Tag Archives: Qld

Lockyer Valley, Qld, Australia

12 Saturday Sep 2020

Posted by in Lockyer Valley, Qld, Australia

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Reasonably early on a magnificent winters day we headed west from Brisbane for the 60 minute 70 K’s drive towards the Lockyer Valley. Nestled at the foot of the Great Dividing Range, the Lockyer Valley is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy interesting places, clean open spaces and a variety of activities. It is a region rich with a laid-back atmosphere and stunning valley views with the perfect mix of town and country living. The Lockyer Valley is an area of rich farmlands and is rated among the top ten most fertile farming areas in the world, and the intensively cultivated area grows the most diverse range of commercial fruit and vegetables of any area in Australia. The valley is referred to as “Australia’s Salad Bowl” to describe the area as one of Australia’s premium food bowls.

Upon arriving in the valley, our first destination was a little place called Just Geraniums and my main reason for this day trip, as I adore geraniums.

After journeying through the Lockyer Valley towards Laidley we came to our turn off to Mt Berryman. We travelled up Mt Berryman Road for about 6 k’s. The sign at the bottom advised that the road was not suitable for large vehicles however our coach driver assured us that he had driven this road many times. It was steep and exciting but no one was concerned as we were so taken in by the lovely views as we climbed higher. 

The coach driver did a fabulous job making sure that everyone and the bus were safe. We then drove along the mountain ridge for another few kilometers till we reached a sign that said “Just Geraniums.

Although small, this delightful little business with its old Queensland farm house, and situated high on the mountain was an absolute joy. It was an incredibly windy day however this did not stop our eagerness to see, touch and buy geraniums. We wandered around while morning tea was served. It was a challenge just to keep the cream from blowing off the freshly baked scones but it was fun. Many of us left with our new purchases of many different types and colours of geraniums.

From Mt Berryman we travelled back down the mountain towards Gatton, a rural town in the heart of the Lockyer Valler,  where we stopped at the Royal Hotel for our lunch and a glass or 2 of local wines.

A visit to the Lockyer Valley, whether for a day, a weekend or longer is a wonderful escape. There is so much to do including exploring markets, galleries and restaurants, plus hot air ballooning, bird watching and visiting stunning national parks.

There are many fabulous boutique accommodation properties also on offer in the area.

Wishing you a Peaceful and Happy 2020

30 Monday Dec 2019

Posted by in Happy 2020

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New years is the time for reflection for me, where I look back over the year that was and then think about the new year ahead.
My year started quietly in beautiful Coffs Harbour. It is always a good place for me to start my year in a wonderful part of Australia surrounded by family and friends
During the year I was fortunate enough to visit Coffs several times.

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Diggers Beach, Coffs Harbour

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In March, my good friend, Mary and I enjoyed a wonderful week at Kings Beach, on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland where we indulged in swims every day and many walks along the waters edge of the beach.

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Kings Beach

 

July saw me in Canada for a 5W gathering with members from around the world. My trip included a week in the Rockies, a week on Vancouver Island and 2 weeks in Vancouver.

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Driving through the Rockies, Canada

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West Coast Vancouver Island

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Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver

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Vancouver Harbour

After our gathering finished in Vancouver, 4 of us Aussies, took a week cruise up the inside passage to Seward, Alaska.

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Sailing from |Vancouver

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Hubbard Glacier

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Ketchican Town

 

September, I joined 25 women from around the world in Peth, Western Australia for another 5W gathering. Our 3 weeks in WA, included a week travelling up the Coral Coast on the Wildflower Trail, a week in Perth and a week in the fabulous wine and food region of Margaret River.

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Wildflowers Tour, Western Australia

And now I end 2019 in beautiful Coffs Harbour.

As I reflect I feel so grateful to have such a blessed life.
I wish you all a wonderful, exciting and safe 2020

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Beach Paradise in the City – Southbank Parklands.

19 Wednesday Jun 2019

Posted by in Southbank Parklands, Brisbane, Qld

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On this beautiful sunny winters day I took the bus from my home in to Southbank Parklands. It is easy enough for me to drive and only takes about 20 minutes but arriving by bus is so stress free for me. I can enjoy a glass of wine with my lunch and not worry about driving. Southbank is easy to get to regardless of your mode of transport. There is always lots of parking if you choose to drive or if you take public transport there is the choice of arriving by train, bus, and ferry or city cat.

South Bank Parklands is Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination. Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, its 17 hectares of lush parklands, offers world-class eateries, stunning river views and hundreds of delightful events all year

Southbank Parklands is one of my favourite places to take my visitors to explore, swim, dine, and stroll along the river front with Brisbane cityscape backdrops. We go on the Wheel of Brisbane to get an overview of the River, Parklands and Brisbane City

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South Bank is a wonderful public space that was developed after World Expo 88, a place well loved by locals and visitors alike which symbolises the Queensland life style. This relaxing oasis in the middle of the city offers a wonderful man-made beach with crystal clean water and shady park lands that meander through entertainment hubs, restaurants and pubs. Here you will find plenty of picnic and bbq areas, eateries and toilets. South Bank is accessible by two bridges.

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You can walk across the pedestrian bridge from the Botanical Gardens to South Bank or you can walk across the Victoria Bridge. There is also a free city ferry, the city hopper, that will take you from Queen Street or Eagle Street Pier to South Bank. Also, from Southbank, QPAC, is easily accessed. QPAC, Queensland Performing Arts Centre is one of Australia’s leading centres for live performance, including ballet, musicals, stage shows, and opera. We often enjoy dinner or lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area before attending a show at QPAC.

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City Hopper – free ferry

Apart from the stunning views of the city and the river this venue offers something for everyone, swimming at the beach, bike and scooter riding, many restaurants, a gorgeous bougainvillea covered archway, market gardens that are tended by volunteers or just strolling around taking it all in. It is a wonderful place to just sit and people watch.

There are many fabulous ways to spend a day out in Brisbane; Southbank is on the top of my fabulous list. It is a fun, easy and inexpensive way to spend a day in Brisbane.

Marvellous Mooloolaba – Beautiful Beach, Awesome Atmosphere

29 Monday Apr 2019

Posted by in Mooloolaba, Qld

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Only about a minute walk from our apartment in Kings Beach was the bus stop for the local bus. The bus service on the Sunshine Coast was so good that once we arrived we parked the car in the garage and either walked everywhere or took the local bus. On two occasions we took the bus to Mooloolaba

Mooloolaba is a suburb and tourist resort township on the the Sunshine Coast about 97 kilometres north of Brisbane. It took us about 40 mins on the bus from Kings Beach to arrive in the heart of this beachside town.

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Our first place to stop when we arrived in Mooloolaba was the Wharf Mooloolaba which is a café and restaurant precinct where you will also find Sea Life Sunshine Coast and the magical Underwater World. The entire place was alive with people, young and old, families, locals and visitors. Only a few minutes’ walk from the Wharf is the beach and beachfront strip.

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We wandered along the grassy bank which runs along the top of the sandy beach overlooking the surf and breathtaking views of the coastline from Noosa to Point Cartwright. All along this grass area there are picnic tables and facilities and just metres away there is Mooloolaba’s glamorous beachfront esplanade with great selection of outdoor cafes and alfresco restaurants.

On our first visit to Mooloolaba we chose a restaurant on the esplanade with outside tables overlooking the beach, for our lunch. Déjà vu was the name of it, and we had the most delightful young lady from Hawaii for our waitress. Our meals were excellent.

This patrolled sweeping crescent of coastline is a perfect family beach stretching from the surf beach around to the calmer waters of the spit.

On our second visit we met up with friends at the Mooloolaba Surf Club for lunch. This iconic destination is located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean with its own magnificent views up and down the coastline. The windows from the dining room were open allowing the sights, sounds and ocean air to create a relaxed, vibrant and truly seaside atmosphere.

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The meals were really good, offering a great selection and very well priced considering the luxurious location.

Several hours later, we were back on the bus heading south to our apartment in Kings Beach.

Mooloolabla is a fabulous place for a beach holiday.

Nowhere in the world is quite like Mooloolaba!

Kings Beach on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia.

14 Sunday Apr 2019

Posted by in Kings Beach, Caloundra, Queensland

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After living in Brisbane for 30 + years, it was time to explore the sunshine coast of Qld. I have been visiting the northern end of the Sunshine coast, like Noosa, for years however I had not spent any time on the southern part of the coast. So, we booked an apartment through AirBnB and drove the 90 minutes up to Kings Beach, Caloundra.

20190408_140358Kings beach is very much a small beach community as well as a tourist destination with everything to suit most budgets and holiday types. This coastal town provides a beautiful ocean beach and fantastic beachside ocean pool plus great walking tracks, fantastic restaurants, cafes and shops along the boardwalk.

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It is the perfect spot for all ages. Here you will find a great surf beach which is patrolled, an ocean swimming pool, play areas, water fountains, picnic areas and clean bbq areas, fantastic takeaway food, cafes and restaurants and a brilliant boardwalk by the ocean. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly

We discovered the ‘Coffee Cat’ cafe on our first day and it immediately became our favourite “local” place. The first afternoon we sat outside near the beach enjoying a cold glass of wine listening to a young man playing his guitar and singing. We stopped by in the mornings for a great cup of coffee

Often, we walked some distance along the stunning boardwalk that hugs the shoreline. Despite the heat there was always a cool sea breeze, and a ‘happy vibe’ everywhere with strangers saying ‘hi’ or giving a friendly nod.

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Each morning and afternoon we spent time in the most beautiful free ocean pool.  There was always a friendly bunch of people there who walked, bathed and swam and chatted in this most delightful ocean pool.  This pool was so clean and well used by locals and tourists. It has some shading and plenty of change areas and showers close by.

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Close to this pool there are two large rock pools with gentle waves flowing in to them that you can swim in also. Exploring rock pools at the beach has always been one of my very favourite things to do, and here at Kings Beach we got to do this every day. It was always fun, interesting and a lovely way to relax and enjoy.

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This was a perfect and very easy mini holiday.

Kings Beach at Caloundra has everything you could want and a stroll along the boardwalk is a wonderful way to end the day.

International visitors – In Australia, always swim on a beach patrolled by life savers and swim only in between the yellow and red flags.

Stunningly Beautiful on a Perfect Winters Day

06 Thursday Sep 2018

Posted by in Brisbane City Botanical Gardens, Queensland

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I have been coming here to these gardens for a number of years. When I lived closer to the city we would ride our bikes in to the Botanical gardens and stop for Devonshire tea at the garden cafe.

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This time, with my friends visiting, we took the bus to Southbank where we hopped on to a city cat to go across the Brisbane river to these lovely gardens, arriving via QUT.

The City Botanic Gardens, which is Brisbane Citys oldest park, was originally planted by convicts in 1825 with food crops to feed the prison colony. These gardens include ancient trees, rainforest glades and exotic species. They run the full length of Alice Street, bordered by Parliament House on the one side and the Brisbane River’s northern banks on the other. Where the park borders the Brisbane river there is a wide tree lined path, which offers a pleasant walk by day or evening, and from here there are views of the many yachts at anchor and in the distance the iconic Story Bridge.

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In the park there is so much space that even when the park is busy you don’t feel overcrowded. There are many walkways which are wide enough to allow for both bicycle and foot traffic to share.

The gardens are an absolutely wonderful display of the most beautiful delights anyone could wish for. A large expansive area is set out beautifully with lots of grassy areas to relax in. The flower displays are truly delightful. The gardens are beautifully maintained and you really can get amongst the shrubs and giant trees. There are several large camphor laurel trees which are fantastic for climbing. The pond serves as a brilliant focal point that is teaming with wildlife including many species of birds, lizards (water dragons) and turtles.

There are several options of cafes to stop for coffee or lunch. We chose to have lunch in The Pantry located at QUT at Gardens point and within the grounds of the Iconic Old Government House. This small cafe offers a great selection of simple morning tea and lunch items, wonderful coffee and an interesting atmosphere.

There are free guided walks available from Monday to Saturdays from approximately 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. (excluding public holidays). These walks which last approximately one hour are led by experienced, friendly Volunteer Guides. Just meet at the Rotunda near the Alice Street Main Entrance.

This is a brilliant place to visit with the family. You can wander through the gardens or walk along the river bank all the way to the bridge over to Southbank.

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One of the many beautiful camphor laurel trees

An Oasis in a Busy City – Roma Street Parklands

08 Wednesday Aug 2018

Posted by in Australia, Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane

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In Brisbane we are blessed with so many beautiful gardens and Roma Street Parklands is no exception.

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This oasis in the heart of Brisbane with spectacular subtropical plant displays, sweeping vistas and unique artwork, Roma Street Parkland is the perfect place to go exploring – and it is only a short walk from Brisbane’s CBD.

The Parklands which is set on old Queensland railway land has been carefully developed into a very attractive and well manicured parkland that would scarcely betray its former use.

The Parkland is extensive with lovely gardens, a lake and a rainforest area. There are also excellent children’s play areas.

Join one of the leisurely and informative guided walks leaving from The Hub twice daily to experience these beautifully designed and meticulously kept grounds. There are many different sections and themes, fantastic waterways and features, flowers, native and imported, rainforest, water dragons in abundance. The walks are undulating so be prepared for short uphill sections. I could roam and enjoy this parkland for hours, And… It is free!

Or maybe for a Gold coin donation, hop onto the Parkland Explorer, the trackless train for an exciting journey through the parkland’s misty fern groves, past rocky peninsulas and the Lakeside Meadow. This little train operates between 10 and 12.30 each day with its drivers and conductors who are regular volunteers of the Parklands.

The parkland provides well-maintained picnic spots and free electric barbecues so you can prepare your own food. There is also a casual restaurant which you will find between the parking area and park.

There are two playgrounds designed for children of all ages, one at the Children’s Garden and the other along Weeping Fig Avenue.

We drove in to the Parklands as there is plenty of on street pay parking however it is easy enough to walk from the city or the Roma Street train station.

The ground staff and volunteers at Roma Street Parklands are to be congratulated for putting such a wonderful space together. It brings happiness and joy to all who visit. Well Done. Roma Street Parkland is open seven days a week.

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Devonshire Tea in the mountains at the Winery

29 Sunday Jul 2018

Posted by in Devonshire Tea in the Mountains at the Winery

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Only about an hour and a half drive from my place in Brisbane and less time from the Gold Coast is the lovely area Cedar Creek, Mt Tamborine.

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There are a few wineries in the area but we chose Cedar Creek Winery. We were initially drawn to this place to see the area and of course sample the wine. When I told my friends that the winery serves Devonshire tea, they said, they had never had one. In fact, they had never heard of Devonshire Tea and thought it may be High Tea. However, it is not. Devonshire teas have been around for as long I can remember. While growing up, a special treat with my family on a Sunday afternoon, was to take a drive in the “country” and stop at a country home with tea rooms for Devonshire tea. In those good ole days, Devonshire tea was served with a pot of tea however now days coffee is also very popular.

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A Devonshire tea is a form of a morning or afternoon light meal, consisting of tea and scones, clotted cream and jam. Traditionally a speciality of Devon and Cornwall, Devonshire teas are offered in tea rooms in those two counties, as well as in other parts of England, and elsewhere in the Commonwealth, which includes here in Australia.

The restaurant with its peaceful and relaxing surroundings is set in a lovely woodland area overlooking the lake with its abundant birdlife.

It was a cool wintry day and being as we were up in the mountains there was the winter “look” all around including the beautiful coloured leaves and the bare trees.

We followed our Devonshire teas with a wine tasting at the Cellar door which is right next door in the same building. We tried several whites, reds and bubble. All were quite nice.

From the cellar door, we ventured upstairs to the Arthur Hamblin Gallery to see a good selection of paintings of diverse Australian scenery.

Then our next stop was the Frogs Hollow which is home to a diverse range of wildlife, with over 23 species of frogs and many species of rainforest insects. We loved the experience, but you need to be patient and look for the frogs. The more effort you put into looking for the frogs and observing them, the more you will get out of the experience. There are a lot more frogs there than you first realise.

Here at the winery also, they have purpose built Glow Worm caves with guided tours throughout the day. We chose not to take the tour this time and spent extra time exploring this very charming and picturesque setting.

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A Great Night out at Eat Street Markets – Brisbane.

24 Saturday Mar 2018

Posted by in Eat Street Markets Brisbane

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It is 4 years since I last visited the Eat Street Markets. I said that I would be back, but I had no idea that it would take me so long to return. I don’t even know why it took me so long because the markets are extraordinary.

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This time we arrived by city cat. City Cat is the Brisbane river transport system with terminals stretching from The University of Queensland at St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton. It was then only a short walk from the Northshore ferry terminal to the markets.

Travelling on the City Cat anywhere on the Brisbane river is an absolute delight, both in the daytime and very special at night when you see the abundance of lights along the river banks and illuminating the many bridges.

The first time I went to Eat Street Markets, although we arrived quite early, parking was difficult. However, this time, we arrived about 6pm and there were still hundreds of free parking stalls. But, when we left around 9, there were long lines of cars waiting to come in with traffic controllers directing the traffic. The first visit to Eat Street Markets.

The Eat Street Markets have moved location since the last time I visited and it was definitely for the better. They were originally near Portside where the cruise liner terminal is, and now they are further down the river in Northshore Hamilton.

 

There is nothing like Eat Street Northshore anywhere in the world. It is a special one of a kind experience. Priceless city & river views saturate & surround the 180 dining and entertainment shipping containers that add a blazing coloured landmark to Brisbane.

At soon as you walk through the gates in to the area you are hit with the exciting vibe of the place, with its millions of lights, beautiful stalls, people having fun and amazing aromas coming from the many food stalls.

 

There were so many choices of places to eat it was hard to decide. We initially walked around the entire area making mental note of what we thought we wanted to try. We stopped at one of the bars by the river and enjoyed a glass of wine and thought about what we would have for dinner. Then it was deciding time which was hard. But we did decide and we enjoyed the dinner. We each chose differently, my choice was Japanese however we all agreed on the same for dessert. Gelato.

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With over 70 vendors creating delicious dishes from all over the world you are sure to find something absolutely scrumptious.

Live entertainment fills the markets; Solo performers and bands are positioned throughout Eat Street so you’re never far from music. After dinner we stopped by several of the entertainment areas and sat in comfy chairs to watch the performances.

 

Eat Street Markets is open every weekend of the year. Fri and Sat 4pm to 10pm and
Sunday 12 noon to 8pm. Entry fee is $2.50 – 12 years and older.

If you live in Brisbane or visiting at any time, stop by for a visit, you won’t be disappointed.

Purple Season in Brisbane

03 Friday Nov 2017

Posted by in Australia, Purple Season in Brisbane, Queensland

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It is purple season in SE Qld. In mid spring each year the jacaranda trees around Brisbane start to bloom. I usually think of Jacaranda trees showing off their full fabulous purple colour in November however some years they start blooming in October which was the case this year. It really depends on how cold winter was. This mass of colour in our parks and lining our streets usually lasts about 6 weeks.

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Although these trees look very much at home here in the sub tropics they were actually introduced to Australia from Brazil in the 1850’s.

Just a couple of kilometres from Brisbane city centre, situated on the Brisbane River is the leafy suburb of Yeronga. This is where we chose to go for our walk this morning and this is the spectacular sights we experienced.

Here are some of my snap shots taken this morning.  Enjoy.

 

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Jacaranda Trees on Brisbane River
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Jacaranda Trees

 

Also in Yeronga, not far from the river,  is the local park called Jacaranda Park, yes that’s right, Jacaranda Park –  with its purple sun shade.

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Jacaranda Park with purple sun shade

 

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Jacaranda Trees

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Jacaranda Trees

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Jacaranda Trees

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Jacaranda Trees

There are many spots around Brisbane with Jacaranda trees. If you live here and you have the time, I recommend take a drive around the suburbs and feast your eyes on some magnificent displays. You will find the trees on the north and south sides, in the parks, lining suburban streets, and even along our bus ways.