I found my new home... continued!
We fell into each others arms and before the door could click shut clothes lay strewn across the floor.... well in dream time anyways *giggle* I couldn`t resist.....
ALONE in the resort bedroom I was taken aback by the beautiful scenery framed in the glass windows that led onto the verandah. It was getting chilly as the afternoon turned to evening. The pitter patter of rain played gentle tunes on the rooftop to which the wind sang mournful songs. Just as I was giving up hope an unexpected sunset breathed colour into the misty clouds, highlighting the mountains in ghostly outlines of purple and pink in the far distance.
It seemed to only last a few moments before slowly fading back to grey. The day had died and was giving way to the night... or so I thought. In one last dramatic display the clouds opened in small cracks through which the burnt orange and deep purple glows of the suns dying rays shone through. Dark, misty clouds hung in the sky, silhouetted. For the first time I realised the sun actually does set in a beautiful burst of light every night, even if it is sometimes hidden by the clouds. It just depends on where you stand that you can admire its beauty.
Dinner was a simple meal in the cosy bar that had steamy windows from the voices of travellers telling their stories of the day. Wine flowed freely, accents mingled into a heady lull, children rubbed weary eyes, solitary figures hunched over books and I had the rare pleasure to sit and take it all in, undisturbed. A cosy room with a warm, crackling fire that chased away the chilly kisses of the fresh mountain air waited downstairs. A glass of red wine perched on the big arm chair caught the light of the dancing flames. Books lined the walls, broken in places by the faded memories framed in dusty portals to the past. Eyes spoke, calling the imagination to listen to their tales. The room was alive.
It was difficult to drag myself away but a head full of new information, veins flowing with a little too much of an excellent Merlot and a body bathed in relaxation saw my eyes closing gently with each scatter of the Sandman`s blow of dust.
There was no way I was up to catch the jogger but by the time I did stumble out of bed early morning mist settled lazily at the foot of the mountains, looking like silver swirling lakes. The cliffs were now clearly visible and rugged in the new days light. Heavy clouds still hovered above them, but the rest of the sky was clear and bright, adjusting to the colours as the sun rose higher.
The breeze brushed against skin still warm from slumber between sheets far too comfortable to be separated from after such a short time. The floorboards on the verandah creaked in protest with every step, as if trying to absorb the sound that was disturbing the peace of the morning. Right on the doorstep of the resort reception is the 'Booyong Walk'. A beautiful stroll through the rainforest finally leads to a walkway suspended high over the treetops.
Now I am not a fan of heights and this was a one way system... meaning once you were on there, there was no turning back baby! A charming little child kept on loudly asking his mother, 'I wonder what would happen if these floor boards broke mum' and several other delightful kiddies kept bouncing along behind, even though the sign at the start of the walk CLEARLY STATED .....
See I really do love children but when they are BOUNCING suspended walkways that tower high above the trees and ask questions that can WAIT until we are back safely on terra firma... well then I have a problem with them! The ladder that waited on one of the platforms along the way with the sign that announced you climb a further however many metres up to the treetops did not even get a second glance on my way past. It was a lovely experience, but one of those you can have once and be happy never to have again!
By the time I had got rid of the jelly legs and found my way back it was time for breakfast before hitting the road. The restaurant was beautiful with amazing views over the valleys far below.
Far too soon it was time to make the trek home, not before having to deal with the winding road back down to reality. The road twists at the last minute around bends that trace a fine line between tar and nothingness. For anyone interested in a complete break away I would highly recommend the stay and if you are interested in the history of the area I have included some links at the bottom, particularly interesting is the plane crash rescue mission.
O'Reillys
History
Stinson Plane Crash
Stinson Plane Crash
Treetop Walk
Writers Retreat (there is another one coming up in June!)
ALONE in the resort bedroom I was taken aback by the beautiful scenery framed in the glass windows that led onto the verandah. It was getting chilly as the afternoon turned to evening. The pitter patter of rain played gentle tunes on the rooftop to which the wind sang mournful songs. Just as I was giving up hope an unexpected sunset breathed colour into the misty clouds, highlighting the mountains in ghostly outlines of purple and pink in the far distance.
Dinner was a simple meal in the cosy bar that had steamy windows from the voices of travellers telling their stories of the day. Wine flowed freely, accents mingled into a heady lull, children rubbed weary eyes, solitary figures hunched over books and I had the rare pleasure to sit and take it all in, undisturbed. A cosy room with a warm, crackling fire that chased away the chilly kisses of the fresh mountain air waited downstairs. A glass of red wine perched on the big arm chair caught the light of the dancing flames. Books lined the walls, broken in places by the faded memories framed in dusty portals to the past. Eyes spoke, calling the imagination to listen to their tales. The room was alive.
There was no way I was up to catch the jogger but by the time I did stumble out of bed early morning mist settled lazily at the foot of the mountains, looking like silver swirling lakes. The cliffs were now clearly visible and rugged in the new days light. Heavy clouds still hovered above them, but the rest of the sky was clear and bright, adjusting to the colours as the sun rose higher.
The breeze brushed against skin still warm from slumber between sheets far too comfortable to be separated from after such a short time. The floorboards on the verandah creaked in protest with every step, as if trying to absorb the sound that was disturbing the peace of the morning. Right on the doorstep of the resort reception is the 'Booyong Walk'. A beautiful stroll through the rainforest finally leads to a walkway suspended high over the treetops.
NO MORE THAN 6 PEOPLE TO A SINGLE SPAN DO NOT BOUNCE WHEN WALKING
See I really do love children but when they are BOUNCING suspended walkways that tower high above the trees and ask questions that can WAIT until we are back safely on terra firma... well then I have a problem with them! The ladder that waited on one of the platforms along the way with the sign that announced you climb a further however many metres up to the treetops did not even get a second glance on my way past. It was a lovely experience, but one of those you can have once and be happy never to have again!
O'Reillys
History
Stinson Plane Crash
Stinson Plane Crash
Treetop Walk
Writers Retreat (there is another one coming up in June!)
Photography Tips
Health Focus
Poetry Lighthouse
MS Paint Art
I just love the banner.
Just where exactly is your camp?
I'll be up on the weekend to go for a walk.
How divine.
Look out for strange men, and any elderly looking ones are MINE.
katyzzz
Anthroblogogy
ya had me goin there at first! lol Great pictures and such beautiful scenery!
Putting it down on my "must visit" list..however...are the gals as friendly down there as thet say? lol Put in a good word for me will ya pal?
Great post!
Take care,
Nick
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
Here I am thinking...never mind...and by the looks of it we were all hoping for a juicy little.....never mind.....
I love the black and white photo too...that perspective is incredible.
On first look...I thought it was a pillar going through an opening in the ceiling!!
Ash?
How about a book?
I hate this term but...a coffee table book?
I'll buy it. Autographed first though.....
...hahahahahahahahahahaha!!
Me too!!
Hope you had a good day Ash hon...
much warmth
Dusk
Histeries, Mysteries and what not
Lifes little slices
Mystical Creativity
i'll share some of them in a few. and i'll start sharing some of my favorite natury photo's from recent trips.
Tammy
Celebrity Obsession
Sounds wonderful! I have heard that the treetop walk is fantastic. And while I don't have a problem with heights, I wouldn't have been happy with the jumping kids asking what would happen if the boards broke!!
Then again, I do remember being on a plane as a kid when we moving back to Australia and constantly saying to my mom, "wow, imagine what would happen if we crashed into the ocean". If I was her, I probably would have thrown me out of the plane! LOL
Kylie
Photography Tips
Health Focus
Poetry Lighthouse
MS Paint Art
You changed your pic, AGAIN!
.........Robert Lowell like comment......"my mind's not right", or is it just my memory....exercising, antioxidants, folate, Vitamin B, mind games, puzzlers, computer art, reading, blogging, computing, getting it wrong, trying, stuffing it up....improving.....oh, dear, what can the matter be?
katyzzz
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Lamington National Park is in the Gold Coast Hinterland just after Tamborine. It`s a beautiful place. I have been around Mt Tamborine before but never this way... sorry I didn`t as I used to live pretty close to there and never took advantage.
On any return trips I will be sure to look out for some hunky dudes for ya and send 'em your way *grin*
As for always changing... well I like change, I don`t do monotony very well...sigh... I just find it so monotonous *wink* ..."
you got that right, it never has been and never will be *giggle*.... I would have thought you would have picked that up ages ago
ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone. They cater for all budget types from camping to private villas and have everything you would need for a romantic getaway too. Hope you manage to get there one day you won`t be disappointed... just make sure you let the kids go IN FRONT of you on the walkway
ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
oh yes you should visit this place for sure... I imagine you would have a difficult time leaving. Scattered little log cabins and horses munching away in the fields... superb!
as for the girls... consider it done... I`ll start spreading the word....
ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
well maybe some things should just be left to the imagination huh? *giggle* Actually someone else mentioned that it looked like a pillar in the B&W pic... that lamp was great, the wood was deep red.... no it didn`t find it`s way home with me like the library book... sheesh one time.....
hhhhmmmm a photography book? that could be put on the cards actually! great idea... autographed of course. I have had a couple published recently in some travel mags which has given me some incentive to do something about it.... when time permits I will look into it more... thanks for the idea Dusk.
My days are gettin' betterer and bettererer thanks Dusk as I hope your are too *GRIN*
hugs
ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I had a look through your photos.... it certainly is very picturesque where you live, thanks for sharing. Looking forward to many more after you return from your travels too. How exciting it sounds like you are all going to have a wonderful time together.
ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Yeah the treetop walk was just great... apart from the height, the swaying, the kids and the creaky wooden floorboards.... ummmm..... yeah wouldn`t really be a treetop walk without that I guess. A while ago in Cairns I went on the Kuranda Skyrail which was AMAZING... this reminded me of it although I`m happier that we didn`t have to WALK the Skyrail.... you are so high above the trees but it gives you such a different perspective of the world... literally too!
Oh my word... see if you had mentioned that while we were on a plane I probably would have thrown you out too *just kidding*.... amazing what kids come out with at just the wrong time hey? Although I suppose we all think it but as adults don`t speak it.
thanks for the visit, great to see ya
ash
Anthroblogogy
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
yeah I thought it was me more than the cheshiry smile ~grin~...
have a superb weekend
ash
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
This is beautiful in the extreme… I am melted. All week my fellow ‘readers’ were saying I needed to re-touch with nature desperately (see latest ordinary life journal entry) and all week I knew I must connect … desperate like a dying man in search of his mirage... and today I did…but just a bit… and now this post… sublime for a parched soul just home from the shittty. (oops sorry, too much merlot, slight slurr there ...maybe?) *chuckle*
Bring these on, bucketfuls of these moments, mellowed by merlot (as I am now) and the weather - in which to enjoy a glass of it’s fine intonation, perfectly… wow, the memories are flooding me.
Oh for a room filled with them … for this will surely be heaven. I have two walls covered… working on the third.
The floorboards on the verandah creaked in protest with every step, as if trying to absorb the sound that was disturbing the peace of the morning.
Sheer poetry to me, from a writer who is blossoming in her craft…
Wow, now I would have gone all the way up to see what I could see … but I am lucky, I do not fear certain heights. It depends on the surroundings.. trees would always make me feel safe.
Ash, marvellous tale, weekend, adventure…
Wow : heading there now, packing as I speak, (1) the merlot and library and (2) the morning walkway and ladder…
Loved taking this trip with you,
thanks for sharing…
Lilla …
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Honoured by your new banner dedication (thank yee) ... loving the view... wow... you have an excellent eye Ash ... this looks like it's up near that buddhist Monastery, where I'm headed again this Sunday. Yippe, can't wait for the solitude and quiet.
I know it's not though (althoug it's the same part of the ranges) ... is that Mount Warning in the distance (to the left)?
It is the first part of Australia to receieve sunlight each day.
Love, light and laughter to you too.
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I am blown away by your comment... thank you ~smiles~. It really was that relaxing, I would recommend it to anyone and for a few days at least. It is the sort of place that you would want to enjoy alone to be away with yourself and your thoughts (or if you like with a friend who understands how to share your company in silence).
If you do get up there I recommend a wintery retreat... it would seem that it would lose its cosiness during the hot summer months.
My house is going to have one of those rooms and it`s going to have a LOCK on it! It was GORGEOUS.... to sit amongst so many tales, a warm, crackling fire (the smell was amazing) and books full of tales... ahhhhhh HEAVEN indeed. I am not sure if you have seen 'Dead Poets Society' with Robin Williams... when he gathers his students around the old, faded photos and whispers.... ~carpe... carpe diem... seize the day boys... seize the day~ .... beautiful!
They have a really picturesque winery there where do Sunday lunch and music... pity it is so far or I would go every weekend! The Writers Retreat sounds like just the week everyone on Orble needs to go on... you just feel so inspired from the moment you get there....
argh... it`s the first Sunday of the month innit?? I`m going to miss the trip by one week... I was hoping it would coincide with my travels... I hope you have THE BEST day... it sounds like you are in much need of it my friend.
About Mt Warning... I don`t think it was one of those... I took a picture of the other names... take your pick as to which one you like the best coz I sure don`t remember which it was
.. I think Mt Warning was further the other way because I do remember the name, impressive!... first place to get sunlight in Aus? Is it? ahhh interesting I never knew that!
I hope you are well. Thanks for joining the journey, it was only a pleasure to report I do hope everyone gets there one day!
ash
Kalikapsychosis
All your words and your photos, I didnt realize how much Ive missed you till I got back!
Of all the things you've written to date (that I've had the honor of reading), this is my favorite.
I love the mini-journeys you're taking us on... I really do.
The photos are stunning and reading your finely spun tales along with the illustrations is just such an experience for the viewer!
I love your writing style and the perspective from which you see the world.
Inspiring.
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Have missed ya too hun x really good to have you back and even happier that everything has turned out to be better than expected with your health.
Your new place sounds great K... I am sure there will be LOADS more stories to follow.
hugs
ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
thank you, what a lovely compliment grins widely don`t you just love how writing flows when you are relaxed, in aplace where you want to be and writing about what you enjoy... siggghhhh
I am only too happy to have the company and be able to share... it makes the moment last even longer.
thank you again Wendi
hugs
ash