Another early start allowed me to dive to Ceder Creek Falls. Though for some reason the car park was closed. I parked at the top of the hill & made the decent to the start of the walk. During this time I was questioning whether this was a good idea or not as if the car park was closed, perhaps I shouldn't be waking to the falls. I had wanted to pop in one of the rock pools there. However after a ghostly walk to the top I turned back. It's these kind of stories that make the local news. Tourist falls off closed waterfall. Also I only just missed two massive spiders webs that cut across the path. I did not want to meet the spiders that could make a web that big that's for sure. All hot and bothered I popped into Thunderbird Park for a quick 9holes of mini golf. Playing the tougher course I went round in even par, after just missing a hole in one at the par 2 9th. My first round of mini golf in a rainforest, hot and moist.
Showered and packed up back the Tall Trees. Even though I was off on another walk next. Just across from the hotel is Curtis Falls. That itself it a 10minute easy walk down the hillside. I of course set on the creek walk as well. This advertised it would take an hour, & it sure did. The walk abruptly ended for me when it suggested I clamber across the creek on slippery rocks. I'm not sure you would get a sign like that in the Lake District. It was worth it though as there were some good photo opportunities along the way and you got to fully experience the rainforest. Most tourists pay to do a rainforest sky walk. I didn't see the point, when I could take one of the many more natural national park trails for free.
Hot and sweaty again I drove to the award winning Tambourine Mountain Distillery. No tastings for me with the car of course. The distillery is owned by an English couple from Nottingham & has found success with the spirits and liqueurs they sell throughout Australia. After much deliberation I bought a gin for Becky and I. If I make it home Becky & there is no Gin, I may have drank it.
Next stop was Gallery Walk to purchase a bottle of a lovely 2016 white, that I had tried yesterday at the first winery. They described it as the best one they had ever produced. I had noticed yesterday an interesting cafe. The rainforest cafe had a chilled outdoor area with water features and relaxing music. I grabbed a coffee and a tasty toasted sandwich with avocado in of course. The final stop was Granny Macs Famous Fudges. The mountain is well known for its alcoholic fudge. I've had three pieces at the time of writing this & it's tasty & alcoholic.
Once again without Sat Nav I managed to find my way to my accommodation in Surfers Paradise with relative ease. I had a feeling from the website that the Rhapsody resort may have been a bit special. The website didn't even do it justice, it is incredible, & for the price a steal. My studio on the 9th floor was uber modern with floor to ceiling windows allowing views of the ocean, surfers hotels and the marina. Just wow.
The weather forecast had predicted and miserable afternoon and thankfully for once it changed. 30 degree heat wasn't noticeable on the beach with strong breeze. As soon as you came off the beach however you felt the heat. I had two spells in the sun. Safety first you don't want to end up burnt! The sea was nice and cold if slightly violent. Not your standard bob up and down waves that's for sure. Before coming to surfers everyone who I had met in Australia had said that the beaches are crowded with tourists and not very nice. There was hardly anyone our section of the beach. The geography of Surfers North helps that, & I found it very peaceful.
I had decided that I was staying in this evening with the oncoming storm. I grabbed a selection of snacks, drinks and sausage and veg for dinner. On my walk back with two many bags I put them down to re-arrange and of course one of the wine bottles smashed. Why cruel world why! With the flat stocked up I had one glass of wine at a nearby lounge bar called Stingray. Then I was home just before the rain came.
I think I may have broke my trimmers when doing my hair due to the amount of sand they picked up. Even after coming out the shower there is still sand. I cooked dinner after taking to Becky. Then I thought out a late night hot tub sauna. But by asking the guests already in, they said it wasn't warm enough for the weather.
Instead I retreated to the residents lounge on the 27th floor where I had sole occupancy, & wrote this very blog. Accompanied by a glass of wine and Spotify's easy 90's playlist.