A Travelling Sprout

A Sprout Springs Around Mooloolaba
By Shelley Banks

Often, when we go on holiday, we go somewhere that involves long-haul flights or long drives. But recently, we decided that maybe we’d stay closer to home this time. Close enough that it only took just over an hour to get there (thankfully it was one of the rare, good days on the Bruce Highway and the traffic was moving).

Mooloolaba, with its beach, coastal walk, restaurants, bars and cafes, the Wharf precinct, and canals, all of which were within walking distance from the unit we’d booked for our four-day stay. And I didn’t know until I saw a sign when we got there that it’s recently been voted one of the ten best beaches in the South Pacific. No wonder you can’t get a car park.

Upon arrival, the first thing we did was check out our ocean-facing unit with unobstructed views of Point Cartwright one way and Mount Coolum on the other. With a vista like that, it was safe to say we’d be spending lots of time on the balcony. And it was also whale season so whale spotting was in order as was a competition to see who could spot the most.

Once the inspection of the room was complete, next on the list was to check out the rest of the complex. A pool, spa, tennis court, BBQ area and a games room. Plenty to keep us occupied if need be. But we’d come here for the beach so that’s where we headed. Directly across the road, down the stairs, through a park, and down to the sand we went. We walked along, digging our toes in, clambering over rocks as we came to them and splashing on the water’s edge. A simple yet pleasurable way to pass the afternoon (as long as you can keep focused on everything around you so you can dodge the other visitors doing the same thing).

With an abundance of restaurants to choose from, it didn’t take long, after unpacking and grabbing some groceries from the supermarket around the corner, to find somewhere for dinner in the main restaurant precinct opposite the beach. As well as good food, the restaurant also provided a prime spot for people-watching (something we love to do).

And there were plenty of people to watch, including a group of about twenty-five who were in Mooloolaba to celebrate a 50^th birthday. How did we know this? Because they were all wearing matching t-shirts with the birthday girl’s face and age on them. I had some fantastic celebrations for my 50^th, but having people wear shirts with my face on them was not something I included.

The next day, we started with a stroll along the coast towards Alexandra Headlands. It’s a stunning walk, the Pacific Ocean with its swimmers and surfers on one side and well-maintained parks full of trees, gardens, and manicured lawns on the other.

On this particular day, the sun was shining brightly, making the sea glisten, and at three different spots, we saw whales breaching. And for one of those, it was two whales at once, rising up out of the water in unison. It was a magnificent sight. Unfortunately, I was too busy oohing and aahing to capture the moment in a photo. But I’ve added a few photos from other trips because whales are magnificent creatures 🙂

With the ocean looking magical, it was a day for the beach, which we found on arrival, was the same idea everyone else in Mooloolaba (and the surrounding areas) had. Finding a spot, we set up our blue and white striped cabana, the one with the same colours and design owned by a very large percentage of other beachgoers. From the water, I couldn’t tell which one was ours.

We stayed until our togs were full of sand, our hair was matted with salt water, and we’d had enough of jumping over and ducking under waves. Also, our stomachs told us it was time for lunch.

Our chosen venue was one of the many available at the Wharf. Over four days, we’d come back a few times to try out different restaurants. This particular one though specialised in seafood, great cocktails and views up and down the canals dotted with mansions. While we ate, the discussion turned to which mansion we’d buy if we ever won the lotto.

The canals would feature later in the day at sunset as we hopped aboard a sunset cruise. We spent an enjoyable hour taking in the sights, including a more detailed inspection of the mansions we’d chosen earlier. The canals at sunset were beautiful, the staff on the boat were lovely and the commentary was informative, which is how we found out that one of the boats we glided by was Croc One, the boat Steve Irwin was on when he died.

Leaving the canals, and Croc One, behind, we made our way to the Mooloolaba Surf Club, where, it turned out, by joining, I could get a $20 voucher plus 10% off our meals because it was my birthday month. That was worth the $5 joining fee so I’m now officially a member of the club. The food was delicious, and the location was fantastic—right on the beach. Pity it’s just a bit too far from home to go for a quick dinner.

Day three started the same way as day two—with a walk along the coast and we were treated to the same amazing view as the day before; sun glistening on the ocean, whales breaching and surfers catching their morning waves.

Breakfast on the balcony was a slower affair than the previous day thanks to the ever-continuing line of whales making their presence known as they made their way south. I’ve never seen so many whales at one time and while there was plenty to get on with during the daylight hours, no one was in a rush to stop searching the ocean to see as many as we could.

But eventually, the parade of marine mammals ended and so it was back to the beach. It was right across the road and the water looked inviting. And besides, we’d come on a beach holiday so it seemed like the obvious thing to do. A morning spent getting our dose of sun, salt water and sand between our toes was followed by lunch at the surf club. May as well use my members discount, plus the view out across the ocean was magnificent. The wine we had with lunch wasn’t too bad either.

Not being bothered to go out exploring after lunch, we stayed at the unit complex and took advantage of all the things we’d discovered on the first day—the pool, spa, games room and tennis court.

And with so many restaurants in walking distance, we didn’t have too far to go a few hours later.

Unfortunately, the next day was our last and we had to check out at 10 am. Wanting to stay longer, but thinking that being a Sunday, the Bruce Highway back to Brisbane would be bumper to bumper, we decided to head off.

For somewhere so close, we should have visited more often, having been years since the last time. But this recent trip has brought the place front of mind and we’ll be back soon.

Musings

A Change of Scenery
By Shelley Banks

We get used to where we live. The things we see through the windows and doors, noticing what’s in the street as we turn into our driveway, the noises coming from our neighbours’ dwellings.

A recent visit to a friend’s house, someone who has a view of the beach, led me to think about the difference a change of scenery can make. While I love the view from our verandah, taking in city buildings and hilly suburbs dotted with trees, there’s something special about looking at the ocean.

The blue, rolling waves, the sun glistening on the water, the feeling of the sand between your toes—it’s impressive and calming at the same time.

Overall, we are a nation of ocean-loving people. Everyone I know spent their childhoods at the beach, zinc cream on our noses, sand in our togs. And those days bring back many fond memories, so much so that many people think about moving near the ocean when they retire.

It’s crossed our minds, relocating to the seaside, when we reach that stage. Maybe we will or maybe we won’t. It sounds wonderful in theory until we remember that our friends and family are in the city and the things we like to do are in the city as well.

There’s still plenty of time to think about future living locations. But during that period, we’ll need to come up with the answer to the question – ‘Would moving to the beach be as good in practice as it sounds in theory, or do we like our city life too much?’

Short Stories

A Country Ball
By Shelley Banks

‘Remind me again why we’re doing this?’ Taylor asked Brooke.

‘It’s something we’ve never done before, and it will be fun,’ was her reply.

While Taylor agreed with the first part, she wasn’t so sure about the second. Driving for seven hours to go to an event in the middle of nowhere with not a lot around except dust, flies and heat. But, she supposed, these B & S Balls happened every month and they’d been going for years so, the concept clearly worked. She just wasn’t sure if it would work for a city girl like her.

That thought was still in her mind as the sign for the country town they were heading to came into view. Too late now, Taylor thought. She was going.

Later that day, she and Brooke changed into their ball outfits and headed to the venue, although, on arrival, Taylor thought that venue might be too strong a word. Twenty minutes out of town, at the end of a dirt road, a wide-open paddock with a marquee in the middle and a car park full of utes.

‘This isn’t our usual type of event,’ Taylor observed as she surveyed the scene.

‘No, it’s not,’ Brooke agreed. ‘But I think this will be a night to remember.’

Hopefully, for all the right reasons, Taylor thought but didn’t say out loud. She could see how delighted Brooke was to be there. She’d always been the more outgoing one, the one who was always happy to try something new. Taylor was the one who followed along, just like she had this weekend.

A detour to the bar then they were straight onto the dancefloor. It didn’t take long for some of the locals to introduce themselves.

‘I’m Matt and this is Lachie.’

As Brooke and Taylor introduced themselves, they both scanned the men in front of them. Subtly of course. Tall, fit and tanned.

‘Do you mind if we dance with you?’ Matt asked.

Brooke smiled in a way that left Taylor in no doubt that she was very happy to have met the two country boys. ‘We’d love to.’

One dance turned into two, then a conversation, then a drink, then another dance. Brooke was having a great time. She hadn’t left Matt’s side since he’d introduced himself.

And while Taylor was enjoying Lachie’s company, she couldn’t see the point of getting to know someone she probably wouldn’t see again.

But as the night went on, the tables started to turn. Brooke was losing interest in Matt while Taylor was beginning to feel like she and Lachie were the only two people in the marquee.

The following morning, Taylor and Brooke went to the after-ball breakfast, held in the same marquee, although it looked completely different than the night before. There were no signs of the festivities. Instead, there were trestle tables, BBQs and a coffee machine.

Brooke had already asked several questions about Lachie that Taylor didn’t know how to answer. He was there when they arrived and as soon as he saw Taylor, he came straight over.

It still wasn’t going to work. He lived too far away. But he wasn’t concerned about that. They would work something out if things between them went ok, he told her optimistically.

‘I could always come to the city next weekend and we could talk about it some more,’ he added.

Taylor was about to say no when she saw Brooke smiling at every word. Maybe it was time they swapped roles, and Taylor was the one to jump in, feet first.

What did she have to lose?

Something Light

Maybe I Need a Doctor or Maybe I Need a Dentist
By Shelley Banks

I’m a fan of a tropical island holiday: white sand, crystal clear water, palm trees, and blue skies. What I’m not a fan of is getting sick while holidaying in paradise. Although, on this particular holiday, it turned out that I wasn’t coming down with something as I first thought. Instead, I ended up getting a tooth extracted.

After being in pain for a few days, I decided enough was enough. But, with the pain around my jaw and mouth, I couldn’t decide if I needed a doctor or a dentist. After further analysis, I settled on a dentist.

Luckily, there was one on a nearby island, so after a short boat ride followed by a short taxi ride (in a minivan with no doors or seatbelts), I arrived at the dentist. In the waiting room, several locals were already seated, ready for their appointments. It looked like I’d be there for hours.

But no, the dentist came out, saw me and beckoned me through to the surgery. I thought it was because he could see how much pain I was in. But again, no. As he told me and I quote – ‘You’ll pay me with money, they’ll pay me with chickens.’

So, in I went, thinking that he must have been joking. The dentist was French and working on the island as part of a twelve-month exchange. There was no dental nurse and only rudimentary equipment. After a quick examination, he pronounced that I had an abscess, and the tooth needed to come out. Three injections later to numb the area and then he got to work. But no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t get all of the tooth out. At one point, he had his foot against the chair I was in to brace himself. Eventually, he had to give up as he didn’t have all the tools he needed. The rest of the tooth would have to wait until I got home and saw my usual dentist.

As I walked out into the waiting room, the number of people had doubled. And to my surprise, one of them did indeed have a chicken. Turns out the dentist wasn’t joking after all.

Books

If you like my short stories I’ve published ten books.