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| My view over Pete's shoulder. |
I took a day off work on Wednesday, and Pete and I headed off on our motorbike to Toowoomba for a day's ride in the beautiful sunny weather. It was perfect for riding. We headed out the back of Beerwah, through Kilcoy, Esk and to Toowoomba where we had lunch. Then it was back home down the Warragal Highway, turning off to come back up towards Esk, across to Somerset Dam and home. Around 6 hours all up. I love being on the back of the bike, I notice so much more than when sitting in the car, the smells and sounds, surprisingly enough it is amazing what you can hear through the helmet. Some of the smells aren't so pleasant, but that is all part of the experience. The only trouble is, unless I give Pete a whack over the back of the helmet or a good tap on the shoulder we can't communicate too well, so I often miss photo opportunities. On the ride home I primed him about taking photos so he kept an eye out and stopped at anything he thought I might like to take one of. Below are some I took.
Once again I was struck by how dry the countryside is and seeing two burnt strip alongside the road is a timely reminder that for those who smoke (I'm not one of them), that cigarette butts should not be thrown out the window. Broken glass is also a good fire starter. I love seeing termite mounds and am fascinated by what they would look like if the top half was sliced off. I wonder how old some of them are. Unfortunately I didn't get any photos of these.
The contrast between the dry pasture and the blue of these dams really caught the eye.
The old buildings in Toowoomba and Esk really caught my attention. What changes and historical events have they seen over the last hundred years I wonder, if only they could talk.
The old Esk Trading Post below reminds me a bit of a Queenslander house with the deep closed in verandas.
The building (photo) to the right was built in 1912.
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The Brisbane River above O'Shea's Crossing.
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On the way up, between Esk and Toowoomba, we saw a few old, now fenced off railway bridges, like the one below, in the middle of fields. I would have loved to have been able to walk across and see them up close, but they were on private property.
Rows of Paulownia trees, the foliage of which can be used as stock fodder in times of dryness/drought were just coming into bloom. I recognised them from my time working in horticulture in NZ and we had several large trees of these growing in the 12 acres of display gardens. Their flowers are quite magnificent. The timber is also useful, although for what I can no longer remember.
Pete on our bike, waiting patiently for me to open the gate on our return home, so he can put the bike away. It is a Honda ST 1300 and quite comfortable for me as pillion. I often close my eyes and have a little doze.
The old buildings in Toowoomba and Esk really caught my attention. What changes and historical events have they seen over the last hundred years I wonder, if only they could talk. 
I've just made a note for myself to show my husband your post. He used to own a motorbike when we first met many years ago. I did go on the back a few times but it was one of those little Suzuki ones with the tiny seat at the back. He also comes from Brisbane and studied in Toowoomba at the University of Southern Queensland. I think he will like your photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to picture you having a snooze on the back of a bike. I would more than likely fall off. Well pretty much guaranteed actually.
Have a great weekend.
Kylie