The other morning, I think Thursday last week, I jumped in the car and headed off on am impulsive drive. Maybe impulsive isn't the best description because this plan had been bouncing around in my head, waiting to happen, ever since I saw a splash of purple.
The morning had broken with a rather hazy look and as I wound up the Gillies Range, it was easy to see why. It must have been time to burn off the Gillies to prevent fires later on in the summer heat.
Although the sky closer to Cairns was big and blue with a smattering of clouds,
at the top of the range the clouds had become a bit more than a smattering.
Straight away, right there on the edge of the highway, I found what I was looking for.
Splashes of purple among the green. Speaking of green the poor Atherton Tablelands are looking more on the brown side at the moment. I think recent rain will fix that though.
Jacarandas! It is funny how you don't realise how much you miss something until you don't have it, or more accurately, until you see it and find you want to see more.
You see, growing up in south east QLD, jacaranda trees, heavy with flowers, were the norm at this time of year. Especially in the town I grew up in, where the purple trees were off set with the orange of silky oaks, lining the main street.
I still recall Jacaranda Day from when I was a child, with a parade, markets and the Historical Society's doors wide open for all.
Jacaranda Day stopped for a while there but has been resurrected in the last few years with jacarandas in full bloom being decorated by local businesses and organisations. I unfortunately have been around since it has come back in full spring.
So for me, jacarandas are a reminder of my home town, just as the bright red poincianas make me think of The Station. I thing the pink and yellow of trumpet trees are what really make me think of Cairns.
Some places in Yungaburra had been showered in purple.
This place even had a white jacaranda. Did you know about them? Me either.
Lake Tinaroo even had its share of purple on the banks of the dam.
Coming back from my little side treck to Tinaroo, I spotted a lone jacaranda, very nicely placed for some photos.
In the background some of the Seven Sisters could be seen. They are volcanic mounds and I am sure there is an Aboriginal story to go with the name but I can't find it right now.
After Tinaroo and then ducking back through Yungaburra, I headed on to Atherton.
I knew there was a road lined with jacarandas, just on the edge of town, and they were putting on a show.
I then headed up Hallorans Hill. As you know I have a bit of a liking for getting a birds eye view of places.
From the top of the hill I could again see the Seven Sisters and the patchwork of paddocks surrounding them. Sugar cane, corn and potatoes are the main crops of this area.
I could even see that tractor I had passed on the highway.
There was a good showing of jacarandas in town, at the school.
As the clouds were darkening and looking more storm like I thought it was time to head for home.
Really, I just wanted to view the clouds.
There is something about dark clouds that really set off the purple of a jacaranda.
I didn't beat the rain, in fact I got to travel part of the Gillies in it but when I got to the bottom there wasn't a drop in sight. Pity because the weather was muggy as.
I hope you enjoyed going along with my jacaranda chasing. It has been a while since I've been up on the Tablelands and even longer since I spent time taking photos up there.
Just looking at these I want to go back up and find some more trees. Obsessed, much.
What is showing the season around your place?
