Down under........it's not all surfing!

Today I'm concentrating on a very special place in Australia.

After disembarking the Orion in Tasmania, enjoying 

charming Hobart, then seeing the sights of Sydney, 

Paula and I flew to Brisbane in Queensland.  

First adventure took us inland where we were invited to stay in the country with Paula's charming and hospitable friends, Michelle and Mark. It was there I actually got to see the rainforest. I'm embarrassed to admit, I didn't recall this type of landscape even being an option on this dry continent. I was usually at the top of my class in Geography decades ago, I loved learning about other countries, and it was taught as a very important single subject in English schools back then. It's so sad that now many young students don't even know where countries are, let alone their indigenous flora and fauna.

Michelle and Mark have the most spectacular acreage tucked up against Queensland's Springbrook National Park in the sub-tropical rainforest, beneath the breathtaking rim of the Springbrook Plateau. Water is supplied by their own waterfall...........

 ............and at their pond we enjoyed visiting 
with ducks, geese, and the young Belted Galloways 
added recently to 'mow the grass'.

I awoke early morning to a distant crowing rooster and 

the most spectacular views from my window.

A light rain during the night had rinsed the grass and flowers making them sparkle clean and bright at dawn. Hydrangeas and agapanthus - my absolute favorite garden blues.

The wildlife was............well WILD! 

How about peering out the bedroom window at 5:30 AM and viewing mating Pademelons. Anyone even hear of Pademelons before? They were certainly new to me and are timid smaller members of the kangaroo family. When Mr.P noticed my camera poking through the window blinds, he was soon hopping away across the meadow while Mrs.P was left looking quite surprised.

Birds were everywhere, vocal ones such as Kookaburras 'laughing' far off in the trees.......and magpies sharing breakfast on the deck.

I love the morning visits to my own feeders at home by our colorful small red cardinals and occasional bluebirds.... 

.........but brilliantly hued wild parrots at your garden feeders are quite different. Seemingly merry birds, and quite well behaved, it was delightful to watch them as free-flying garden birds rather than caged pets.

The huge tropical tree ferns and palms were stunning.

Michelle and Mark have made beautiful gardens around their property, adding their artistic touches to stunning natural beauty which is visible everywhere.

I truly believe I could sit in this beautiful place looking across to the distant mountains forever!

Thank you Michelle and Mark for sharing your beautiful home, 

I'll never forget it. 

 

Isn't he gorgeous?

 Reflection in Michelle and Mark's riverbed.

Next time....caves, glow worms, creepy crawlies, before leaving for the coast.