Standing on the headland and looking at my watch, I knew I had to tear myself away from this idyllic spot. Just a couple more minutes, I told myself. Just enough time to see another couple of water spouts above the humpback whales who were languishing in the middle distance and didn't seem to be in a hurry to go anywhere. Unlike me right now.
It was a wrench but I knew that if I didn't get a move on I would be keeping Dave waiting at our favourite cafe along the Noosa River. We can never remember the name of it; we just call it the Elvis cafe because they have a statue of 'Him' outside on Gympie Terrace. From any table there's a great view of where the river meets the sea. At this time of year the sun has set by 5.30pm. I wanted to get there before sundown. It's the middle of winter now but I've just been standing on the edge of an ocean cliff wearing a T-shirt and sunglasses.
I took up a brisk pace, returning smiles or hellos to people I passed along the track through the National Park. It was quiet and peaceful. The koalas would be starting to wake up and venture down to the lower branches. I had already spotted one high up in a huge eucalyptus, looking down at me. Where else in the world could you see koalas, kangaroos and whales all in one day?
I rounded a corner into Tea Tree Bay to witness a magical Noosa moment. Shafts of golden sunlight broke through the clouds, bathing everything before me in a warm, honey glow. The beauty of my surroundings was intensified in that moment, serving to remind me yet again how lucky we are to live here. I marvelled at the cathedral of ancient white gum trees, the perfect sandy shore, the reflected sunlight in the molten water, the gentle warm breeze playing with my hair, the smell of sea, tea tree and eucalyptus all mixed in together.
I turned to go.
And was promptly knocked down by a long distance runner.
Cheers geezer.
And watch out for the drop bears
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