Gold Coast, Queensland

Out and about on the Gold Coast, often in very hot weather.     And I know people in Europe, are suffering in extreme temperatures at the other end, but being very hot is not ideal either.

The first stop, Carrara Markets, where it was blistering hot, especially as most of the roofs were made of galvanised iron.  And they radiated heat.    Our first stop was for coffee of course, and the latte was weak and unpleasant.   Drinking hot milk was not a good idea really, but old habits die hard.    At least we did not try the greasy cooked breakfasts.

The people below were dressed for the occasion, but the sunny asphalt pavements made it almost unbearably hot.   

But what is this, the set for the 'The Raiders of the Lost Ark'?   Actually it is the setting for mini golf.   Great imagination.

This is not the best part of the markets, a salty mangrove creek.   Minus the salt water crocodiles but plenty of mosquitoes, I think.    

However, Carrara Markets are normally a really great place to visit, with an interesting array of very reasonably priced goods, but not on a very hot day. 

We visited our friend June, who has the most adorable pup called Micky, a ball of fast moving fluff, and not keen to be part of a photo session with Scott.  

Palma Serena, where Jackie lives on the Gold Coast, is a lovely secluded and quiet gated community.    And for us, it is luxury holiday resort.  

There is a beautiful swimming pool, shaded, and with very comfortable sun lounges,

and a very smart sand based artificial lawn tennis court.   A little hot for tennis, for us, anyway.   But not for the players taking part in the Australian Open Tennis Championships in Melbourne.  

We visited the old shopping centre of Mudgeeraba, for morning coffee.    It was very pleasant sitting among the tropical trees.    Jackie and I look very happy after our morning coffee.   And the weather is much cooler, thank goodness.

And finally a visit to Sanctuary Cove, created out of a swamp twenty five years ago.  And now a boat and golf haven.   Very upmarket too.   And with an American flavour, no doubt.

A walk under a very high verandah.

 The yachts are equal to any boats sitting in the St Tropez harbour.   No posers sitting on the back of the boats though.    This is Australia, after all.    No room for posers here.

 We then travelled around Sovereign Island, with its landscaped waterways and streets and magnificent houses.   Some money here.   I hope the residents like sand flies, as I know there will be lots here.

 And of course each house is equipped with a small jetty, and attached to it the requisite large boat.    Where do people find such large amounts of money.    I must admit I had a very senior moment, and thought that these large boats only cost $3,900 each.    I forgot to add the remaining zeros.   It was a very funny moment.

The line up of the girls from New Zealand - Nola, June and Jackie.

Tomorrow we say a very reluctant goodbye to Jackie, June and the Gold Coast, and head off to Adelaide.