We are enjoying a break from the rat race.My daughter, Lynda won a competition on Triple M radio station.
The prize - 2 nights accommodation at "Mantra Resort" at Mooloolaba, on the Sunshine Coast.
She asked me if I would like to join her, and of course I jumped at the chance, so I added a few days to her 2 so we could have a decent break away.
On the way up here, we called at my sister-in-law Marj's place at Pelican Waters for lunch. We hadn't seen each other for a while, so there was a lot to talk about.
We arrived at "Mantra" Mooloolaba at 1.30m and as our check-in time was 2.00pm, we explored the local shops etc, for a short while.
Our unit is on the 11th floor and faces north east, with an ocean and land views up to Alexandra Headlands, Cotton Tree and Maroochydore - just magnificent!
Day 2
We met up with 3 local bookcrossers. Whilst enjoying coffee, we swapped books, talked and had a good laugh together. I hadn't met them in person before, so it was nice to meet face to face and not only on the internet.
On our return to our unit, we sourced an internet provider as we were getting withdrawal symptoms.
We were invited to dinner by Marj, so we headed back to Pelican Waters that evening.
Marj & Terry had friends from Cairns there, so we had a few conversations going at the same time - once more, a great meal along with lots of laughing- so good for one's soul!!!!
On the way back, we checked out a holiday address for another break at the end of June at Buddina Beach - looks great, can hardly wait. My sister has asked me along for the week.
Day 3
We headed off a bit late to the Eumundi Markets, about 3/4 hour drive from here if you don't take a wrong turn :D
These markets cover such a large area, that after one and a half hours, we hadn't covered a 1/4 of them. You name it, they sell it. I found them to be a bit on the expensive side.We lunched at a local cafe, then wandered around town for about an hour, browsing through the shops.
Two outstanding ones were the "The Art Bank" and "Cocoa Chocolat".
After locating the car, we headed off to the Buderim Ginger Factory at Yandina. What a smorgasboard of ginger products to choose from!!!!
I had a ginger & macadaemia icecream - just lovely.
This factory has been in business since the mid 1940's and is still going strong.
We had a ride on a miniature steam train (Moreton 1901) that took us around the property whilst giving a commentary on the history of the Ginger Factory.After purchasing some ginger chocolate, we visited the nearby "Spirit House" restaurant set in lush tropical surroundings. You can attend their world famous cooking school, for the day & eat what you cook, all for AU$100. I gave my son one of their vouchers for his birthday last year, but he hasn't yet had the experience.
It was getting late as drove to Coolum to have a look at the beach from Perry Point - a lookout where you can get beautiful views north and south of Coolum.
As darkness descended, we headed south again on the Bruce Highway back to Mooloolaba. Phew!
What a day - we were so tired. Lynda cooked dinner - a delicious stir-fry with prawns - a great end to a lovely day of exploring!
Day 4
We slept in :D
In general we have had a relaxing day so far - just chilling out & doing nothing much in particular except our washing. THAT was/is a challenge, trying to figure out the front-loader.
At present, I don't know if it is washing or drying.
Lucky we didn't put anything too good in to wash :)
