Alexandra Headland

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• Sunday - July 29, 2001: We drove up the to the Sunshine Coast to Aussie World and the Ettamogah Pub. We rode several rides but the most fun was the gravity-powered carts that ride downhill on a variety of tracks and road ways.
• Next, we drove to Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba. I had not been here in 31 years, so I was quite anxious to see it again. I have very fond memories of this region. Indeed, it has changed significantly since that time. In 1970, the area was an array of quaint coastal villages. Now, it is dominated by high rise flats with ocean views and high priced real estate. We stopped at an oceanside park at Maroochydore and had fish and chips and hamburgers. Aussies will put just about anything on a hamburger; pineapple slice, beet root, egg, or whatever. We check in at the Alexandra Headland Beach Resort. Across the road from the resort is the Alexandra Headland RSL Club and Beach Lifesaving Club.
• Monday - July 30, 2001: Had a nice breakfast at a place in front of the beach resort, then headed down the street to Beach Beat Surf Shop. Yes, a surf shop. You see, when I was here 31 years ago, I use to get up early and watch the surfers from the balcony of the flat we rented. Well, it didn't occur to me then that I should give surfing a try until I was halfway across the Pacific Ocean on the return flight to the States. I can remember sitting on the plane and reminiscing about my recent visit to Australia when I began to realize that I may never pass this way again. You know, I should have given surfing a try when I was up at Alexandra Headland! I was upset with myself because one should not pass up a once in a lifetime opportunity. So, on the plane that day I made a promise to myself that if I ever got to Australia again I was going to give surfing a try. Nothing was going to stop me. Well, here I am...31 years later. I am off to the beach. Look out surf, here I come. Time to make good on my promise. Well, I walk into the surf shop and start asking questions about surfing. Soon I buy a wetsuit. Lindsey and my wife think I have lost leave of my senses. Not Kristin, however, she wants to give surfing a try as well. Goodonya, Kristin!  Later in the day, we returned to the Beach Beat to buy Lindsey a wetsuit so she could swim in the resort pool. It's not heated and it is quite cold at this time of year. That evening we had a nice dinner there at the Alexandra headland RSL Club. After dinner, Lindsey and I put on our wetsuits and go for a night swim in the lagoon pools at the beach resort.
• Tuesday - July 31, 2001: Today was the day I fulfilled my 31 year old promise. I was excited as we put on wetsuits and to the beach. I decided I would give boogie boarding a try first, figuring it might be easier to catch a wave on a small board. In hindsight, now that I am in my 8th year of surfing, a nice longboard would have been much better for my first attempts at surfing. The water is cold and the waves seem small but pack a punch when they break. I stayed out all day and it wasn't until late afternoon that I caught my first wave. Kristin picked it pretty fast and she caught and went right by me. It looked like such a thrill to watch her. I learned that I w as not in shape to be a surfer. I weighed over 200 lbs. Now I weigh 175 - 180 lbs. Surfing has been a very healthy endeavor for me.
• Wednesday - August 1, 2001: Woke and took our last walk along Alexandra Headland Beach. We checked out of the resort and then headed down to Mooloolaba. We stopped in at Underwater World. Lindsey and I visited the aquariums while Lori and Kristin went shopping. Returned in late afternoon to Boondall.

...one should not pass up a once in a lifetime opportunity.