X-JdF5MQqpVGVU4QJkZS9xBB3sxS--oblW2h24zr92Zy4ARy0OSjB6bMX3OXLWH_1E4YOALry3aWhQa8o_uBnmwRe_kBPfteWNt4fWeM-grf9uO0FFfGHVO6OQO2cbSR9bdZkyb6rMvtEpj-fU/s1920/Flagstaff%20Hill%20cafe%20-%20Bowen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Cafe/Events centre at left - modern glass building I rather like - and a view over the ocean I love" border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1920" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpX32JTGn9xlWPhkQKUTigTdayTxVUGgTG7HG6X-JdF5MQqpVGVU4QJkZS9xBB3sxS--oblW2h24zr92Zy4ARy0OSjB6bMX3OXLWH_1E4YOALry3aWhQa8o_uBnmwRe_kBPfteWNt4fWeM-grf9uO0FFfGHVO6OQO2cbSR9bdZkyb6rMvtEpj-fU/w640-h288/Flagstaff%20Hill%20cafe%20-%20Bowen.jpg" title="View from Flagstaff Hill with the cafe" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>I have no doubt that Flagstaff Hill will be my strongest memory of Bowen. There's a cafe and convention centre atop the hill with stunning views out over the ocean, islands, and Bowen. It's a spot I could happily sit for hours on end, just sipping nice drinks and taking in the views. The food seems pretty good too. If you're visiting Bowen, do not under any circumstances miss it.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWxO08lkAj4hfaitry2hx5g_V3hsN2OIjH6zWFl2rNiAMHjM59pgwbxRp7QELRY9h4-HQX3hcgBbR-G0uvEKvwGl3Lo01IWq4rkJ3PxdWAgp4oqRWF89Wyye_nFpjj-SXHVqV16EVIOyGbYA2ND9RERlvDTCog_a0pWan6c8d_cSmBA2GXM3KcVw/s1494/Lunch%20-%20Bowen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A plate of bo luc lac (Vietnamese shaken beef)" border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1494" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWxO08lkAj4hfaitry2hx5g_V3hsN2OIjH6zWFl2rNiAMHjM59pgwbxRp7QELRY9h4-HQX3hcgBbR-G0uvEKvwGl3Lo01IWq4rkJ3PxdWAgp4oqRWF89Wyye_nFpjj-SXHVqV16EVIOyGbYA2ND9RERlvDTCog_a0pWan6c8d_cSmBA2GXM3KcVw/w640-h306/Lunch%20-%20Bowen.jpg" title="Bo luc lac" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bo luc lac (Vietnamese shaken beef) could have been spicier, but was still very nice</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR7deSaEuw_5hzPN1vxI3dFpGVOGL03yv34GfTu3sQxWY4-cdF5ItcE_02iLPtB2xHWc4pzHZjqCZcyG5rKAPKqk0gKKtB-6d3v8aVVGzmviiZyxuTxieDv-fJ-r7gfcLJqng4975UYSXYAFXcPiGbxg6K10oj0t6QhIVL92-Hob_TaqA8zTl2W4/s1920/View%20over%20islands%20from%20Flagstaff%20Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1920" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR7deSaEuw_5hzPN1vxI3dFpGVOGL03yv34GfTu3sQxWY4-cdF5ItcE_02iLPtB2xHWc4pzHZjqCZcyG5rKAPKqk0gKKtB-6d3v8aVVGzmviiZyxuTxieDv-fJ-r7gfcLJqng4975UYSXYAFXcPiGbxg6K10oj0t6QhIVL92-Hob_TaqA8zTl2W4/w640-h288/View%20over%20islands%20from%20Flagstaff%20Hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view out over the islands is stunning</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EhAD1AMLdYrQk8aNRJ8ElPej9VTiozpmkIWcXzLCuBD3KddCySmgFt1EHxynSRDtF-SGOyTVyAMZtKLBr11gkzqyDHmsKNSDycEbLfM1RfhqtaTtA0gn9ta2lnZEd9uch3750iEXEwhcH_g-kE6C0dH6fJEzqjLC_SmeK3qoiJU0w1o3wdXXPHI/s1920/View%20over%20Bowen%20from%20Flagstaff%20Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bowen" border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1920" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EhAD1AMLdYrQk8aNRJ8ElPej9VTiozpmkIWcXzLCuBD3KddCySmgFt1EHxynSRDtF-SGOyTVyAMZtKLBr11gkzqyDHmsKNSDycEbLfM1RfhqtaTtA0gn9ta2lnZEd9uch3750iEXEwhcH_g-kE6C0dH6fJEzqjLC_SmeK3qoiJU0w1o3wdXXPHI/w640-h288/View%20over%20Bowen%20from%20Flagstaff%20Hill.jpg" title="Bowen" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view back to town</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Flagstaff Hill, Bowen QLD 4805, Australia-20.0166667 148.2666667-48.137937723176293 113.1104167 8.104604323176293 -176.57708330000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-21567988760682557472022-11-06T17:00:00.053+10:002022-11-06T17:00:00.223+10:00Bowen Golf Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgEbe3JxDemvl3xIwb7G6g34StkkR0OP7CjpYaMyWKtQYnJYI4Mw2nKaSvI8zqDRJbEH4FgQIHPIImHaFlRN98ai_wKkAUW-2kxvzv_iDdNHv-835cULwGpy9Fs2n4Da1ALGKBe_nuxYsp__c7HgyHVkn_D6gLwn63ORyDO9hxJ8vKQtXkLvcffU/s1920/Bowen%20Golf%20Club%209th%20green.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The view over the practice putting green, the 9th/18th green and out to the Coral Sea with obligatory coconut palms" border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1920" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgEbe3JxDemvl3xIwb7G6g34StkkR0OP7CjpYaMyWKtQYnJYI4Mw2nKaSvI8zqDRJbEH4FgQIHPIImHaFlRN98ai_wKkAUW-2kxvzv_iDdNHv-835cULwGpy9Fs2n4Da1ALGKBe_nuxYsp__c7HgyHVkn_D6gLwn63ORyDO9hxJ8vKQtXkLvcffU/w640-h288/Bowen%20Golf%20Club%209th%20green.jpg" title="Bowen Golf Club" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My main reason for heading down to Bowen was to play a golf course I had never played before. It wasn't the closest one - I passed Ayr and Home Hill on the way and they're on my yet to be played list, but the idea of playing some genuine beachside holes appealed. Bowen didn't disappoint - just look at the view above from the clubhouse patio.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The course is a nine hole layout with alternate tees for the back nine on most holes. The first, second and ninth holes are right on the beach and are certainly the highlights. Fairways and greens were in good shape with the exception of some work underway on the 5th fairway, but that should be fixed up with the upcoming Wet season. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Photos below the fold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1IWoyYxwlYS4zBDTnXqY116HyxE4HOe6z73LVh6f1xC9VB3nIrZ4AVBjTIfK_c985JT8hkrRhJEZNctBtKnhugswgQmV1wsf5E6Q82RNPPgx3ZYbd_Ep_rE6WHAgopnlmcsDOVUoFBjnEG3eX91xn_gDSYO50m7NCvrbLGJZE0DeW4uMGkk0etI/s1920/Bowen%20Golf%20Club%2001-10.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="Bowen's 1st/10th hole, with beach to the right" border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1920" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1IWoyYxwlYS4zBDTnXqY116HyxE4HOe6z73LVh6f1xC9VB3nIrZ4AVBjTIfK_c985JT8hkrRhJEZNctBtKnhugswgQmV1wsf5E6Q82RNPPgx3ZYbd_Ep_rE6WHAgopnlmcsDOVUoFBjnEG3eX91xn_gDSYO50m7NCvrbLGJZE0DeW4uMGkk0etI/w640-h388/Bowen%20Golf%20Club%2001-10.jpg" title="Bowen 01/10 tee" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First tee on the left, 10th tee in the centre, Coral Sea on the right</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTssbxLUG9M4X3O_Qgpb3_Lcunbhzr94Pxfi75Cn117VCpnD_sLbh8TeI80vCwcZUKaCPgXLtf-ke_6keNOi2yKP_EIrjxgQH3brqSkHSlAhIkuQdNK3AKLyADjsE0FiMneWTyRf0Ri1_FbBVBzuJxNXorFbiK3Lc_56-wYjW_LCtSY6RR6R0uMr8/s1920/Bowen%20Golf%20Club%2002-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTssbxLUG9M4X3O_Qgpb3_Lcunbhzr94Pxfi75Cn117VCpnD_sLbh8TeI80vCwcZUKaCPgXLtf-ke_6keNOi2yKP_EIrjxgQH3brqSkHSlAhIkuQdNK3AKLyADjsE0FiMneWTyRf0Ri1_FbBVBzuJxNXorFbiK3Lc_56-wYjW_LCtSY6RR6R0uMr8/w640-h360/Bowen%20Golf%20Club%2002-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down the 2nd/11th hole</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdcM35uZu2rTXd_7-6X4LeZ48QnRtDAeVKE_53HTRJ3KKCIQ7whnvXdZLQGqxxYs7NcvcOvMcuRLx-t-pq5tu1Y05mkaln4pfkey-1L1bW3UTiCIEy_8pelRx5P7ahejQmwdGMP5fKkTj8Us8IcUMCNpklxAJQJfoD2WgEAj9WItHUXE6UvZ7lFY/s1920/Bowen%20Golf%20CLub%2011th%20tee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1920" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdcM35uZu2rTXd_7-6X4LeZ48QnRtDAeVKE_53HTRJ3KKCIQ7whnvXdZLQGqxxYs7NcvcOvMcuRLx-t-pq5tu1Y05mkaln4pfkey-1L1bW3UTiCIEy_8pelRx5P7ahejQmwdGMP5fKkTj8Us8IcUMCNpklxAJQJfoD2WgEAj9WItHUXE6UvZ7lFY/w640-h288/Bowen%20Golf%20CLub%2011th%20tee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from ground level on the 11th tee</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUQ5-pIYiLOshMDTsnLj657Cu5ofiQ6Ud4c2VwkV_cqlQTlwDCBXtbj7q9VjKIuGwexZd2FZIkzK1PNWKWlr06CNRVSL-ofP0Ti9rML2D-k3n6kuTDqShw0mHBo7iZCogQD5kWxjtEsqTzxOzTO4c-WYWh09cOLdFedJAZciqMX7w2Hhm7Lishzk/s1920/Bowen%20Golf%20Club%2009-18%20tee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUQ5-pIYiLOshMDTsnLj657Cu5ofiQ6Ud4c2VwkV_cqlQTlwDCBXtbj7q9VjKIuGwexZd2FZIkzK1PNWKWlr06CNRVSL-ofP0Ti9rML2D-k3n6kuTDqShw0mHBo7iZCogQD5kWxjtEsqTzxOzTO4c-WYWh09cOLdFedJAZciqMX7w2Hhm7Lishzk/w640-h360/Bowen%20Golf%20Club%2009-18%20tee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the 9th/18th with the large water hazard behind the green.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCVFIRgD2QImHR7poJswbjup2pFC6yc0x3oWFj5ixt9W2MlwuvyzHAK6esPTScW6QqSzVOHy_fqBujftJLvdTbj-E8k2KQqjhFF5Rmk_BHuDnGSbDYMhlR-epMjcSxlqzAyiNK30BFvlEacRL1k5UlRLHJGD9sopfjEvxwrxccsj5OU1Ugh0isO0/s1920/Bowen%20Golf%20Club%2009-18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Drone photo from behind the 9th/18th green showing the city of Bowen in the background" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCVFIRgD2QImHR7poJswbjup2pFC6yc0x3oWFj5ixt9W2MlwuvyzHAK6esPTScW6QqSzVOHy_fqBujftJLvdTbj-E8k2KQqjhFF5Rmk_BHuDnGSbDYMhlR-epMjcSxlqzAyiNK30BFvlEacRL1k5UlRLHJGD9sopfjEvxwrxccsj5OU1Ugh0isO0/w640-h360/Bowen%20Golf%20Club%2009-18.jpg" title="9th/18th looking back" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down 9/18 with Bowen behind.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com041 Golf Links Rd, Bowen QLD 4805, Australia-19.9846231 148.2382411-48.294856936178846 113.08199110000001 8.3256107361788452 -176.60550890000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-14669383911160504612022-11-05T17:33:00.005+10:002022-11-05T17:34:05.612+10:00A nice view from the dinner table<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhnppr6kcslMFsg2vBzfHGiCC4CaUVAw_V4YHr6s5EFBqcfzktspNwBnevn7GXgxTuYpLATTNQN930DEjy2Hozj27R4ovCMYUZKzkOO457360RPceKiuqWp68c2V0Jb34TLSVzzoQJPLZaLcLoXqrJOxocMTh1rdUiB6rhL9tM4uUB01J1WywNL8/s1920/Bowen%20-%20Dinner%20view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Looking out through palm trees to a pink sunset over Bowen" border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1920" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhnppr6kcslMFsg2vBzfHGiCC4CaUVAw_V4YHr6s5EFBqcfzktspNwBnevn7GXgxTuYpLATTNQN930DEjy2Hozj27R4ovCMYUZKzkOO457360RPceKiuqWp68c2V0Jb34TLSVzzoQJPLZaLcLoXqrJOxocMTh1rdUiB6rhL9tM4uUB01J1WywNL8/w640-h288/Bowen%20-%20Dinner%20view.jpg" title="Dinner view" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my table</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>This week I was visiting Bowen for the first time, and as I drove around thinking about where to eat dinner, one place caught my attention. <a href="https://thecoverestaurantbowen.com.au/">The Cove Restaurant</a> overlooks Queens Bay to the west, making dinner at sunset a memorable experience and I timed my dinner perfectly. It's a Thai/Chinese restaurant, and the massaman beef was very good.</p>Below is a daytime panoramic picture of the small bay beside the restaurant, which is located on the ground floor of the holiday apartment complex at right.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE34TQdyt40Ipdtegeonmqa3nDf6PfJiSwxjvVTRJR4bv-ZMs0itzH78so1tcf2H22fGY5ADxhqL6jtnr4FvR4KUvAxhbVs-umNhe2FP8tXwsKxKpU1ypG2eOPUR1_j3mNY130_Uiq3pCu_c4EIhTvNXraUb5ABNKQu3Tkra_yFZOobOtl1OzSU7w/s6093/Bowen%20-%20Bay%20near%20Thai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A small beach in Bowen next to the Cove Restaurant" border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="6093" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE34TQdyt40Ipdtegeonmqa3nDf6PfJiSwxjvVTRJR4bv-ZMs0itzH78so1tcf2H22fGY5ADxhqL6jtnr4FvR4KUvAxhbVs-umNhe2FP8tXwsKxKpU1ypG2eOPUR1_j3mNY130_Uiq3pCu_c4EIhTvNXraUb5ABNKQu3Tkra_yFZOobOtl1OzSU7w/w640-h122/Bowen%20-%20Bay%20near%20Thai.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com02B Horseshoe Bay Rd, Bowen QLD 4805, Australia-19.9803463 148.2590127-48.290580136178846 113.1027627 8.3298875361788447 -176.58473730000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-23057909853335518282022-10-24T19:29:00.004+10:002022-10-24T19:29:00.215+10:00Figs<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE8QP38DXeOXSVmqIQrVynfc5Zw0YiWkzc1L8ZD_7w3uCw4j5Egt0k1p_fXwiZk4IKf0tN-iHqGdYhhyBFnMKjhc588hQ5dI3sXBMDjYrRHjDUPLcmoo8BTDG5qlbfrZm7dTZJPfZJtdyoaR1rSpMxGU9BKz7PG-To40w2ZUe2bwZBz6DNYsBVfw/s2000/Figs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="901" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE8QP38DXeOXSVmqIQrVynfc5Zw0YiWkzc1L8ZD_7w3uCw4j5Egt0k1p_fXwiZk4IKf0tN-iHqGdYhhyBFnMKjhc588hQ5dI3sXBMDjYrRHjDUPLcmoo8BTDG5qlbfrZm7dTZJPfZJtdyoaR1rSpMxGU9BKz7PG-To40w2ZUe2bwZBz6DNYsBVfw/w288-h640/Figs.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Wandering around Cattana at the moment there are a lot of figs in fruit. They provide bursts of colour on the trunks of the trees even at eye level. I'm keeping an eye our for double-eyed fig parrots feasting on them, but haven't seen any yet.</p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Cattana Wetlands, Dunne Rd, Smithfield QLD 4878, Australia-16.8296415 145.7044259-45.139875336178847 110.54817589999999 11.480592336178844 -179.1393241tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-77481291279861611392022-10-23T19:29:00.005+10:002022-10-23T19:29:53.029+10:00Welcome to the jungle<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYnxrion4cZbTG76NtkDqPS_hvkTw9irJEKoFWMusAvwp5T6gyQZcjT6pHDf4RHicqSi4nY6bET6ioL7LeAGcFs2CN42PgCzUQ84bQT3fGhbubnMttUnhst-LcRkUzAsv0MAE5HEkUo7_c7ioiOAfMjEZ6Z6GRcE2fanmQi4_cReHWz_l4f3L2wo/s2000/Welcome%20to%20the%20jungle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYnxrion4cZbTG76NtkDqPS_hvkTw9irJEKoFWMusAvwp5T6gyQZcjT6pHDf4RHicqSi4nY6bET6ioL7LeAGcFs2CN42PgCzUQ84bQT3fGhbubnMttUnhst-LcRkUzAsv0MAE5HEkUo7_c7ioiOAfMjEZ6Z6GRcE2fanmQi4_cReHWz_l4f3L2wo/w640-h288/Welcome%20to%20the%20jungle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cattana Wetlands greenery</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After a day in the office, a brief stop at the Cattana Wetlands at Yorkeys Knob is a great mind cleanser. On my most recent visit this view past an umbrella tree and cassowary plum flowers into thick foliage just struck a chord with me. Click the photo for a larger image.<br /> </p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Cattana Wetlands, Dunne Rd, Smithfield QLD 4878, Australia-16.8296415 145.7044259-45.139875336178847 110.54817589999999 11.480592336178844 -179.1393241tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-41370161165206910152022-10-17T12:00:00.001+10:002022-10-17T12:00:00.227+10:00Hartleys Creek (not the crocodile farm)<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66WV5DsajMHyRA664-D8QfXnKU4cXGRo3akzxZxgjAV_zybgWlq6Na8VeCzjHMYl92xWwawybg0PG9RPnFp0td4F2ax5ckPzc5d5ekyx9lh-vEA5RvxK33KtQD7tjPXyrWqrSMDF6W8S79cFdai6_TdmpmjEp-ghHrli-aDxJTaaTSF4q6NSGB-E/s1000/Hartleys%20Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66WV5DsajMHyRA664-D8QfXnKU4cXGRo3akzxZxgjAV_zybgWlq6Na8VeCzjHMYl92xWwawybg0PG9RPnFp0td4F2ax5ckPzc5d5ekyx9lh-vEA5RvxK33KtQD7tjPXyrWqrSMDF6W8S79cFdai6_TdmpmjEp-ghHrli-aDxJTaaTSF4q6NSGB-E/w640-h288/Hartleys%20Creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hartleys Creek river mouth, Wangetti Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com08HRC+M5 Wangetti QLD, Australia-16.6583473 145.5704287-16.660403003213986 145.56828293278809 -16.656291596786012 145.57257446721192tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-86864245106287369762022-10-16T20:10:00.004+10:002022-10-16T20:10:58.188+10:00Cairns Trawler Base<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYCoQFpxk9vCEE11x6Yt-Uhei_cvP8RltoW4SWzsUXTU2aWi9ZJHvEFmC_Y6VS2Vw9YaiLxXLcJlHxrcMDS8NhzOnhqjmkhQZhCbK5zrQ7zj-5oeAgZ0RygbzYOFT_iRSLpdn0RyII1-xIPBkR599iV_axfH5t31-L7NqF3M4Aln5Crx0J0y73Do/s1000/Cairns%20Trawler%20Base.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYCoQFpxk9vCEE11x6Yt-Uhei_cvP8RltoW4SWzsUXTU2aWi9ZJHvEFmC_Y6VS2Vw9YaiLxXLcJlHxrcMDS8NhzOnhqjmkhQZhCbK5zrQ7zj-5oeAgZ0RygbzYOFT_iRSLpdn0RyII1-xIPBkR599iV_axfH5t31-L7NqF3M4Aln5Crx0J0y73Do/w640-h288/Cairns%20Trawler%20Base.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com013 Fearnley St, Portsmith QLD 4870, Australia-16.9412073 145.7753865-16.942233627659142 145.77431361639404 -16.940180972340855 145.77645938360595tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-57507628816759562852022-09-23T02:00:00.003+10:002022-09-23T02:00:00.232+10:00Mirage Port Douglas - The 15th<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesbZ8uEwLhMphtuOHqubHW9X6RsImAX3kEqFHy2hDcARI19JNUkeEITBBXgw_yVJXMZ9O6Yj_2qHQqOaB7nKsOh0v9d-cUt6hPCLnWgkn735kEFLS9Ri1z4GfjBIaMYpmgtzwI6jkahDdoqb_9tDsg7f5uSZ9oQzUW17A-JsdYxeQQw4VwJQDBF0/s1008/Mirage%20Port%20Douglas%20-%2015th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mirage Port Douglas 15th - over water to a green surrounded by palm trees" border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="1008" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesbZ8uEwLhMphtuOHqubHW9X6RsImAX3kEqFHy2hDcARI19JNUkeEITBBXgw_yVJXMZ9O6Yj_2qHQqOaB7nKsOh0v9d-cUt6hPCLnWgkn735kEFLS9Ri1z4GfjBIaMYpmgtzwI6jkahDdoqb_9tDsg7f5uSZ9oQzUW17A-JsdYxeQQw4VwJQDBF0/w640-h288/Mirage%20Port%20Douglas%20-%2015th.jpg" title="Mirage 15" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stunning view down the 15th from the bridge between 11 and 12.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia-16.5016277 145.4655499-44.811861536178846 110.30929990000001 11.808606136178845 -179.37820009999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-13815439886205602512022-09-22T13:56:00.000+10:002022-09-22T13:56:17.623+10:00The Croc Trap<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Holes 16, 17 and 18 at the Mirage Golf Course in Port Douglas have been dubbed the Croc Trap, though I think it's a fitting name for the entire back nine. Crocodile habitat is in play from the 10th to the 18th. Previous visits to the course hadn't given me any croc sightings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I was on the 15th green (centre left below) a player in the group was trying to catch my attention and was pointing to the pond. I didn't catch on immediately, but after I got a little closer he said there was a croc. I got to the 16th tee, looked over to the small island in the pond.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Drone photo of the 15/16 pond" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypfHngirWHNRKLhegm_xSAAxm7ZoHlh31p6o3xVyWTp4OufepcEX64hPfCbeUxUx7SS7DbxqP3Nc-_JYgVg8v_b9w4jASrOiPN-vsV8koUiGAr0ctiaHiZkVaJOcmPGHmbM8tK7AyKpgb6x4h_B4vvUlnIpEySN25x50xEmzo_BFSuJYm54Glvwg/w640-h360/Mirage%20Port%20Douglas%2015%2016%20pond%20high.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerial view of the pond between the 11th, 15th and 16th</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sure enough, there was a medium sized croc sitting on the island sunning itself. I grabbed my drone, flew it over, and wondered how close I should try to get. A few nice photos resulted. I'm sure if I hadn't been told about it I would have almost certainly walked past it. The player ahead is a member who later told me the croc is one of 11 regularly encountered on the course and is often seen in that spot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPbDOSREA3wjene501U7FKqD3P1jtwPsBE_BIobtd-Rx2QEXZzGZVAT6Gp2crgkMopix1cM_fLJ8gMzJ_fB1riBzJCXHJBI5hZhdpR-iW5c3UujdX0-HNB671P_JEAjbydBpJxVMUg6Yf-rPzhG0MDM887F-6rPMflJHVIooBskr8tXB29ov3_Yw/s1000/Mirage%20Port%20Douglas%20-%20Croc%20on%2016th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Estuarine crocodile sunning itself on the bank" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPbDOSREA3wjene501U7FKqD3P1jtwPsBE_BIobtd-Rx2QEXZzGZVAT6Gp2crgkMopix1cM_fLJ8gMzJ_fB1riBzJCXHJBI5hZhdpR-iW5c3UujdX0-HNB671P_JEAjbydBpJxVMUg6Yf-rPzhG0MDM887F-6rPMflJHVIooBskr8tXB29ov3_Yw/w640-h360/Mirage%20Port%20Douglas%20-%20Croc%20on%2016th.jpg" title="Estuarine crocodile" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A croc lazes near the 16th tee</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It had been quite a while since I had played at the Mirage Port Douglas. I came away that time thinking that they had let the maintenance go and were cutting corners. The holes in view of the main road were being maintained, but the rest of the course wasn't receiving enough attention. Fairways were patchy, the bunkers had pebbles in them, and the greens were needing attention.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I went back this week and found that the course management seem to have lifted their act. Significant improvements were obvious in all three areas. There are a few small bare patches on some greens but the course condition was very good. Service was excellent last time and just as good this time. Locals can get 18 holes with a cart for $65, which is excellent value.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'll be back at Mirage pretty soon, and would certainly recommend others head up for a game.</div><p></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia-16.5016277 145.4655499-44.811861536178846 110.30929990000001 11.808606136178845 -179.37820009999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-27812500102618078062022-09-16T21:20:00.005+10:002022-09-16T21:20:58.122+10:00A brief view of the Mt Hypipamee CraterBelow are a couple of brief videos showing Mt Hypipamee Crater between Atherton and Ravenshoe which I probably should have edited into one video.<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MvXuT89rGyk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LI9cJhC3U40" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Mount Hypipamee National Park, Kennedy Hwy, Malanda QLD 4883, Australia-17.4280528 145.486075-45.738286636178842 110.329825 10.882181036178846 -179.35767499999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-68515670925931867872022-09-16T14:00:00.027+10:002022-09-16T14:00:00.223+10:00Wallacha and Tchupala Falls<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KRVinWr6AzY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><p>Wallacha (also spelt Wallicher) and Tchupala Falls are located a little down the highway from Henrietta Creek and Nandroya Falls (see earlier post). It's a little hard to see the start of the trail, with little more than an area to pull off to the side of the road. I went past and had to turn around. There's room for three or four cars.</p><p>The poorly marked trail heads into the forest just on the western side of the parking area, and ventures a couple of hundred metres into the forest before branching with Tchupala to the right and Wallacha to the left. From there the signs say it's 360m to Tchupala and 500m to Wallacha.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomQcG0q1B78Hnqb9aFtOgRcYG6LC50PlPeXKfePT_UD75JTTEUdYUVYtcDm7FFEoPawEA2OXBtcxYmBVhPsby0bnFmjNb3U4m73xG-vAcZLPwj8EDgHw36jJq99Q1JmHy38nMTTSyDLnuEP1G5h0DIn9k4vBIHQ3tzJOeb2BHZosu9uprHxl3t9M/s1600/Tchupala%20Falls%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomQcG0q1B78Hnqb9aFtOgRcYG6LC50PlPeXKfePT_UD75JTTEUdYUVYtcDm7FFEoPawEA2OXBtcxYmBVhPsby0bnFmjNb3U4m73xG-vAcZLPwj8EDgHw36jJq99Q1JmHy38nMTTSyDLnuEP1G5h0DIn9k4vBIHQ3tzJOeb2BHZosu9uprHxl3t9M/w640-h360/Tchupala%20Falls%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tchupala from the air</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaNfwMHIKnWAWi0pive8chbjWqXxbVKcK5OUUQf40WXSjt2Ffo6CoSwDDkZnMJx_mDqOMt8zCPLP2_uP_6d0hgrEyeS-_Ab_9OvHQDDKtLC4r9cF0hUJyRJWV7UfKe5tcDV0n-CEZ6JGazfvJgFzH475YoeNuIqD-I_BLZ0NsR7_Lo8z7UXnbLUI/s1000/Tchupala%20Falls%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaNfwMHIKnWAWi0pive8chbjWqXxbVKcK5OUUQf40WXSjt2Ffo6CoSwDDkZnMJx_mDqOMt8zCPLP2_uP_6d0hgrEyeS-_Ab_9OvHQDDKtLC4r9cF0hUJyRJWV7UfKe5tcDV0n-CEZ6JGazfvJgFzH475YoeNuIqD-I_BLZ0NsR7_Lo8z7UXnbLUI/w640-h288/Tchupala%20Falls%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tchupala from the lookout spot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YNlG_qXrbAxtcMTedL7OHWk_h6ED5yGUtaB-F7s9F71s1GqEXq03yW8UmP14w9eNTLMeuu17zlP0EFb6K_aRMIA9-MCzFdqqEiDYb5z5OaV2-KLh81wwTeLiRIjfRb7WvcnDf7NWqr7TW0xzBddgS_zMPmBLeYO-KpXh5PuY5-iqpjji933jo28/s1000/Wallacha%20Falls%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YNlG_qXrbAxtcMTedL7OHWk_h6ED5yGUtaB-F7s9F71s1GqEXq03yW8UmP14w9eNTLMeuu17zlP0EFb6K_aRMIA9-MCzFdqqEiDYb5z5OaV2-KLh81wwTeLiRIjfRb7WvcnDf7NWqr7TW0xzBddgS_zMPmBLeYO-KpXh5PuY5-iqpjji933jo28/w640-h360/Wallacha%20Falls%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wallacha from the air</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Palmerston Hwy, Wooroonooran QLD 4860, Australia-17.6043429 145.7771105-41.242299582018866 110.62086049999999 6.0336137820188682 -179.0666395tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-88115859208623294492022-09-14T14:00:00.007+10:002022-09-14T14:00:00.233+10:00Nandroya FallsNandroya Falls is the sort of scenery you see in "lost in the jungle" movies: thick rainforest, narrow trails, and a high waterfall dropping into a pool at it's base. There's a second smaller falls below that that's equally as picturesque. On a hot day both pools would be irresistible spots for a dip to cool off after the walk.<div><br /></div><div>The Falls are accessed by starting off at the Henrietta Creek campgrounds on the Palmerston Highway between Innisfail and Millaa Millaa, and involves hiking a couple of kilometres over a ridge. Highway noise disappears as you descend down toward the falls. Even if any of it made it to the Falls, the water crashing into the pools would drown it out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Serenity.</div><div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJyiCjdjUaPHPdL6QdxeD3X267wl3MGhlKUR1kvI3KaR-QDQrAZm9xVQsjBvlTHP7NKULdTlS9-RpMDP2uocSYAo3mXBeQJzaw0N4wytTIW30aTEbxnwLowTE6og9FKIv1-ymkr7ujXZB18gxVmRS9f-BcW5nr4j5c7nWvk7yJp_1xBLbUJ1uWNI/s1280/Nandroya%20Falls%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJyiCjdjUaPHPdL6QdxeD3X267wl3MGhlKUR1kvI3KaR-QDQrAZm9xVQsjBvlTHP7NKULdTlS9-RpMDP2uocSYAo3mXBeQJzaw0N4wytTIW30aTEbxnwLowTE6og9FKIv1-ymkr7ujXZB18gxVmRS9f-BcW5nr4j5c7nWvk7yJp_1xBLbUJ1uWNI/w640-h360/Nandroya%20Falls%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drone photo of the main waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslANsUL3TdPwX6HhOnPeD3us_fPxb7YAClVU2ev-OKEFNC3SbhRDDZx1FXknaFNxXomIMVkPPb6BYYGJrTVug2eLBnMTeRtxJB2CJy1XNxlEh7qa83464N6HlpgPVpdugC8hsYGfapmZDrXsCsnSMijhpsHsaHPyX3D0g6pyg06j4B1PEPOoS_Qs/s1000/Nandroya%20Falls%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslANsUL3TdPwX6HhOnPeD3us_fPxb7YAClVU2ev-OKEFNC3SbhRDDZx1FXknaFNxXomIMVkPPb6BYYGJrTVug2eLBnMTeRtxJB2CJy1XNxlEh7qa83464N6HlpgPVpdugC8hsYGfapmZDrXsCsnSMijhpsHsaHPyX3D0g6pyg06j4B1PEPOoS_Qs/w640-h288/Nandroya%20Falls%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lower falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p></div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Wooroonooran QLD 4860, Australia-17.5860006 145.7492199-45.896234436178844 110.59296990000001 10.724233236178847 -179.0945301tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-42155083398772549262022-09-13T19:24:00.003+10:002022-09-13T19:24:33.267+10:00From/of a road<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOOIKI9DTe83arGpp8ZbxibSZ_ekE2xNf5warT2pf9JfWRsWaVLB-lh2UZvkte5vJD8ACSHhzQZcH2le_jX_Bz6k0WgDL6ZdfrIdgk66ri3Mq8IgayEhZv-ngtNJ_ZorAfuwCrDeVCam-F-4zDSAStfswHxJy8anowjwe5O6zfmjVGFUHbfBHszM/s1612/Ellay%20Bay%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1612" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOOIKI9DTe83arGpp8ZbxibSZ_ekE2xNf5warT2pf9JfWRsWaVLB-lh2UZvkte5vJD8ACSHhzQZcH2le_jX_Bz6k0WgDL6ZdfrIdgk66ri3Mq8IgayEhZv-ngtNJ_ZorAfuwCrDeVCam-F-4zDSAStfswHxJy8anowjwe5O6zfmjVGFUHbfBHszM/w640-h288/Ellay%20Bay%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the road approaching Ella Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitxoaBpOtzSB9bYCZnlP0nrV53QF3YMaAxayA4JKOPfHJaETcJum2SGxtVSPnwA-EhLoKIx6j3lzWo9nyNfmPuzjWvs2om-Y5IAKBPtHT1K2SEGXlpnYX_XuZovbC5d8RxtlOR_InMHpXHu38wqDQkUGzNiK8W_fslojgJlDa9ZUkpJUvzoCZx1E/s1600/Ella%20Bay%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitxoaBpOtzSB9bYCZnlP0nrV53QF3YMaAxayA4JKOPfHJaETcJum2SGxtVSPnwA-EhLoKIx6j3lzWo9nyNfmPuzjWvs2om-Y5IAKBPtHT1K2SEGXlpnYX_XuZovbC5d8RxtlOR_InMHpXHu38wqDQkUGzNiK8W_fslojgJlDa9ZUkpJUvzoCZx1E/w640-h360/Ella%20Bay%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the road approaching Ella Bay</td></tr></tbody></table>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0G3CG+X6 Wanjuru QLD, Australia-17.4776067 146.0755784-17.479653402907978 146.0734326327881 -17.47555999709202 146.07772416721193tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-58160773159969248202022-09-03T21:18:00.002+10:002022-09-14T12:19:41.421+10:00Platypus... A photo series<p> I recently dropped in to Malanda Falls, mainly to try spotting tree kangaroos. I failed on that task, but as I wandered around one of the tracks I came to a nice little area overlooking the creek. I stopped and looked around, and motion caught my eye in the water. I realised it was a platypus hunting along the opposite bank. You can see it under the ferns below:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjximUK7ST-aMA8Oi9vEwlvAFaoRkWV5JNqpCkSLyURKI692k-W7BjPEMmAzi-VxVtzj0DbCboHc0xuZgumiP_jPy7UQfKjvPgmd8RtqUhsupLLGJLCbG5SYF9iomaoQW7lWB0sFrDToazmGQWeoY2Gu2m-hIwEsRW9V_nRO_V-BsVelCQ2U5VVMKw/s1008/Platypus%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjximUK7ST-aMA8Oi9vEwlvAFaoRkWV5JNqpCkSLyURKI692k-W7BjPEMmAzi-VxVtzj0DbCboHc0xuZgumiP_jPy7UQfKjvPgmd8RtqUhsupLLGJLCbG5SYF9iomaoQW7lWB0sFrDToazmGQWeoY2Gu2m-hIwEsRW9V_nRO_V-BsVelCQ2U5VVMKw/w180-h400/Platypus%201.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>I was delighted. I don't see them terribly often and, when I have, they tend to disappear rather quickly. I hoped this one would let me get a good look. Fortunately it swam a little closer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHndRxF_71ZiQtH_EZWKcBVOfua1LhZI1YaMbKFgEJP5i534qnRrp368xkLGzrtrIxiW9OQjW9q2oB3OmG9l-VyFrLLtjCgct_ad8JtO4ZCvzj0CIOwFNPTIcCDNzRtzqgUFA3f6wGiCLxl4awsAxU-NYqc6tfoWQbMgpcZ8Z6t7wJ6Pd-gQtAUw/s1008/Platypus%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHndRxF_71ZiQtH_EZWKcBVOfua1LhZI1YaMbKFgEJP5i534qnRrp368xkLGzrtrIxiW9OQjW9q2oB3OmG9l-VyFrLLtjCgct_ad8JtO4ZCvzj0CIOwFNPTIcCDNzRtzqgUFA3f6wGiCLxl4awsAxU-NYqc6tfoWQbMgpcZ8Z6t7wJ6Pd-gQtAUw/w180-h400/Platypus%202.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>Concerned I might spook it, I moved back a little from the bank, trying to hide behind a tree as I watched. The platypus swam across the creek, search for food for a bit, then swam a bit closer and out into the middle of the creek.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pIU7jutTLGZ9sASiEuMSEJPjhaK4OntDyVEVjcS-RI9lGNdw4LIBSvGtwwX1zLIJtJPLs87dpCI-DuY8an4iABd6fJ_moH7WAP-SN6LA-Q94gB8DUu0zhQzrXSDhcd40q_LYIOmMGMzPa8GjjdTljFq7RA3hWjPds5BSpODoJ6E8D34buCdd2vc/s1008/Platypus%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pIU7jutTLGZ9sASiEuMSEJPjhaK4OntDyVEVjcS-RI9lGNdw4LIBSvGtwwX1zLIJtJPLs87dpCI-DuY8an4iABd6fJ_moH7WAP-SN6LA-Q94gB8DUu0zhQzrXSDhcd40q_LYIOmMGMzPa8GjjdTljFq7RA3hWjPds5BSpODoJ6E8D34buCdd2vc/w180-h400/Platypus%203.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>It then turned and swam closer. I was pretty sure that it had spotted me, but it wasn't spooked. It came closer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9xe7iZ4_iMiLB-Pb-uo0upx4t--ksuSrM7eqGxi4thUrFwJT7lmi1cLW1NI4qLf3DIxNahalst3tZ0NpVr8r594Z38aDbP7kIpqOT2iMvJUpH5xry5jdXeb7uhwgJ5jsj67Z_AAQLbOL2Pmp4EIpIbM1Eac9W46664botTORxVyzmQ4P4PWx3fc/s1008/Platypus%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9xe7iZ4_iMiLB-Pb-uo0upx4t--ksuSrM7eqGxi4thUrFwJT7lmi1cLW1NI4qLf3DIxNahalst3tZ0NpVr8r594Z38aDbP7kIpqOT2iMvJUpH5xry5jdXeb7uhwgJ5jsj67Z_AAQLbOL2Pmp4EIpIbM1Eac9W46664botTORxVyzmQ4P4PWx3fc/w180-h400/Platypus%204.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>I wandered down to the bank again to get closer. I was standing out in the open, and there was no doubt it could see me. Apparently it was curious, and came right over to check me out properly. It was within a step of the bank. It lay in the water, seemingly relaxed with my presence.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfzoCy7-mt_b7LTeu5ymSqpfgPMvDxcZ8SaTeWCmBEzoQl4R2DC8lpQmchxomtffdvLbig-Dqs2DEbYP0J7NOvzeMUpFTrCLcgCVpxHMaXMcW_zWf5LdmvbmP2vWK4H8QmgoEJRl_iiYZ6lDLavQeTSNmSRh08uQaf3mSSJhaVznUG1A-JdIqO04/s1008/Platypus%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfzoCy7-mt_b7LTeu5ymSqpfgPMvDxcZ8SaTeWCmBEzoQl4R2DC8lpQmchxomtffdvLbig-Dqs2DEbYP0J7NOvzeMUpFTrCLcgCVpxHMaXMcW_zWf5LdmvbmP2vWK4H8QmgoEJRl_iiYZ6lDLavQeTSNmSRh08uQaf3mSSJhaVznUG1A-JdIqO04/w180-h400/Platypus%205.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>After a few moments it apparently grew bored, and it was off to keep hunting for lunch. It swam past me and up the river.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcgZ1kjO3QNKFEKopaiXjFaru8atKCUSvYDw9npTCxsMuvOHOOtoxDxLaFtZQlniRd-xVALmKx7rVCeBlG7ihi68Zejf4BpCcEt35zs6gbt2mNRXngkPXa1Acf4SS8U1XvBTW2D0Jt3OqoyM4-RdwVDklnEsNGw_grTYzGtgLijE6WHEgJnHQl10/s1008/Platypus%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcgZ1kjO3QNKFEKopaiXjFaru8atKCUSvYDw9npTCxsMuvOHOOtoxDxLaFtZQlniRd-xVALmKx7rVCeBlG7ihi68Zejf4BpCcEt35zs6gbt2mNRXngkPXa1Acf4SS8U1XvBTW2D0Jt3OqoyM4-RdwVDklnEsNGw_grTYzGtgLijE6WHEgJnHQl10/w180-h400/Platypus%206.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>Fin.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuVFNvB6LuoxF2r1VbX-DBYxr8oD6n9gzRybpC4q9yUjCwvAzwhMiCaZWFF6b5Pf5K713bjSacthjDY7dDYpEMwQTmwMZvLIx4uWPtC3HPr8Da5GgEwe_rDQkNBD-4Jp0vtxfTlEotCHv0TXHcxWQyZ2f_167fqFB_8ASlzN-Knc356vgQfpJVgM/s1008/Platypus%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="1008" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuVFNvB6LuoxF2r1VbX-DBYxr8oD6n9gzRybpC4q9yUjCwvAzwhMiCaZWFF6b5Pf5K713bjSacthjDY7dDYpEMwQTmwMZvLIx4uWPtC3HPr8Da5GgEwe_rDQkNBD-4Jp0vtxfTlEotCHv0TXHcxWQyZ2f_167fqFB_8ASlzN-Knc356vgQfpJVgM/w400-h180/Platypus%207.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Malanda Falls Conservation Park, RN 145 Atherton Rd, Malanda QLD 4885, Australia-17.3574666 145.5878024-45.667700436178848 110.43155239999999 10.952767236178847 -179.2559476tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-81122158342361287572022-05-15T20:06:00.008+10:002022-05-15T20:06:56.623+10:00Cattana Wetlands are wet<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0Lv-yRaYyIOsDjwLU58tmkm71Jsi5C8gJp7KXxXhgKgwCk5VILU0HYyzwF3xR3l9vaGj6r3XvtmWbkPRefi5YEGrQQjAUSKLLuUyTVzlZhhloEZUMve7qOfBInd-h3XtPhvwW7vKOcprNh2CKctlkLHHtYgNStpZtcJCWcb1FuYckzIdUE4X0eQ/s1280/Catanna%20Wetlands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0Lv-yRaYyIOsDjwLU58tmkm71Jsi5C8gJp7KXxXhgKgwCk5VILU0HYyzwF3xR3l9vaGj6r3XvtmWbkPRefi5YEGrQQjAUSKLLuUyTVzlZhhloEZUMve7qOfBInd-h3XtPhvwW7vKOcprNh2CKctlkLHHtYgNStpZtcJCWcb1FuYckzIdUE4X0eQ/w640-h480/Catanna%20Wetlands.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Recent rains have seen the ponds at Cattana Wetlands overflow, and we now have some nice areas in the paperbarks inundated.</p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Cattana Wetlands, Dunne Rd, Smithfield QLD 4878, Australia-16.8296415 145.7044259-45.139875336178847 110.54817589999999 11.480592336178844 -179.1393241tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-43962017157114049032022-01-07T19:24:00.000+10:002022-01-07T19:24:03.404+10:00Bingil Bay, Brookes Beach and the Barnard Islands<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTGnSdKDOgD0yiGMZG_FMjeJK9mDu0KkwMpHaKoSuWhG0A5N1Sp5_8Ry2Jcnyk87FjNC8yemQ75qa3jCSOYMp9w_uwWi-Y-H9Xt6vgeyP3u8nqCADrHdYlBas5_gpuyHHFs5r4ErdKAPS1X1WpCVbamEAjxUIFZKogCtcqdHD_FPXrnc2Ymt2Ldgk=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTGnSdKDOgD0yiGMZG_FMjeJK9mDu0KkwMpHaKoSuWhG0A5N1Sp5_8Ry2Jcnyk87FjNC8yemQ75qa3jCSOYMp9w_uwWi-Y-H9Xt6vgeyP3u8nqCADrHdYlBas5_gpuyHHFs5r4ErdKAPS1X1WpCVbamEAjxUIFZKogCtcqdHD_FPXrnc2Ymt2Ldgk=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Bingil Bay QLD 4852, Australia-17.8303328 146.0951366-46.140566636178846 110.93888659999999 10.479901036178845 -178.7486134tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-60871941759817595262021-12-29T14:30:00.001+10:002021-12-29T14:30:39.264+10:00Casual contact<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following the capitulation of the English cricket team yesterday I glanced at my phone. There was a message waiting for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLwygUXO2TnCulP9T1vdGtCPblvq5GS91c4EHk1g2Xp_2FPR_O9xi518PhTJlgB5xrjXjgeReYH4-caAT2wbiDsuV_0ehifFZqvTh2L9kKUXYExTSlZ_0r5x01ybYG5w6UF9NqbR0m_FRVvBJZWc-6PWApMTrM9TUskiodm75XOh1Ugirl5LS93nU=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="1080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLwygUXO2TnCulP9T1vdGtCPblvq5GS91c4EHk1g2Xp_2FPR_O9xi518PhTJlgB5xrjXjgeReYH4-caAT2wbiDsuV_0ehifFZqvTh2L9kKUXYExTSlZ_0r5x01ybYG5w6UF9NqbR0m_FRVvBJZWc-6PWApMTrM9TUskiodm75XOh1Ugirl5LS93nU=w640-h296" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Yes, I admit it. I went to McDonalds on Christmas Day. In my defence I only stopped briefly to grab coffee and a muffin on a drive. I was there at 12:58 for a couple of minutes and the period 11:00-13:00 has been designated as casual contact. I haven't noticed any symptoms.</p><p>I first headed to Paradise Palms, which the Queensland Health website showed as a testing facility. It seems it may have closed down for the holiday period though, as while there were lots of traffic cones in the parking lot there was no testing station. I had to head into town. </p><p>Approaching the Aumuller St testing facility I saw a few cars lined up. "That's not too bad", I thought. Then I saw the line went around the corner. Queensland Health staff were trying to hurry things along by handing out contact detail card in the rain while wearing gloves, a mask, a face shield, a coat, and holding an umbrella. Please, don't be snotty with them if you go.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1Og6MGNaOlNjhL0tlA64Tg3dmxPAhHoUZrBAX4DDt2JJgO9N3ahu0uWMon5I4OkXqfrvvucgXVCY5E0fWn9TRetd7v5hLVgSSvXmtIZg8KSgRF9vO9TANA-k0SMNF_0J_dgocUPrqSt60Hjdky_X8xnpBBBscA269dtDur9W43zdQLXBg8lAeZRI=s806" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="806" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1Og6MGNaOlNjhL0tlA64Tg3dmxPAhHoUZrBAX4DDt2JJgO9N3ahu0uWMon5I4OkXqfrvvucgXVCY5E0fWn9TRetd7v5hLVgSSvXmtIZg8KSgRF9vO9TANA-k0SMNF_0J_dgocUPrqSt60Hjdky_X8xnpBBBscA269dtDur9W43zdQLXBg8lAeZRI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>It ended up taking about 2 hours and ten minutes to get to the front of the queue, where I went through the throat swab and then both nostrils. I'm glad they don't do it in the reverse order. It's my third test of the pandemic, so I knew what to expect and it really wasn't terribly uncomfortable - just ticklish in a place you don't expect ticklish to be.</p><p>So I'm now looking out at the rain, somewhat mollified by the fact I'm not missing out on a golf day or a good day for droning. I hope it lasts a few days as they did warn me it could be 3-5 days for the results to come back. My first home delivery order has gone in to Woolworths, and I'm looking around wondering if this might be the time I get off my arse and do some housework.</p><p>Maybe...</p><p>Perhaps.</p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Cairns QLD, Australia-16.9203476 145.7709529-45.230581436178845 110.6147029 11.389886236178846 -179.0727971tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-81132457838090281532021-12-28T15:00:00.003+10:002021-12-28T15:00:00.208+10:00Hartleys Creek<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw9OmY2TQr28YLnwyfqt_xRqZO9T5axhlifl8MiurjWAofuSP9rMdyzo0aXshuJFdFK0CGJhWnjYC0jtikPKYtEj_E5QXx9-ARAdGwE9iH1ll1DxQJ6yMqYcerV0ayNtVBIJb0KCOWB6b0bAVyiLqHgNN5bb7te9SKAkEnxTrCj2elt7CskJ7p1TA=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw9OmY2TQr28YLnwyfqt_xRqZO9T5axhlifl8MiurjWAofuSP9rMdyzo0aXshuJFdFK0CGJhWnjYC0jtikPKYtEj_E5QXx9-ARAdGwE9iH1ll1DxQJ6yMqYcerV0ayNtVBIJb0KCOWB6b0bAVyiLqHgNN5bb7te9SKAkEnxTrCj2elt7CskJ7p1TA=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The creek that gives the Crocodile Farm its name</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com09H38+4F Wangetti QLD, Australia-16.6471954 145.5662063-16.649251227094933 145.56406053278809 -16.64513957290507 145.56835206721192tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-22344045633775631902021-12-27T21:22:00.005+10:002021-12-27T21:22:48.472+10:00The path to the point<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSZTJm1XeC0bFY2KTnvEuCMJk6N06r9-H3FDR1xZaxarpzi3fxlFxGEu6hkVf6qibt6tGr5jzrf_Rap_zs77TrgQ6jUZCVfJwpz-QM0bIXc6bk9ovVxQ5lI9iXFh1YMxaDehOesb55meow2jLbK2V9raOOK2hBlEisOmqwHZVE3YyUGM4JO_56xfk=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSZTJm1XeC0bFY2KTnvEuCMJk6N06r9-H3FDR1xZaxarpzi3fxlFxGEu6hkVf6qibt6tGr5jzrf_Rap_zs77TrgQ6jUZCVfJwpz-QM0bIXc6bk9ovVxQ5lI9iXFh1YMxaDehOesb55meow2jLbK2V9raOOK2hBlEisOmqwHZVE3YyUGM4JO_56xfk=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The path at the base of Earl Hill</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>We've had some very flat and calm conditions over the last few days so the water has become very clear compared to normal. Even without a polarised filter on the drone you could see into the water quite well. The clear conditions didn't go unnoticed by others and, for the first time, I saw spear-fishermen at Trinity Beach.</p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com06P53+VQ Trinity Beach QLD, Australia-16.7902956 145.7044015-16.794404176049969 145.70010996557616 -16.786187023950031 145.70869303442382tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-34861309475147008562021-12-26T15:00:00.001+10:002021-12-26T15:00:00.213+10:00Palm Cove from a different angle (and a distant selfie) <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglrwsREur0d_Ja6hue_83CfHWvHRYb3yYv__a2Z3SbP8MVB0dYoZNhxlbdD-io_sYhj-vRTFMXUhXYdyQkL-9ONZ-iCPChJj4EYkZGJS3dlrZabMZTEZFw7NN-eHHqhNjd_Jb4Re1K--Z-kZ1A1cWK2OIWfyJ__BKRGztRmVfS2pmZH7tHtcpILHo=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglrwsREur0d_Ja6hue_83CfHWvHRYb3yYv__a2Z3SbP8MVB0dYoZNhxlbdD-io_sYhj-vRTFMXUhXYdyQkL-9ONZ-iCPChJj4EYkZGJS3dlrZabMZTEZFw7NN-eHHqhNjd_Jb4Re1K--Z-kZ1A1cWK2OIWfyJ__BKRGztRmVfS2pmZH7tHtcpILHo=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0LOT 253 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove QLD 4879, Australia-16.739802 145.6718465-16.740829419367035 145.67077361639403 -16.738774580632967 145.67291938360594tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-42965648253625690862021-12-25T15:00:00.001+10:002021-12-25T15:00:00.202+10:00Trinity Beach's southern end<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixVqfVqmsJ9gezjf5-GzQoPJTKiH9j6wMfI-U5T-VkH6_w0Pr8S4emyW6LGYD835igB66SadMxjAbc3nGo87NPQ2itsnPGRYFXtJKz5OG3qx7mDIoHyJCzSI6hzq-w6CNzcBCZiYNLT2mgPJlp2waZHGeU7fZ33QaIM-qcbrHvSid6EzV_tY9y0uA=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixVqfVqmsJ9gezjf5-GzQoPJTKiH9j6wMfI-U5T-VkH6_w0Pr8S4emyW6LGYD835igB66SadMxjAbc3nGo87NPQ2itsnPGRYFXtJKz5OG3qx7mDIoHyJCzSI6hzq-w6CNzcBCZiYNLT2mgPJlp2waZHGeU7fZ33QaIM-qcbrHvSid6EzV_tY9y0uA=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-70619728104810718372021-12-25T09:00:00.000+10:002021-12-25T09:00:00.208+10:00Ellis Beach<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy_L67GVpGjtYJxiiulbKl5xnDxkGNAd3OzbnikisBbIJAmgzoK92AJSXOuU7D6vjiV39mEytdjuLSFEGDMJSVUFe_Ug-3wBqI7qve8qoQypOzy82xUwhySRIqQF9caYftvaT9wHGEMpCPNpI4xoN1QsNK7vMR6yxcNXczqXhbLPCJmuKHfhCfClA=s1920" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy_L67GVpGjtYJxiiulbKl5xnDxkGNAd3OzbnikisBbIJAmgzoK92AJSXOuU7D6vjiV39mEytdjuLSFEGDMJSVUFe_Ug-3wBqI7qve8qoQypOzy82xUwhySRIqQF9caYftvaT9wHGEMpCPNpI4xoN1QsNK7vMR6yxcNXczqXhbLPCJmuKHfhCfClA=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellis Beach from the south end<span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>While the suburbs end at Palm Cove, Cairns has a couple of beaches north of that which aren't residential areas. The largest of these is Ellis Beach, home to the Cairns Surf Lifesaving club and the Ellis Beach Bar and Grill. There's also a caravan park with some beachside cabins available. It's the start of the Great Barrier Reef drive, which coils along the coast to Port Douglas. Take your polarised sunglasses for the best views.</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Ellis Beach QLD 4879, Australia-16.7268386 145.6468076-45.037072436178846 110.49055759999999 11.583395236178845 -179.1969424tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-38295026018882624232021-12-24T15:00:00.003+10:002021-12-24T15:00:00.220+10:00Bromfield Swamp<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQjrA9YmWZksIp-M31w39ZMCoTqBe8976f1ao1wjpfCKDNqNLOKJaVd15WjuFSXpt4zOyRV1SnO_K_TLAnk8rv8y3qx_sttcTGMGydZxK_bcPFaOv0iTwmZyv6y89FuNOk3igqysG-KRx-Hped5ganBUEHd7DV5nTKFt80voYp7c2mzSB7lfw2m8U=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQjrA9YmWZksIp-M31w39ZMCoTqBe8976f1ao1wjpfCKDNqNLOKJaVd15WjuFSXpt4zOyRV1SnO_K_TLAnk8rv8y3qx_sttcTGMGydZxK_bcPFaOv0iTwmZyv6y89FuNOk3igqysG-KRx-Hped5ganBUEHd7DV5nTKFt80voYp7c2mzSB7lfw2m8U=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A recent trip up onto the Tablelands saw me drop into the Bromfield Swamp for a spot of bird watching. I found one egret, and didn't a get a good shot of it. It is, however, a picturesque area. The highlight was the above reflection in the water of the swamp and the green surrounds. I'll certainly drop in again in hope of richer avian pickings.</p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0Malanda-Upper Barron Road, Upper Barron QLD 4883, Australia-17.3717396 145.5438223-45.681973436178851 110.38757229999999 10.938494236178844 -179.2999277tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-81292554903461547062021-12-23T15:00:00.006+10:002021-12-23T15:00:00.226+10:00El Arish<p>El Arish Golf Club is located alongside the Bruce Highway near the turn off to Mission Beach. It's a course many have seen but not played. More should probably stop for a leg stretch on their way to Townsville.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiylA_dpIKT3Bu8gp6aBLV4uY8hWjwmOakp3Y3S2Vhv8oC6t1vWHxS-VPadSQjgbFZRdPpMz3OkLWDEOf8BTjaV_fG95516aXc1TgYMX6PaJMQwgeALY-xJ4tksMwDun3rZkgrmyVtmt73o3NFQ7H-ywWi6gi3Ufcl1oggE8F9QYv3VLQmCw9T-hgU=s1280" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiylA_dpIKT3Bu8gp6aBLV4uY8hWjwmOakp3Y3S2Vhv8oC6t1vWHxS-VPadSQjgbFZRdPpMz3OkLWDEOf8BTjaV_fG95516aXc1TgYMX6PaJMQwgeALY-xJ4tksMwDun3rZkgrmyVtmt73o3NFQ7H-ywWi6gi3Ufcl1oggE8F9QYv3VLQmCw9T-hgU=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holes 3, 4, and 5 cluster together</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The course is very flat with no hills to climb, and squeezed into a relatively small area. The only par five is short (420 metres if I remember correctly) and reachable. If you miss a fairway by a fair bit you will often find yourself on another fairway, though there are some exceptions. </div><div><br /></div><div>The highlights are, I think, the 3rd, 4th and 5th. The third is a short par four with a sharp dogleg left around trees to a green that, helpfully, has a bunker behind it to stop your ball heading into the water hazard. Out of bounds lines the right side of the fairway and there's a water hazard close to the tee that really shouldn't be in play. The fourth and fifth are short par threes over the water hazards. Again, the water hazard shouldn't be in play but you know it's there.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPwKpycGvSRGZjE81auxRfvrYQ8A_GItkLA54kF3P5WIbXzcHj3JnFwY6QtwRlAyyi7eUg5G2SbLmQ9OXrA2JUdYxGrM60lPiKDH6axfiiz52E-PCj3fWeM4ZI-PocSw53MBtggLBaCBuIpgGTnPpqaQTPpzZLkDEtDHP9TfdX0l61X0kJdKEFhn4=s1920" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPwKpycGvSRGZjE81auxRfvrYQ8A_GItkLA54kF3P5WIbXzcHj3JnFwY6QtwRlAyyi7eUg5G2SbLmQ9OXrA2JUdYxGrM60lPiKDH6axfiiz52E-PCj3fWeM4ZI-PocSw53MBtggLBaCBuIpgGTnPpqaQTPpzZLkDEtDHP9TfdX0l61X0kJdKEFhn4=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The near 90° dogleg on the first hole<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikQOiq3ohB5gSEp6acgETJOsp0dIbhXurhPpM79r8-6iQcN8syq82OWSglsprfJAzdcMoPPl3znVMa9Rlk6faIUhIOCsV25NC3oyPVQNGGkOeauQwQhWxV6f1v5fm6tXdg4jyu82OTn-g-mPdp4UzooabTCRGenNepBqSJU3YzW3oW8s2IQCnniL0=s1920" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikQOiq3ohB5gSEp6acgETJOsp0dIbhXurhPpM79r8-6iQcN8syq82OWSglsprfJAzdcMoPPl3znVMa9Rlk6faIUhIOCsV25NC3oyPVQNGGkOeauQwQhWxV6f1v5fm6tXdg4jyu82OTn-g-mPdp4UzooabTCRGenNepBqSJU3YzW3oW8s2IQCnniL0=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The relatively new 5th</td></tr></tbody></table><p>If you're having a lazy drive south to Townsville with the clubs in the back, pull over for a hit.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/II-3Lzz1qnM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com01 Golf Course St, El Arish QLD 4855, Australia-17.8104536 146.0025345-46.120687436178841 110.8462845 10.499780236178847 -178.84121549999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710211416303108687.post-21773227236629015272021-12-22T16:30:00.004+10:002021-12-22T16:30:00.225+10:00Outback swimming hole<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOWD4I0kIdtYTq1QFTzZ0XGRfcdDYLzqwQRh-VQ04MTpvzy8e52nyyTo606H-t2vOdqQwQa7rvD_6kvrbcxJKbNLmqyopv0oQwDvO1zmKGq1Jq_VbLtP8PRQjz9Ua4xFLEYOfdkeZ11o_iZbpIYsZd8HP7ZdKkGNwIlb3bxEZISLtFSwPWtf_Zd9s=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Chillagoe weir" border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOWD4I0kIdtYTq1QFTzZ0XGRfcdDYLzqwQRh-VQ04MTpvzy8e52nyyTo606H-t2vOdqQwQa7rvD_6kvrbcxJKbNLmqyopv0oQwDvO1zmKGq1Jq_VbLtP8PRQjz9Ua4xFLEYOfdkeZ11o_iZbpIYsZd8HP7ZdKkGNwIlb3bxEZISLtFSwPWtf_Zd9s=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The swimming hole just above the Chillagoe Weir</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17001745130021275270noreply@blogger.com0VG34+W8 Chillagoe QLD, Australia-17.1452367 144.5058709-17.153438164586206 144.49728783115233 -17.137035235413798 144.51445396884765