Open Writing

One of the great joys about living on Bribie is the abundance of walkways and cycle tracks. These are taken full advantage of by the many citizens that my husband refers to as 'the healthy walkers'. Whilst he much prefers to snuggle under the duvet with a cup of coffee and the newspaper to partaking in such exercise he is very keen that others, me in particular, should be up with the birds appreciating the joys of the early morning. In his defence I am allowed one cup of coffee and five minutes listening to the six o'clock news before being turfed out of bed and reminded how much I will enjoy the walk and how good it will be for me.

Soon I am on my way, earplugs in to listen to the radio but eyes wide open to take in the beautiful ocean scenery.

On turning the corner not only do I get my first view of the ocean but also the first invigorating blast of the wind to blow away any remaining cobwebs. As I quicken my pace to keep warm I can admire the pink and grey galahs breakfasting on seed they find in the grasses growing between the beach and the footpath. The crested pigeons, occasionally being distracted by the need to feed, keep up their continual wooing of each other, the males bowing and spreading their tail feathers to impress the ladies.

Next I cross Williams Creek by way of a small bridge and lean over to admire the small baitfish swimming in the water below. Often there are fishermen here, namely royal spoonbills with their eccentrically shaped bills moving their heads from side to side to scoop their breakfast; perhaps an intermediate egret with Persil-white feathers and sharp pointed bill ready to spear its meal along with a white-faced heron who apart from its white 'cheeks' has beautiful soft grey feathers.

Past the children's playground and the smart restaurant and a quick look to check out our new jetty. With a smile of approval I note the small boys and old men are putting their lines in the water as always and ignoring the petty new council regulations. A coalition of delinquents!

Now I begin to meet other morning walkers and exchange a nod of recognition before reaching the boat ramp. As well as men launching their boats there are always a number of pelicans busy grooming themselves whilst waiting for a free breakfast of fish skeletons from returning fishermen.

Continuing on, across the road, is Mr Cornett's IGA Supermarket, along with a selection of other small shops. Here you can buy a paper or some fresh bread and a pie from the Island Family Bakery but I resist the temptation of both and continue my morning constitutional.

The next stretch of my walk is lined with tall gum trees that not only are very beautiful in themselves but made even more so by the hollows that provide nesting sites for rainbow lorikeets and other birds. The tallest tree provides a perch and nesting platform for a pair of ospreys. Alas, in magpie season, this is where the pied dive-bombers lie in wait for unwary health freaks!

A little beyond lies the bridge over the canal developments where I stop to catch my breath and admire the magnificent view of the Glasshouse Mountains or gaze straight out to sea for a glimpse of dolphins at play.

The last stretch takes me past the basketball courts and more children's play equipment and closer to my goal, the bridge that connects the Island to mainland Australia. Having reached the bridge I perform some simple rituals, namely touching the pipes that lie under the road, swinging around a post that is in the middle of the path and finally sitting down on a seat for a few brief seconds in order to fully appreciate the sparkling sea.

Having fulfilled my obligations there is nothing left but to begin the equally delightful return trip, arriving home feeling virtuous, invigorated and perhaps a little smug.

© Elaine Lutton