Redcliffe

Glorious sunshine and open skies - and off we go to our closest ocean getaway. Redcliffe, named after its red cliffs, originally called Humpybong, and inhabited by Aboriginal people. It's Queensland first penal colony. Famous for being home to the BeeGees and one of the first places to be settled in 1824 when the ship Amity sailed into its safe harbour, it is a place steeped in history but also giving its residents plenty else. 

Let's start with the frivolous and fancy - loved this! A Pompom Tree. Native or Exotic I wonder? 

Then moving on to the busy markets held there on a Sunday afternoon selling the most delicious food and quirky artefacts, from precious and semi precious stones to silver teapots and repurposed EPNS silverware which were as amusing as they were musical. Sadly I was so busy looking at them I forgot to take a photo. However if you want your Silver repurposed call Robyn's Reborn Relics 0401369024. What a great idea.

The history was everywhere and we stopped to read and take in all the events that had taken place here on this spot all those years ago, not least the people, convicts and settlers who are commemorated on this memorial perhaps signifying the sails of the ship. 

I love the fact that this plaque commemorates not only the men but their wives and children.

The convicts are also listed, all men with interesting jobs. I wonder what their misdemeanour was to get them in jail and transported all these miles away from their family and friends. Some unusual professions- a dry cooper, a sawyer and a shingler. Any familiar to you? 

And not forgetting the amazing geology that seems to be richly in evidence here with rocks as red and green and cream as you will ever see. 

Finally the boardwalk by the ocean, free and available to all to enjoy, as it should be and the vistas of water, wind and air which recharged us wholly and completely.