Monday, 19th February 2018
Indeed, Gerry was right, I had a good night’s sleep and never heard any traffic – either because there wasn’t any or I fell into a really deep sleep! Today was going to be another leisure day spent around Burleigh Head . The other day, we had seen some walks around the National Park which has been left intact since Burleigh Heads started being developed in the early 1950’s. Also the trail we were to follow would lead us to a look out post over the Pacific Ocean!
So after breakfast and shower ( for a Municipality campsite, there are really good amenities), we got ourselves ready for our hike. This time I did put on my trainers and we started off early to avoid the scorching sun (hats on of course!)
As we approached the headland, we saw loads of people sitting on the grass slope facing the ocean – it appeared there were a number of surfers riding the huge waves and being assisted by two jet ski drivers who would take them out to catch a wave. There were many enthusiasts watching and some were armed with telescopic lenses on their cameras! We didn’t know but it seemed that there was a competition going on.
Our trail took us first along the ocean side of the headland so we could glimpse at the surfers and then went on towards the creek which in contrast to the raging ocean, was very tranquil. People were swimming here! We had to make a U-turn at the end of the creek as we had to take another trail which gradually climbed up the hillside. Wow, it was a tough one – was glad we had cold water with us.
These coastlines of Australia, although developed by the the European settlers over the past 250 years, were the homes of the indigenous people of Australia for thousands of years before the Europeans arrived and they had stories of the rich history of the area, handed down orally through generations of indigenous Australians.
In the Aboriginal dreamtime legend, Jabreen is a giant creator spirit who had been hunting and feasting on kuppai (honey) in the bushland of ‘Little Tallebudgera’. Tired from the day, Jabreen emerged from the bush and headed toward the ocean for a swim.
Leaving his fighting club (known as a Jabree or Tabra) on the shore, Jabreen swam out toward the horizon. When he returned to collect the Jabree, the ground where it had been placed rose up, creating the rocky outcrop that marks Little Burleigh. The rock formation of Burleigh Headland marks the spot where Jabreen later lay down to rest. All the basalt boulders which look like huge stumps are supposed to be the remains of Jabreen when he raised his hands to heaven and he fell apart.
I was really fascinated with the great boulders as well as with the huge trees which have been in this area for hundreds of years. From the look out point we had fantastic views of the ocean – unfortunately we’re here at the wrong time of the year to watch the hump back whales migration paths.
However, to the left side of us, we could see a huge city with lots of high rises emerging out of the ocean. This was Surfers Paradise – nowadays the surfers have moved elsewhere and the Paradise – well that’s gone too unless you think a partying and shopping malls area is paradise – well not to me. Gerry was there some 30 years ago with his daughter, Monique, and he is also flabbergasted at how Surfers Paradise has changed. At that time there were no high rises and was a little seaside resort on the Gold Coast! Anyway, we’ll go through it tomorrow when we are en route.
Back to our Hike, we finally made it back to the entrance and there were still loads of people watching the surfers! We made our way to the boulevard and finally found a place where they had fresh fruit juice ( difficult to get it seems here in Australia!!) and ice cream! Gerry’s prize for hiking a 7km trail which was mostly uphill was a big tub of vanilla ice cream and I had a fresh juice made up of oranges, apples and watermelon – so refreshing!!
Back at our campsite for a shower and lunch. After that was quite tired and needed my siesta. So at first tried to have a nap in the van but it was too hot so she decided to go down to the beach and choose a spot in the shade. Unfortunately the beach was closed for swimming as it was dangerous waters – such high waves and the beach patrols kept going out to swimmers to bring them back (mostly were Asian!)
It was so cool and refreshing on the beach and both Gerry and I did manage to fall asleep for a while. We then just went down to the shoreline to dapple our toes in the ocean – both of us were sure not to get into the sea!
On our way back we stopped at our watering and WIFI hole – the Burleigh Heights Hotel – Gerry had his beer and I had my sauvignon blanc and checked our social media. I was in touch with home in Malta as today is the day that my family will be holding the funeral service for my brother Hubert.
We made restaurant reservation at the Fish House for the evening and then back at the campsite to relax before heading for dinner. We had a delicious meal – started off with oysters to share and then Gerry had fresh grilled swordfish and I had grilled Trevally – a local fish caught off the Gold Coast – of course with a good glass of sauvignon blanc. And this time I spoilt myself by having a desert – rhubarb and pear crumble with a lump of creme fraiche!!
Back at the campsite, it was soon time for bed – tomorrow we’re leaving and meeting up with Angela and David.
