Gatakers Bay

 There is a saying about Queensland weather, 'Perfect one day, better the next' and this was one of those 'better the next' mornings. Marianne had been suggesting we go to Point Vernon for a walk so we hopped into the car and drove to the other end of the bay.

Gatakers Bay is at the left of the map and we live at the far right. On weekdays it is a lovely drive beside the water around to Point Vernon but it's a comparative zoo on Saturday.

Look at that blue sky. There was a slight breeze coming onshore and the temperature was about 70 F. Perfect!

Most beaches in the vicinity are sand, but here it is rocky and you don't want to be walking out there. It's the same rock formation as the rocks near where we live.

We don't see coral pieces like this on our beach either. It's a different world here.

The sand is much coarser as well. To be honest, not many tourists come here because the actual beach is essentially crappy compared to the other beaches in the area. The attraction is the grassy foreshore which is suitable for picnics.

Aussies are taught not to poke at unfamiliar animal life since it may turn out to be poisonous. As an American, Marianne poked and survived.

The remains of seaweed washed up by the tide.

Still, it's a very peaceful and beautiful area.

The strong sun glinting off the water.

Mangrove trees growing on the rocks.

Mud gets trapped between the rocks and this is enough for the mangroves.

It's ideal conditions for mosquitos, particularly after dark. We are fortunate that we don't get mossies where we live. There is too much breeze.

Grassy area to run around on. My parents would come to this area for us to have lunch when I was young and my sisters and I would burn off extra energy. 

Lorikeets. We have some that visit us occasionally.

Of course, sixty years ago, it was not manicured like this.

The other side of the bay.

In the distance, Dundowran, which is now a popular suburb. There was nothing there except bush sixty years ago.

Housing near the beach.

Can you see the head of the Lorikeet.

The same tree with an Osprey nest. It seems to be in a bit of trouble.

A park on the land side of the access road.

You may be able to see the fruit on the Pandanus tree in the foreground. I love the nonconformity of the tree limbs in the background.

The fruit would be about 8" or 20 cm in diameter.

Split up on the ground when ripe.

A couple of kangaroos with joeys in their pouches. It is Australia, after all. We don't see kangaroos at our end of the Bay.

It was a very pleasant stroll in a lovely area that's a bit different from the rest of the Bay.