Monthly Archives: April 2018

Apr 25 2018

Anzac Day 25 April

On the eve of Anzac Day 2018, the setting sun provided a fitting commemorative backdrop to the day which was next to dawn.Pink skies morphed into fiery orange. A sunset befitting to the memory of so many lives lost.

This year, our choice was to attend the Pinnaroo Service, held amongst the War Graves at dawn, A heart wrenching location at the best of times.

To see so many gathered to keep the memories of those incredible souls alive, including many from the younger generations, is heartwarming.

Pink tinged the grey clouds as the sun rose over the cemetery. Tall palms standing proudly in their specific spots, set off by the carpet of neatly mowed lawns surrounding the graves. Wafts of rosemary scent drift through the air.

Medals are worn on the left if you’ve served, on the right if wearing on behalf of your family family or others who served.

The speeches, the Ode & the wreath laying, are the foundation for the haunting bugle, breaking the silence with the eerie sounds of The Last Post, playing either side of the minutes silence.

As the tears slide down, the National anthems of New Zealand and Australia are played, sending a massive wave of pride and patriotism across the assembled crowd.

All over Australia, New Zealand and in many parts of the world, commemorative services and parades take place. It is a time for the generations of the future to honour and remember those who made sacrifices for our freedom, and those who continue to bear the burden of wounds from the far too many wars our troops and support crews, have fought.

The Ode of Remembrance – Laurence Binyon (Extract from his poem For The Fallen)

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Lest we forget❤️

Apr 22 2018

Site Cafe – Banyo

A relaxing start to Sunday morning with SereniTea at Site Cafe Banyo. Located next to the Banyo Train Station, this cafe makes up for size with what it has to offer. Enjoy a meal, partake of cake and coffee, or if you cannot spare the time to visit yourself, Uber Eats will deliver to you.

With an interesting choice of meals, the dilemma of what to choose, was no easy task. Site’s menu descriptions have you starting to salivate whilst deciding on the choice. Eventually, after narrowing it down to 4, I chose the Site Fritters, adding salmon instead of bacon.

Now the photo is somewhat deceiving as these fritters were huge, and try as I might, the last one, just could not fit it in my packed belly. A mix of pumpkin, zucchini and corn, the fritters are a solid filler to start your day. My favourite part, was the labna on top. This really is a delightful velvety sauce, originating from Middle Eastern culture which paired extremely well with the fritters. Best part, there was plenty of it!

Spicy Chorizo surrounded the towering vegetable stack. Resting in a superb truffled hollandaise sauce, the stack was made up of crunchy croquette hash, bacon, egg and wilted spinach. I’m told the dish was delicious, maybe needing just a little more of the beautifully spicy chorizo, with the truffled sauce certainly helping the meal hit the right spot.

For those sporting a hearty appetite, the Breakfast Tapas might be the right choice for you. A full plate with cauliflower and Parmesan fritter, bacon, eggs, mushrooms, croquettes hash, the list goes on! There is a vegetable Tapas meal choice too, should you wish to go meatless.

Or perhaps you would like to try the Arabian Eggs? Cooked then presented in the same pan, this mix of baked eggs, bean and chorizo, haloumi , savoury mince with a side of Turkish bread, also makes for a belly full of food.

Whatever your choice to start the day, you will definitely find something on this menu to satisfy your hunger. Staff are friendly and helpful, willing to go just that little bit extra to enhance your overall experience.

Pull up one of those seats next to the large opening window, and wile away some time whilst you indulge in a meal or coffee. With the corner site, there is plenty to see. If you’re really wanting that sweet finish, choose from the cake cabinet, or, how about trying the sweet waffles. And on that light, sweet note, I shall leave you for now….

Apr 15 2018

Dolphin Waters Holiday Apartments – Tin Can Bay

Managers Greg & Karen run a wonderfully clean complex. Apartments are spacious with the location being ideal. Relax in the sparkling pool or enjoy the view from an upstairs balcony.

Fully furnished with kitchen and laundry facilities allowing the opportunity to stay in comfort and enjoy your home away from home.

Should you prefer someone else to cook, the apartments are located directly across the road from the beach, with the takeaway Snack Shack within a few metres of the complex or a very short walk to the marina where the Marina Bar & Grill provides a relaxing atmosphere for enjoying a delicious meal or drinks.

You too could enjoy a wonderful mix of fresh seafood at the Marina. Certainly a filling meal, with good food down and to earth service delivered at a great price.

The view directly across from the apartments is beautifully serene. Occasionally punctuated with a windsurfer whipping over the water, providing the extra splash of colour, there is always something to see on this constantly changing canvas.

Low tide provides an opportunity to stroll out across the vast area of sand. Blue crabs traverse the flats, scurrying in their small armies to stay out of your way.

An easy walk or couple of minutes drive early in the morning, will bring you to the wild dolphin feeding at Barnacles Cafe. Such a wonderful experience for a mere few do.lars.

We enjoy the wonderfully chilled atmosphere at this resort, and Tin Can Bay itself. If you should be planning a visit, choose this complex to stay, Greg & Karen will do everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Check in, unpack then sit back and relax. Enjoy your stay!

Apr 8 2018

Silky Oak Tea Gardens ~ Kia Ora Qld

Driving along the Tin Can Bay Road, after leaving Gympie, you will see this sign. If you are an adventurous spirit, don’t pass by, stop in. Should you choose to drive in, you are going to blown away with what you find, the name really doesn’t give away what wonderful secrets lie within.

Firstly, yes tea and cake if you wish, or perhaps a craft beer? Or, if you really do have an adventurous spirit, why not visit for one of the famous pig on the spit nights, which are bound to be filled with music and and a fantastic party atmosphere of some sort.

Your hosts, Helen & Daryl, have built this incredibly diverse country hotel business, over the past twenty years. And yet, this place seems to be one of the best kept secrets in Queensland. Take some time to have a chat to Daryl & Helen, they are the secret behind the success of this business. Plus the stories and down to earth chatter will have you in stitches.

The area is huge, with tall shady trees and interesting gardens opening into a number of different areas. Plenty of seating, starting with the plastic chairs, tables, and umbrellas for extra shade. Follow through though, as you will not be expecting what you find at the end. I’m not going to give all the secrets away, you need to satisfy your curiosity with a visit. It will be worth it!

Every pocket hides a new surprise, the mish mash of ideas here, really works well, blending to morph into one of the most iconic and interesting places we have visited. So many photo opportunities here, but I showed huge restraint, only because you need to go yourself.

Try a pub meal, test that cold beer, savour tea and cake, purchase some lemonade fruit, or country preserves. Oh and we highly recommend the pig on the spit! Unfortunately though when you are enjoying yourself so much, you forget to take photos 🤗. Whatever you do here, one thing is certain the stress of life will be forgotten whilst you linger beneath the canopy of shade.

This best kept secret needs to be unveiled, be sure to include Silky Oak Tea Garden on your next exploration journey. We are already planning the next visit!