A stroll on The Strand Townsville

May 11, 2015 by annbritton

I have been in Townsville since Wednesday night and today is Mothers Day.
Amongst the shops, traffic, and chores that needed to be done I’ve been enjoying having meals cooked for me, good coffee, cocktails. Also there has been the enjoyment of my new surrounding setting. If you have followed my blogs you will know I truly enjoy the ocean, the smell, feel and look.
Let me share some of the photos I have taken over the last few days.

These beautiful gums are across the road from my accommodation.

The different colours of the leaves of this tree, with the afternoon shining through.

The sun kissing a frangipani making it whiter than white.

This view, is very easy on my eyes, the sea breeze was refreshing.
Walking down The Strand, it was a pleasure to see friends gathering lazing in folding chairs, picnic rug and basket spread out on the grassed area. There was also couples just sitting, lying, taking in the view on the grass, taking the time to spend the time together away from home. Solo people reading or just chilling. Of course there were families with children on bikes or scooters having a wonderful time. Amongst all of these were many four legged friends  Also joggers, walkers, runners, people on skate boards being pulled along by their dogs.

Bit of a challenge, in the afternoon sun, shadows from other trees, a bit of photography therapy was good for the soul amongst this beautiful landscape and fact I hadn’t had a snapping fix for some days.

A beautiful old building, known as the Seaview Pub, with this magnificent tree, a Curtain Fig, at its entrance.

Flying Fish?

What is an Australian beach without seagulls.

Just so happens, hiding in amongst all this tropical scenery, is a Coffee Club.

I just love these trees, so much character.

Different angles, different perspective. They drop their “roots” from the canopy, once these reach the ground they establish themselves, hence the shape of the trunk.

The view from the Coffee Club, yes that is Magnetic Island across the water.

Green lawns and plants, shady spectacular trees, sea breeze, beautiful weather, extremely relaxing surroundings.

Pretty sure I won’t be looking through any trees at home to see a container ship out on the ocean.

Trying to take photos without people or cars in them was a challenge, let alone street signs, light posts, rubbish bins, power boxes, power lines.

But without, at least people and dogs, this environment seems very empty, glorious, but very sterile.

Yep I dipped my toes in the water.
There were warning signs all along the beach of stingers in the water and beaches were closed to swimming because of this.

The evening light was breath taking.

A seagull following his mates over the water at last light.
At this time of day and first light, numerous parrots fly over, making the air full of squawking, either finding or leaving their roost in the palm trees.

Just a tad romantic.

My studio room was on the third floor of this apartment building, just back from The Strand, and in the background, the very famous landmark of Townsville, Castle Hill.

The view from my balcony was very easy to handle, just love the shimmering water.

In the garden of the apartments was this beautiful Hibiscus. Tomorrow I head home. I hope all the “Mums”, had a wonderful Mother’s Day.