As the black sky descended it was no use going sightseeing. Armed with a local wine guide, advising who was open, we set off for the Governor’s Choice winery (Toowoomba has many local wineries- mostly reds). Alas, our guide was incorrect- our selection was only open on weekends. Dam, we had driven all this way in the rain. As we conceded and walked back to our ute, the ‘rather dishy’ owner was pulling up on his 1972 Massey Ferguson (tractor). We showed him our guide, and with the obvious look of disappointment on our faces, he decided to open up- just for us!
The vineyard grounds were spectacular, rolling green lawns, framed by cottage flowers, creating a runway to the vines. As the mist danced against the mountains, we were poured our first taste (aka half a glass). By the third taste I was feeling warm and cosy and we shared camping stories with our host. By now he was joining us in the tasting and decided we should finish off the bottle of port. Having sampled all his wares, we selected our purchases, and as we expressed our thanks were handed a free bottle of wine. He was supposed to be doing the paperwork- and wished to thank us for the excuse to get out of it.
We had actually planned a visit to a winery to arm ourselves with gifts for our Gold Coast hosts the next evening- Bern and Gary. I used to work with Bern at News Limited, and we had a laugh about our lives only a short time ago. Dave and I now ‘on the road’, Bern and Gary now settled on the Gold Coast, only if arriving a mere 3 weeks prior. The new domestic life is certainly agreeing with both of them- a relaxed and welcoming feel greeted us as soon as we arrived (lucky cause I brought all my washing with me.......). Their home has been made complete with a couple of boxers from the pound. They really have turned into the Griswalds. Never a dull moment. Gary announced plans to build a dog kennel. Dave was consulted, although overhearing the plans, I think the dogs may be better building their own....
As you no doubt have heard on the news, Brisbane and the Gold Coast have been experiencing ‘a little bit of wind and rain’. That night down it came, the noise deafening. This would have not been so bad, and perhaps we would have got a little bit of sleep, if it hadn’t had been for Storm (the boxer) and her kennel cough. I really did feel sorry for her, but every half hour, she coughed up her lungs, right outside our bedroom window.
Oh well, at least the 6 inches in two hours filled the pool to the brim. Gary ‘Griswald’ decided to drain the overflow, but uh um, drained too much. In went the hose to fill it back up............ they certainly are relaxed.
All good fun was had though and we bade our hosts goodbye. After a quick stretch of the legs on Broadbeach and a splash in the cool ocean, we set the new GPS for Lamington National Park. Driving through Mt Tambourine, we viewed the devastation from the Sunday night storm. Swollen creeks, fallen trees, landslides and damaged dwellings. The road further on, had only just been reopened. I was wishing it was still closed, having had not much sleep, I was not in the best state for a ride on the ‘ghost train’- well that is what it felt like to me- narrow winding roads, blind corners, one lane passes and recent evidence of landslides. The fun park
Tree Tops Walk, O'Reilys (scary!)
experience continued with the Tree Tops walk. I was a little scared on the rickety, uneven slats 20 metres above the ground. The signs asking for donations to narrow the gaps of the slats, didn’t help in easing my nerves, especially as they started half way along.
Monument to plane crash, O'Reilys
Back on terra firma, we went for an amble in the rainforest and I began to appreciate the beauty of this National Park and her wildlife. King Parrots,
Regent Bower Bird
Satin Bower Bird
Regent and Satin Bower Birds, Rosellas (and those dam Bush Turkeys) landing on anyone holding some seed. All too soon, we were back in the car and headed for Boonah. Ignoring the storm damage, the hinterland region was very pleasant on the eye- and were relatives of Dave’s grandfathers era had resided.
Great Uncle Stubbin, War memorial, Boonah
They have been immortalised at the War Memorial in the Boonah Park, and with photos taken, we made our way back home to Toowoomba.
You are reading this blog, so it is obvious we arrived safe. However, as we ascended up the mountain, so did the next storm. All vehicles, including us, were travelling at 10km per hour, as the rain, hail and winds pelted us from all directions. Arriving ‘home’ the storm cleared, allowing us to prepare for the next one.
A warm sunny day greeted us the following morn and we made our way to Stanthorpe, but not before a sojourn to the Toowoomba Japanese Gardens. We will certainly spend more time in future in this beautiful garden city.
Japanense Gardens, Toowomba
We are settling here in Stanthrpe for a few days of R&R. Lavender Gardens, local crafts, National Parks and many wineries are the attractions in this ‘Granite Belt’ region, and I must now sign off- Dave has selected a winery that specialises in liquors. Perfect for after dinner.
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