FRIDAY 26 APRIL     ASPLEY

Today featured more sight seeing, but in a different direction.

Drove through some of the western suburban edge, and up the road to the summit of Mt Coot-tha. I wanted to come up here to look at the view over Brisbane. It was somewhat similar to our Mt Dandenong lookout, at home, but much closer to the city – thus with a much better outlook.

A segment of “This is your Life” was being filmed at the lookout area, with attendant camera crews and a small crowd. We did not recognise the subject of the segment.

We had a good, clear, view out over the city.

Back down from the mount, we visited the Botanic Gardens, at its base. Here, I was really keen to see the Wollemi Pine – a newly discovered species. The specimen here was one of the few plants existing and was protected in a special cage. It was, obviously, the subject of a breeding program, now.

We did some exploration of the Gardens. I particularly enjoyed the Japanese garden section, and the bonsai display. One can admire the artistry of bonsai, without wanting to own any, or try doing it.

On the way back to camp, did a food stock up.