Mystery Bus Trip
By
Lorraine Keilty
Seventeen
Happy Revellers met at 8.30-am at “our place” to set out on one of
Bob’s mystery tours.
Hold on to your hats everybody for a day of goose bumps…
Bob’s mystery tours reminded me of the very popular “lucky dips” we use
to have as children, but instead of enjoying the happy treat inside we had
to look forward to the surprises in store for us. Firstly we headed down
to the very popular holiday playground “The Broadwater”.
The growth explosion in this little area is unbelievable. It was so easy
to see that High Rises, the Aqua Plaza and the Grand Hotel, which looms
out like a white ghost in the evening, have replaced the lovely little
holiday batches and tiny houses now.
Driving along Marine
Parade the Broadwater was just awash with all types of watercraft. In the
distance you could see the white sails of the Marina Mirage a very popular
shopping complex well known for it’s sea food restaurants.
Off towards Runaway Bay and arriving at Paradise Point
we drove over the bridge to Efron Island…wow what luxury apartments
with the most spectacular views, After realizing that we didn’t have
petty cash of several million dollars to spend Bob hastily retreated….
On to the new Westfield Helensvale Shopping Centre, Bob gave us a
quick drive around the outside showing us where to park out cars when we
go shopping. I got the impression of a very large complex and I venture
to think we may need skate boards to scoot around on when venturing
inside. I noticed in passing very beautiful murals on the outside of the
building…well worth another look,
Onwards to Coomera and Ormeau, such a change of scenery.
The land changes to secluded millionaire type houses set in magnificent
park-like settings. One particular mansion had its tennis court built on
top of the garage! My imagination ran riot wondering what happens to the
tennis balls!!!
Many ornamental shaped hedges surrounded these gracious houses, such a
delight for the artistic soul, but a nightmare for the ordinary gardeners.
Travelling to our first pit stop of the day, Bob did one of his little side
trips and we so on discovered the reason why. Ahead of us was the most
amazing sea of blue you have ever seen. We had reached Jacaranda Reach,
aptly named because of three Jacarandas, which from a distance, look like
a single, magnificent, Jacaranda!!!
Surrounding these trees was a conifer archway leading to the beautiful
rose gardens.
Would like to
visit again Bob…hint …hint!
Hanging out for a cuppa at this stage…hurrah…we arrived at the
Riverside Residential Resort for over 55’ (a few of us would qualify).
We were greeted by the friendly sales staff team, Ann and Kaye, who made
us feel very welcome (maybe they saw some potential clients?????? I don’t
know about anyone else but I feel a few more morning teas are in order
before feeling qualified to make that decision!!!)
We were escorted through the four different display homes. I have
claimed as mine the Pandanus house…a 2 bedroom house built in the French
Renaissance style…it’s décor was a sight to behold (otherwise known as
“eye candy” - those with teens in the family will be familiar with this
expression no doubt)…blue and white with splashes of black throughout…I
have also claimed the gorgeous wall tapestry for myself.
A white grand piano was set against a stark black background. I would have taken the piano if I could have sneaked it out without
bringing attention to myself!!! I could go on and on about these
lovely houses and the wonderful facilities provided…tennis courts, bowling
green, heated swimming pool, and the most fantastic clubhouse. The
clubhouse is due for completion in the next few weeks…I feel another
morning tea visit coming on to check it out once completed facility!!!
Morning tea was laid out beautifully with an array of lovely little
cakes…yum…we felt very pampered being waited on!
Many good byes later, we boarded the bus somehow accumulating an extra
two bodies. Our two stowaways happened to be former NZ Probus members who
now live in the resort. Bob kindly invited them to join us for some of
our tour. I am sure they enjoyed the fun and humour of our little group
and perhaps we will see them in the future at our Probus meetings.
We explored Beenleigh and Logan and arrived at Yatala pies where
we all enjoyed a yummy lunch.
After lunch we meandered through Pimpama. May pointed out the
lovely country school that her grandchildren attend. The school is well
laid out with brightly coloured buildings and the Australian flag flying
proudly.
Bob pointed out a housing development of interest that consists of a
single dwelling…why is this you may ask??? Apparently the developers
didn’t do their homework very well…no sewage pipes to be seen anywhere a
fact only discovered AFTER development had commenced…so development
ceased!!! Hmmm…very scary thought isn’t it???
Travelling through Pimpama I noticed many very old abandoned homes. One
in particular caught my attention. It was surrounded by
overgrown trees vines etc and I commented to Yvonne “That looks like a
hideaway house”. Imagine my surprise when I saw an old sign outside the
house that did in fact say “Hideaway House”- very aptly named! In
fact it did cross my mind that perhaps the house is a haunted house…he he
he…anyone game to take a trip there one night to check out my theory???
Next…one of the mystery stops…the Frog house…here there is a
display of over 2000 china frogs. Sad to say…it was Froggie’s holiday and
no one was at home…boo hoo. Not to worry Bob is going to jack it up to
take us there when the Froggies are in residence.
A quick trip up to the top of Mt Gravatt…it was quite hazy so we
didn’t stay long.
Next
another surprise…Sarah Lee! What seemed like hours later we
emerged laden with boxes of goodies. Poor Bob’s cabin looked like a
packaging warehouse by the time all our purchases had been packed
carefully into the bus.
Continuing down the coast McDonalds loomed up so of course being our
favourite haunt we indulged in a cuppa and/or ice cream.
It was a real fun day and many thanks once
again Bob for all the trouble you go to researching to make these outings
so successful.
Other Trips Probus
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