A short and sweet category that was meant to match our experiences with the hot pools of New Zealand, but somehow faded off. These are a few of our noteworthy 2014 experiences. We have had some unique place in which to submerge.
Redcliffe Lagoon. On a clear day you can see the towers of Redcliffe from Bribie. It’s the departure point for the ferry to Morton Island (another Queensland sand island), strong triathlon club, used to be serious working class, now due to bayside status going more up-market. This pool complex is in the South Bank style. Plenty of features which make it look as if Redcliffe was built first. Lots of deep water areas. Kiddies play area all clean-treated water.
Lake Mackenzie. A perched lake, not one with Perch there-in, but sitting above compressed sand. The base has been pressurized and become solidified with vegetation over time. The water layer sits on top. This sand has a high silica level and we use it to exfoliate. Gold jeweler comes out sparkling. There is a chill, sharp wind, but warmer in the water.
The Lagoon. Airlie Beach. Various depths, an area with a blue line on the bottom for those who simply must swim laps. Lots of lawn and sand on which to sunbake. Essential resource as this area is a no swim zone due to the presence of stinger jellyfish between November and May. Signs warn of the ‘risk of encountering toxins’ bottles of vinegar which are supposed to ease the sting are on warning plaques. The life guard is full of anecdotes about fights between itinerate back-packers.
‘I don’t do nothing unless they’re drowning.’
When asked about the water temp his reply was, ‘want the real temperature, or the one you’d prefer to hear’. Rod thinks it’s about 18 C degrees.
The Boulders, Babina Creek, south of Cairns. Deep cool magic ponds. Signs along the walk warned of the dangers, but swimming is possible in certain areas. The reflection factor was amazing. A mirror-lake-waterway amongst the rainforest. Everyone kept asking, ‘is it cold?’ Sure, but we kept swimming just so we could say we had this outstanding experience.
Lake Eacham, Atherton Tablelands. Swimming in a crater lake! Another one of those “because you could” swimming experiences. We had to swim there because it was so spectacular. A few brave souls were sharing the pleasure, but this will always be memorable because of the exchange with a relaxing bar-staff worker. ‘Is the water warm,’ asks Rod.
‘It always warm, it’s a volcano.’ Her knowledgeable reply.
‘Don’t you mean crater?’
Giggle, giggle, ‘oh yeh’.
She must have thought that the extinct volcano was still heating the waters, or who knows really, ‘whatever…’
.
karenlethlean2014 