Saturday 26 October 2013

Back from the tropics

Back home from beautiful tropical north Queensland to horrific bushfires in NSW and to Winter temperatures and hail storms here in Victoria. Bit of a jolt to the system after experiencing the beautiful beaches, plants and animals of the Queensland rainforests.




Tropical rainforest meets sugarcane

banana plantation


banana flower turning to fruit

Josephine falls
 


 
Tarzan vines
Sugarcane plantation

Sugarcane train

Pre-harvest burning of sugarcane

Inisphail

Port Douglas








Cairns birdwing butterfly


Rock wallabies


Granite gorge

Jacaranda trees


Curtain fig tree




Daintree - where the forest meets the sea





Palm Cove

Cape Tribulation

Jack fruit
 
Daintree river in the distance

Tall Melaleuca (paperbark) trees
 

I was also lucky enough to be able to realise my childhood dream of going snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. I saw hundreds of beautiful fish (including the famous 'Nemo' clownfish) corals, reef sharks (supposedly harmless but I swam away quickly - yikes!) and giant clams.
Google image - Clownfish
Back to reality and some sewing, I have done two more blocks for my Comfort Quilt. Each block is made up of eight mini-blocks...





When I was away I didn't sew much at all, just some for the CCCQ. When I opened the plastic pouch back home the block was damp (it was very humid in Queensland) and the white background had some dis-colouration (I'm guessing from the red fabric) and mould specks - aaagh. I wasn't going for the aged look, I was wanting fresh and bright! But it's not very noticeable and I didn't want to start over so I've continued on and hope it will literally "all come out in the wash" - don't worry I'll be using colour catchers.

CCCQ Block #13

Cheers
Carole

9 comments:

  1. Looks like you had a wonderful time on your trip! Your pictures are beautiful.

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  2. Gorgeous pictures Carole. We are going to Port Douglas next April, and now I can't wait even more. I'll be careful what sewing I take, although judging by your pictures there won't be time for it. Your red appliqué is stunning.

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  3. Wonderful photos Carole - love the plants and the butterflies! Shame about the markings on the beautiful CCCQ block but its sure to come back to fresh and bright with a wash. Now we know how to give our quilts an antique finish ?! Hilda

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  4. Great photos I love your red applique !!

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  5. Oh my goodness Carole you took some very beautiful pictures. Browsing through them I almost felt like I was there! The flowers and butterfly's and beaches are so very pretty. Also loved the banana tree. Also wanted to say Congratulations on snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef! It is on my bucket list! I would love to hear more about it. Thanks again for sharing your trip with us. PS. Your block is very pretty. Hugs, Karen on Keuka

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  6. Beautiful photos to keep us warm in Victoria. Glad you had a lovely time. We lived in Qld for a few years and it was too hot for me. Hope your block turn out okay after you wash it - Welcome back - Hugs Nat

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  7. Your vacation photos are absolutely beautiful! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your Hawaiian quilt comes out okay--it's so pretty!

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  8. What beautiful photos - thanks for sharing! I was in that area about 20 years ago and this brought back great memories!
    I love your comfort quilt blocks - what size are you making them? Fingers crossed that your applique block washes well!

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  9. It has been a while since I have visited. Loved all the nature photos. Love those pink flowers and your applique is so pretty. Neat block sway you are doing too. I love the writing on the blocks.

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