Roadtrip to Warwick, Australia

We left Lamington National Park about 2 pm and headed down the mountain.  We went via Beaudesert out to the Cunningham Highway.  Really beautiful country, and Beaudesert appears to be horse country.  Tons of racing stables, parks, and ranches.

We went up over the dividing range, so again, lots of varying ecozones.  Up near the top we stopped at a national park/rest area, Main Range National Park, for a little break.

We stepped out of the car, and oh my!  Bell Miners!  It was incredible to hear them.  I recorded them, but am having trouble getting the audio to post.

Then I spotted three male Satin Bowerbirds with their violet eyes and glossy satin feathers.  No luck finding the bowers.

We were in high mountain valleys now, and drove through some afternoon squalls, finally reaching Warwick about 5 and checked into the Comfort Inn there.  Another sort of 50s style place, a true motor inn.  Cinderblock style walls, a sort of cobblestone forecourt.  But, very clean, big rooms, a great shower, and about the nicest people ever running the place.  And, rosebushes blooming in front of all the rooms.

We had a little time before the restaurant opened so we took off to find a lake Steve wanted to check out.  We didn't find it (took a wrong turn) but we did go down a really beautiful country road for awhile, stopping occasionally to look at birds.  No cars until a pickup came our way, stopping to make sure we were all right and no car trouble before moving on.  I explained Steve was a bird watcher and they nodded and moved on.

The little restaurant attached to the hotel was good, and we were the only ones there.  Peter explained that most people seem to just prefer room service, although the older guests tend to come to the restaurant more for the company.  His clientele is such that he is completely booked during the week, but rarely has guests on the weekend!

We were reminded that beetroots (not my favorite) seem to be on everything here, and Steve picked off his chicken sandwich and I picked out of my salad.  Pineapple too, but I like that!  I ate Steve's and mine!

Miscellaneous Observations for the Day

• Funniest highway sign--Ignore GPS!  Follow 90 to Beaudesert
• Warwick has a velodrome!  We did a doubletake as we saw somone riding on it.
• Pie shops - advertising  Meat and Sweet Pies, or Steak and Fruit Pies (I am assuming they are not in the same pies!)