It’s been a doozy of a week. A week chock full of craziness and mayhem and plain old hard stuff, but we made it through.
We weathered the Head Cold of Death and a sick goat and kangaroos busting holes in the fence for our goats to escape through and a rat infestation and on and on it went. Phew. We are tired, I tell ya, so this afternoon we’re taking heart in gorgeous sunshine, healthy animals, being able to breath again, and something good for dinner. All is well.
Amidst the lunacy of last week, we had some wonderful moments of sheer bliss to keep us going. One of those was Bear’s birthday. It was so fun to get to plan things to spoil and celebrate him, and when I asked him what he wanted to do, his eyes lit up as he declared: “Mud crab sandwiches at the beach!”
Our first stop was the Aratula Cafe and Ice Creamery for brekky. Bear tucked in to steak and eggs with bacon, tomato, and toast, while I had sausage and eggs. We watched people and chatted and sipped coffee until we couldn’t eat another morsel, then got back in the car and headed for the coast.
Is there anything more wonderful than the first glimpse of the ocean after a couple of hours in the car? I never fail to be stunned by the beauty of the Queensland coastline.
On this day we went to The Spit at Main Beach, Queensland. Since it was mid-week there was hardly anyone there – just the way we like it.
We held hands and strolled along the quay, basking in hot sunshine and cool ocean breezes that splashed us with salty water as waves crashed against the massive boulders.
We stopped often to admire a particularly stunning rock, a cheery bit of graffiti, or mysterious numbers etched in the pavement.
And of course we had to keep stopping to sigh happily at the stunning colors of the water. Isn’t it glorious?!
My favorite moment was seeing a school of flying fish skittering above the water in a shower of silver light. It was wondrous.
I like the trim little lighthouse at the end of the quay with its child-size arched doorway.
Next time I’ll show you more of this beautiful place.
Where is your favorite place to go for your birthday? xo
That water was gorgeous Krista. I don’t have a particular place, but I do love having lunch overlooking the ocean. In Townsville I like eating lunch with a view of Magnetic Island.
Magnetic Island sounds so interesting, @budgetjan:disqus 🙂 With a name like that there must be a good story to go with it. 🙂
A lovely place to spend a birthday Krista. The best place to spoil myself for my birthday is going to be at a long table dinner plunked down in the middle of a vineyard with 30 strangers, great conversation, wonderful food and wine…and the views, oh the views.
Ohhh, that sounds SO fun, Val! I can just see you doing that too – happy as can be. 🙂
Happy belated birthday to your man! What a fantastic way to spend the day. It truly does sound made to order. I can’t imagine ever tiring of those ocean views … spectacular! XX
Thank you so much, @Jacqueline_at_Bliss:disqus 🙂 Yes, the ocean is absolute bliss to me too. 🙂
Happy Birthday belated to Bear! Sounds like you celebrated in a magical way. Isn’t that the way we should approach every birthday. . .as a bit of magic?
A bit of magic is absolutely essential, @disqus_WseMqaTPwi:disqus 🙂
I could stare at that water all day 🙂 My birthday’s in the winter, so I usually take the opportunity to check out one of the local restaurants I’ve been dying to try. Last year my husband and I did lunch at a place called the Tiramisu Cafe, basically because their lunch menu all came with local beer parings, and, the desserts looked delicious. We ended up acting as witnesses at impromptu wedding a couple tables over. It was very small and very sweet. And the groom paid for our meal as a thank you. Such fun!
What a fantastic memory, @rachelfriesen:disqus 🙂 Your story made me smile – I love crazy things like that. 🙂
How delicious!
Yes, absolutely, @lizposmyk:disqus 🙂
Just what the Dr. ordered!
It sure was, Tracy! 🙂
Happy birthday to Bear. I’m sorry you had such a difficult week but it looks like you spent a lovely day on the coast recovering from colds and goats and kangaroos. The scenery is stunning xx
We are recovering, Hotly Spiced, and I’m glad. 🙂
What a quiet and romantic spot to celebrate Bear’s birthday! That photo with a long stretch shows such a nice place to walk. I can imagine the cool breeze and calm sound of the water. Lovely!
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
Isn’t it wonderful, @GourmetGetaway:disqus ? 🙂 It did us both worlds of good to be out there in all that beauty. 🙂
That blue! I agree that first glimpse of water is spectacular. When I land in Melbourne I get in the hire car and go straight to the Beach Road to my folks taking my time and even though it’s a longer way home and I’m dying to see them I need to see the sea. Mind you, it’s boring in comparison to your spectacular beach. Sounds like you needed a lungful of sea air after that hectic week x
That is a wonderful tradition, @disqus_xRgkTDNCQJ:disqus 🙂 I’ve not been to Melbourne yet, but I’m aching to visit. One day I will get there. 🙂
The beach looks amazing! I love the vast openess of the sand and water. Hope Bear got all he wished for 🙂
I love that openness too, @tandysinclair:disqus 🙂 Bear said he had a great day. 🙂
Bears birthday wish is THA BEST! Wish him a Happy BDay from me. 🙂 Dang we are lucky, I reckon Australia has the best beaches in the world (not that Ive seen them all) but like you, the first sight of the beach after hours in the car, just takes my breath away. Hmmm… In recent years Ive been so spoilt and had birthday weeks, I couldnt say that any one place is my fav, I really love being with the friends and family tho, so it doesnt matter so much where I am. 🙂
I’m with you, Anna, as long as I’m with my luvs, I’m a happy girl. 🙂 A Birthday Week sounds absolutely brilliant!! 🙂
If I had a choice I’d like to spend my birthday in Paris, please. 🙂 Glorious photos!
Oh yes, Paris would be exquisite, @disqus_v9uRgGTGfe:disqus 🙂