We were exploring the Glass House mountains north of Brisbane. The mountains are old lava plugs, exposed when the softer sandstone around them eroded away. Which is cool - who wouldn't like to hike on a hunk of frozen mantle? We tried to get the girls excited about going to the mountains, but whether they were jaded from years of visiting impressive landscapes or just tired after yet another weekend of birthday fun, they played it cool.
Of course, the girls always play it cool until we arrive at Destination X, and then they are always full of enthusiasm. Not necessarily for whatever is supposed to impress them at that moment, but still. Indy and Stylish dutifully spent a good three seconds looking out from the lookout point, and then began to play Fire Dragon and the Two Bridges. Indy explained it to me later; it appears to be a tag-like game involving a dragon and a fish running across a pool of lava. I note proudly that lava was involved, so the kids clearly internalized something about the Glass House mountains - daily dose of education managed.
Erik and I took a look at the map. "Let's try the hike at Mount Beerwah," I said. The summit was closed due to rock slides, but a simple stroll through the forest would be just the ticket.
Mom's idea of fun. |
Mount Beewah plus attractive family. |
"There's a good one," he said. "We're going there next."
"Mount Beerburrum. Another beer mountain*?" I looked at the description. 1.4 km, grade 4 track. "Bushwalking experience recommended," I read. "Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Moderate level of fitness and ankle-supporting footwear required." My natural optimism took over. Steep, sure, but a moderate level of fitness meant it couldn't be too bad. The track was paved, for goodness sake.
We arrived at Mount Beerburrum. Erik was 50 m up the track before I had even unbuckled my seatbelt.
Up, up, up we go. |
Our reward for a steep climb: a beautiful view. |
Looking out from Mount Beerburrum |
You would think, at this point, that we had had enough for one day. And we had. Everyone was a little dopey on the ride home, whether from the walking or the sugar crash. But we had borrowed the car from an acquaintance, and had to get it back to her before we could take our weary selves home.
"There is supposed to be a nice park down the street from Gayle's apartment," I said. "Do you girls feel like stopping there for a little while?"
Like magic,the girls straightened in the back seat. "Yes, yes, yes!" I don't think I ever ever seen them tired enough to refuse a visit to the park. And so we joined the hundreds of other kids in the park that afternoon.
Spinning, spinning, spinning |
Spider-in-training |
"You know," I said, "they just fixed up the movie theatre down the street. Anyone want to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?"
A quick meal of butter chicken and lamb vindaloo later, we were enjoying the (wafer-thin) adventures of Leonardo & co. The girls curled into the enormous bean bag chairs at the front of the theatre, and Erik and I sat behind them like the grow-ups we are. This was purely practical on my side - if I had claimed a beanbag, I would have been asleep within minutes.
So comfy. |
5 comments:
What a simply wonderful day the 4 of you had together: I would have voted for the more leisurely trail myself.
I see that brown teddy was treated to the movie too.
Love Mom
I read your blog after reading your piece in Cruising World this month. In 1988 our family of four cruised for a year (our daughters were then 7 and 10). This brings back such great memories--of how the girls learned to make fun happen wherever they were, how laundry and groceries could be so time-consuming, how some days were school-centered and some were experience- centered... Our girls are now in their 30s with great memories of the year we cemented our family bonds, and my husband and I are getting ready to shove off again.
(We did the July 1989 cover story for Cruising World called We Took the Kids)
Hi, Jane. I found your Cruising World story online - it sounds like you had a great time. I'm glad to hear that your girls retain such fond memories of your time aboard; I hope ours will, too!
Amy, your girls will always think back on these years with happy and grateful thoughts, I believe. And they're accumulating essay material for their entire school careers! And by blogging, when (?) you return to land people will understand a bit better what has transformed you all.
Sounds like a really fun day! I love walking too and agree flat is better suited to my enjoyment.
Love
Kate
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