We had 4 vehicles whose occupants braved the early start necessary for an 8.30 start at the Caltex service Station on Tallebudgera Road on the Gold Coast.
Gary our intrepid leader, Keri (who had to start out the night before from Toowoomba), Cos and Don.
Gary has led this particular trip through his home turf a couple of times already and this time had a couple of new stop offs planned. We set off pretty well on time and our first stop was at the Currumbin Rock pools. This was only a very short section so it was still quite early when we arrived. No one was game to set foot in the water this time of year but a lad who was pretty obviously from across the Tasman asked us to take his photo - to prove he had actually entered the water. He did not exactly look comfortable when in the water.
We pushed on through the mountains (and Murwillumbah) to a place called Tyalgum. For those on earlier trips - it was on the opposite side of Mt Warning to Uki. Gary guided us to the local café "Flutterbies" which from the outside looked pretty normal aside from all the motorbikes and cars parked outside. Inside it was an amazing hotchpotch of eating areas and eco/craft shops. It looked like it all evolved out of one original shop - growing hotch potch in all directions. There was a crowd inside and the food looked terrific. Seems like they take their coffee seriously too - don't ask for a half strength coffee!!! They look at you like you have two heads!
We pushed on through during the morning through assorted state forests or national parks (I think Mebbin National Park was one of them) , along dusty gravel roads or scenic country roads.
We went through Nimbin but didn't have time to stop without cutting into our Market time - so much to do - so little time.
The Channon Markets were terrific - and very popular. Even more so due to the perfect weather and school holidays. I was told they were expecting to have to fit up to 2000 cars into the carpark (paddock).
Plenty to eat and see.
Leaving the markets after lunch we headed back towards Uki and the world famous (or will be) Wollumbin Gourmet Mushroom farm.
We passed through Mt Jerusalem National Park. Leaving the park we stopped to take some photos of Mt Warning, though it was a tad hazy in the distance. Cos and Keri both have impressive photography skills and equipment - see the last trip report for Gordon Country. Mine fall into the click and giggle category so I contented myself taking pictures of the photographers.
Gary's mushroom farm has evolved since my last visit - and his workplace in the rainforest is definitely a step up from working in the CBD.
We did a last spin through Mooball National Park (Gary will correct me if I have them mixed up) on our way to Dinner. Driving through the rainforest with the filtered sunlight shinning through our dust.....sigh!!!
We lobbed in at the Tumbulgum pub in time for a few shots of the fading sunlight across the water.
Again I contented myself photographing the creative brains trust working out how to capture the moment.
A terrific meal and terrific company before we headed back in the dark.
