Category: Moreton Bay

Cycling, Moreton Bay

Government Street, Deception Bay

by NeilEnnis 25 September 2010 2 Comments Shortlink

This is Government Street, Deception Bay. I think the name is quite apt. It looks promising when you start following it, but eventually you end up bogged, and (in the case of the car) never see the light of day again.

But what a ride!

I just followed a few single trails in the bushland between North Lakes and Deception Bay, over a rickety handmade log bridge, held together with bits of rope, and stumbled across this swamp.

Unfortunately I fell over in the stinking mud as I tried to ride through it, and came out the other side smelling like the boys toilets at a primary school (remember?).

Thankfully I had a spare pair of gloves and socks, so I was able to clean up on the other side and ride home.

The best part of a ride is discovering something new.

Today’s ride was awesome.


Total distance: 47.15 km
Total climbing: 579 m
Average temperature: NAN
Total time: 02:58:31
Download file: activity_50363388.gpx
More data

Cycling, Pine Rivers

The Tortoise and the Hare

by NeilEnnis 23 September 2010 2 Comments Shortlink

While I was rocketing down a trail by the dam this afternoon I almost ran over this little guy ambling along by the side of the track.

He very kindly let me take his photo while he stood next to my bike, then as quick as I came, I went.

Reminds me of an old fable – except this time I got home first šŸ™‚


Total distance: 25.45 km
Total climbing: 370 m
Average temperature: NAN
Total time: 01:19:29
Download file: activity_50154188.gpx
More data

Aboriginal Australia, History, Moreton Bay, Pine Rivers

Tom Petrie Memorial

by NeilEnnis 29 August 2010 5 Comments Shortlink

The unveiling of the refurbished Tom Petrie memorial was an amazing experience for many reasons.

I’ve written several articles here previously about Tom Petrie. The man was remarkable for the way he learned the ways and language of the local Turrbal Aboriginal people, and showed them a respect and honor that was more than a century ahead of his time. It was fitting to remember him on the 100th anniversary of his death.

I also had the chance to meet Maroochy Barambah, an elder, Songwoman and Law-Woman of the Turrbal Aboriginal people. This talented and dignified woman is the great grand-daughter of Kulkarawa, a young Aboriginal girl who ran off with a Sri Lankan man named Shake Brown in the 1840’s. Brown was killed in the 1840’s on the banks of what is now called Browns Creek. By some strange co-incidence I actually took some photos of this area and wrote an article about it a few months ago. So I was overwhelmed to meet someone who was actually related to Kulkarawa (Granny Kitty) and Shake Brown (Grandfather Brown).

This event was the first formal occasion that descendants of Tom Petrie and the Turrbal people had met face to face since Petrie’s death. It gives me hope that things like this happen. The mutual history of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australia is something that can unite us, and strengthen our souls. It reminds us how precious is the place in which we live. It gives us continuity and reminds us that each of us is here for such a brief time, while the land is always here.
Tom Petrie Memorial - 26 August 2010Tom Petrie Memorial - 26 August 2010Tom Petrie Memorial - 26 August 2010
Tom Petrie Memorial - 26 August 2010Tom Petrie Memorial - 26 August 2010Tom Petrie Memorial - 26 August 2010

Cycling, Lawnton

The Llawnton Llama of Lleis Park

by NeilEnnis 25 July 2010 No Comments Shortlink

We saw a couple of kangaroos while we were out cycling this morning, but this Llama wins the prize for the most unusual animal we’ve seen today.

He was just trotting around Lleis Park at Llawnton today (pardon the double LL’s but when you see Llama it affects your spelllling).

He had decided to wander off from the circus that has set up camp in the park.

No one was harmed, and he eventually went back home to the circus.


Family, Life, Pine Rivers

Mt Nebo

by NeilEnnis 14 June 2010 No Comments Shortlink

Liz and I took the kids up to Mt Nebo this afternoon for walk through the rainforest and a bit of afternoon tea.

There’s something spiritually regenerating about walking through a forest. I feel like I’m “soaking up” the peace as one of the trees would soak up the rain. They seem to live at a different rate from us. Our lives come and go many times over while they’re still growing, reaching up to the sky and sighing in the breeze.

Strangler Fig (Ficus watkinsiana)
A majestic example of the strangler fig growing at Mt Nebo along the Boombana boardwalk.

This specimen is approximately 400 years old.

These trees begin life as vines, taking root in the crevices of other trees. They grow and slowly envelope the host tree, “strangling” it, and growing up to 50 metres in height.
Rainforest Canopy
The view above as we walked through the Boombana rainforest walk at Mt Nebo this afternoon.

Pine Rivers, ToyVoyagers

Forgan Cove

by NeilEnnis 13 June 2010 No Comments Shortlink

Forgan Cove
Liz and I took the kids for a walk around Forgan Cove today.

It’s a short, easy 4.5km walk through some peaceful bushland that borders Lake Samsonvale.

We thought we’d take the opportunity to add to the photo log of Carla, a Toy Voyager that we’re hosting at the moment.

Toy Voyagers are fun because they challenge you to have a more child-like view of the world, and to look for events and pictures that would be appropriate for a toy on a voyage. I like them because they help me appreciate the place in which I live.

Forgan CoveForgan Cove

Cycling, Moreton Bay

The Giant and Me

by NeilEnnis 5 June 2010 No Comments Shortlink

The Giant
Some views out to the Glass House Mountains and Moreton Island from my ride today.
I stopped on the top of Raynbird Road which has spectacular views to the north and east.
It’s been a while since I rode this far, and it feels great to blow the cobwebs out and push the pedals for a few hours.

Glasshouse Mountains
Glasshouse Mountains
Glasshouse Mountains
Moreton Island
Moreton Island