After a much-needed sleep in, it was time for the Big Pack and the Grand Depart.  Mist hung over our mountain as we said goodbye to Somerset Dam.  The traffic grew heavier as we got closer to Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  By lunchtime we were in the land of theme parks, high rises and shopping malls – quite a contrast to the tranquillity we’ve been used to.

Too early to check in, we ate Hawaiian burgers at an outdoor café overlooking The Broadwater.  We met a labrador in Labrador.  After our fill of pineapple-enhanced burgers and chips, we decided to check out The Spit, where we will be orienteering in sand dunes in two days’ time.  It is home to Sea World and several very upmarket resort hotels like Palazzo Versace and the Sheraton Mirage.  But if you drive further on, there is a very pleasant walk out along a jetty, with wonderful views of Surfers Paradise. 

This is activity central, and we watched helicopters, parasailers, jetskiiers, speedboaters, bike riders, fishermen, and strollers like ourselves. There was an endless variety of things happening.  The much larger jetty to the south is the Sand Pumping Jetty, and the beach there is lovely.  It will make a perfect picnic spot after the dunes race on Thursday.

Next we headed to our waterfront apartment building.  After navigating the intricacies of the basement car park and the lift, we unlocked our door to find ourselves on the 8^th floor, with a glorious wraparound view.  We can see north to South Stradbroke Island, all of The Broadwater, and the gleaming towers of Surfers to the south.  There are vessels of all kinds coming and going, as well as moored. We can even see the Seaworld rollercoasters.  We sat on our balcony sipping champagne and eating pre-dinner thingys, watching the lights begin to twinkle over the water as the sun disappeared for the day.

It’s a tough gig.  Not sure how we will cope with 6 days of this.  I even have to put up with having my own bathroom. Tomorrow – 3am wakeup call for our balloon flight.