We have had an amazing time in the Sunshine Coast the past 12 days, but it is quickly coming to an end. Len and Julia, our hosts, have been very hospitable making leaving here more difficult. (They have threatened to steel our passports, but we have them hidden very well!) I'm sure we will remain forever friends and will definitely plan a return trip.
Great evening walk around the lighthouse near Mooloolaba
This plant is called a "Stag horn Fern". They eat banana peels for potassium.
Blue Tongue Lizard in Len and Julia's yard
We took the kayaks out one evening and paddled around the canals.
Dragon Fruit - Very yummy!
Evening of card playing - not very good at it, but we'll be back after some practice!
On Saturday we drove to a town called Noosa for a Coastal Walk to Hell's Gate.
Dolfins playing in the water
Len and Julia
From Noosa, we drove to Caloundra and hiked from King's Beach to Moffat Beach.
From the start of our hike we could see the Glass House Mountains in the distance.
Pandanus Trees - Roots grow above ground
We came across these guys flying their airplanes. Remote controls that only control the flaps and fly in the "up-draft" wind; no propeller motor. Too cool!
Wedding on the beach
Beautiful Butterfly
On Sunday we headed up the coast to "Double Island Point" with 2 other couples where we got to drive on the beach. We took a ferry across the Noosa River, (only way to get across to the island) we lowered the air pressure in our tires (4 wheel drive) so we wouldn't get stuck on the beach. We drove over 50 km to the point, on the beach, and came to an amazing bay area. Luckily our hosts had experience and a snorkle on their vehicle.
Getting the car ready for the trip.
Crossing the Noosa River
Everyone lowering the air pressure to 18 psi
Dense forest on the island
Getting on to the beach
Here we go!
50 MPH!
We stopped for a few minutes to look for "Pippis"(a kind of bait to fish with). We only found one, but found some snails and a few crabs.
Lunch time
Quick game of cards before high tide
The tide is coming in so it was time to pack up.
We stopped at the point and made a quick hike up the hill to the lighthouse
A Lace Goanna we saw on our hike to the lighthouse.
Double Island Point Lighthouse
We saw 3 stingrays in the water below.
Bringing the air pressure back to 35 psi
Such a great day, and a great 12 days.
We leave Australia tomorrow for New Zealand. More to come...
