WHERE THE FOREST MEETS THE SEA.

We are in Cape Hillsborough National Park, bang on the beach 85km North of Mackay. The park is predominantly rainforest and stretches along the coast on a large expanse of interesting beach. It reminds me of Jenny Bakers picture book “Where the Forest Meets the Sea”. It really is very picturesque. We are staying at the resort here, but wouldn’t exactly say it is like any resort I have been to before. It really is just an upmarket bush camp, which is where it gets its appeal. However it has just enough mod cons tucked away in the main building, like a café/restaurant, internet and children’s play area, to make it very attractive. Oh the joy of sinking into a wonderfully, comfortable couch to type this. Often you don’t know what you miss until it is right there. We haven’t sat in a sofa since we were staying at our friends place in Brisbane! Very nice. After three days of rain in Mackay, we arrived here on my birthday and finally saw a few rays of sunshine. It really changes everything when it is raining. Trying to keep the three kids entertained all day on the bus is never easy, but when it is hot and humid as well, we can all get a little antsy. This morning the sun was shining thinly and we decided to head off walking. It was quite a climb for the first km, almost straight up and humid, through thick lush rainforest, but the beautiful butterflies sailing around us and the frequent sightings of lizards – Tal even saw a snake disappearing into the bushes - kept us all interested and keen. It was pretty overcast and windy when we reached the lookouts, which spoilt the views a little, but the cool wind was welcome relief. After our descent we walked along the beach and inspected the minute sand balls made by the crabs, but this time they were different with little arrow heads between the balls signalling the direction the crabs had moved in. Its these little things that we have the time to notice. After a couple of weeks inland it is good to be back on the coast with the lush, green forest around us. I realise how I crave to be surrounded by green. Which is why in its own way living in Melbourne felt ok. The gardens were all green and trees thrived everywhere, with lush green open spaces amongst all the concrete and urbanisation. When we head away from the towns into the bush where man has cleared the earth and it is parched in the sun, then we see the real effects of the harsh Australian climate.