Gold Coast-Day Three

Easter Sunday was unlike any I’ve ever had. The Aussie tradition is to go to the beach with friends and family, and that’s exactly what we did! We met up with one of Justin’s friends from home, Sam, and just had a beach day all day. After a few hours in the amazing Burleigh Beach waves, we walked up a steep hiking trail to the outlooks on top of Burleigh Hill. You could see all the way from Surfer’s Paradise to Coolangata, which is two cities over. Ironically, there were way more surfers at Burleigh, then Surfer’s Paradise, probably because it was a lot less crowed. At the top of the look out we saw a massive rip tide forming in the water, and could see how powerful the current was. After a long hike back down the hill, we ended up at one of the canals that we had walked past earlier, the one with the bull shark sightings. As curious as I was, I’m still smarter, so we kept on walking until we saw people swimming. The canal had such a strong current because it was perpendicular to the ocean, and the larger body of water was pulling the water out. I got in and off I went! The current was much stronger than we thought. I physically couldn’t swim against it, and couldn’t touch the bottom, which was a little scary. Also, I was drifting off further into the middle of the canal where no one was swimming for reasons I won’t mention until you know I was safe. So yes, I eventually was able to swim towards the shore and walk back to the group. From then on, we all just swam together, and luckily the guys were able to pull us back if need be. It was way too much fun to not go back…and back again…and that’s how we spent a few hours. We played some rugby on the beach also which added to the fun. After we left, we talked about how ominous the canals are and how there were bull shark attacks recently and surprisingly frequently in that area. I say they’re just curious, after all no one has died from a bull shark, considering they are on the smaller side. Either way, it was pretty exciting knowing it was a possibility to be swimming near the amazing creatures. We started walking back into town and I realized I had no idea what time it was. I’ve gone 3 months without a cell phone or watch, and it feels amazing! Plus, there’s always the sun to estimate the time, and I’ve gotten pretty accurate with that method. It was 5:30 when we realized it was time to get back for Easter dinner. Over dinner we talked about how incredible it is that us girls have traveled so much and are continuing to do so in just five months. They said Australians don’t really “see” Australia until they retire, and we come in and have already seen more than they have. It always takes me by surprise when an Aussie asks us what climbing the Harbour Bridge is like, or exploring the famous waterfalls tucked away in the rainforest. It was a lovely dinner of oriental chicken burgers (I got the recipe), fresh fruits, pasta salad and a green bean spinach salad which was delicious. I realized how much I miss and crave that homey feeling, around a nicely set table, using manners and have interesting conversation. After dinner, we played Wii Kinect Sports and remained sore from the sprinting and boxing for a week. We hung out our wet beach clothes and towels, and I noticed they didn’t even speak of the potential for rain. Apparently, it just doesn’t rain there! (In Lismore, it’s literally rained for two weeks straight. Of those two weeks, I really haven’t seen the sun at all.) 


It was a very different and wonderful way to spend Easter, with everyone out with their friends, just relaxing at the beach all day.