Gold Coast

We’re staying in a high rise Marriott with ocean view (a block away) but from our balcony it’s across a lovely park space. We’re facing the Nerang River which parallels the ocean, unusual I know. There are boats moored along the river and birds flying to and fro. The Marriott is a resort with its own “beach” area, waterfall, and tropical fish swimming around a salt water pool.

We had a lovely morning. After working, we left for breakfast around lunch time. It was misting rain, but we took an umbrella and walked for a mile along this wide, wild beach watching the surf and the expanse of beach and ocean. There were people in back of us but no one else on the beach as we walked. The area is full of high rises, not the usual type of place we frequent. But our end seemed to be more parklike and rather deserted. We emerged back up the road after awhile to cross the busy street and disappear down a path along the river. Saw ibis, Australian crows and dusky moorhens at our feet. We walked along the river until the path took us up to street level again, crossed over to the sidewalk running through the park along the road. Saw rainbow lorikeets and some stunning yellow-green birds with an iridescent blue eye patch. Really striking. We walked for a couple miles down the park to the populated area following the birds. The weather cleared and we enjoyed the beach and birds walking back.

Then we hung out by our salt water pool, taking in the sun, watching the birds and tropical fish. Just lovely. After thoroughly relaxing we had high tea inside with air conditioning, we were ready for that. Delicious finger sandwiches including cucumber of course, salmon, and egg. Lovely scones with strawberry jam and cream, and bits of cake for dessert. Ahhhhhhh. We sat and enjoyed the views, talked and took in the moment. Getting ready for the lecture tonight, writing this while looking out from our balcony across the river, park and ocean. Lovely last days in Australia.