Tastings on Hastings

This year, for the first time we decided to purchase tickets for what used to be called the Noosa Long Lunch. It is as $85 for a four course meal and five (yes, 5!) drinks. We chose Seasons, because their meals seemed to be the most expensive from our internet research, and they had very good reviews.

 
Once everyone was seated, and with a glass of bubbly in hand, we watched the parade along Hastings Street, the start of the jazz festival. It felt like we were part of the parade, as the tables were right out in the street.

We were sitting with a couple from Maryborough, so I told them I had a photo of me with the Mary Poppins statue, three women from Sydney, and three locals. Two of the locals managed apartments, and the third now runs the Noosa River and Canal cruises with her partner.


The lunch was lovely, and we were surprised to have our glasses filled with very generous portions of wine. There was a jazz band playing just along from us, although a little bit spoiled by a busker singing anything but jazz closer to us, which seemed a bit bazaar. The hoop girl was good though.


Afterwards we spent some time at Roccocco listening to Jan Preston, a kiwi jazz singer based in Sydney who is a regular at the festival. Graham found some locals to chat up.


We caught the bus back to our apartment for a BBQ and a nightcap watching the birds and the boats on the river.


Ann-a-Gram
😎

Noosa

It's hard to believe that we've been here almost a week already. Though in some ways it seems like we've been here for a long time too. When we unlock the door to the apartment and look out to the river it is like coming home now. I think it is the fifth time we've stayed here, and we have already booked for next year.


We were disappointed, though not entirely surprised, to find the service station across the road, and with it our close source of a good coffee, was gone. Fortunately the fish and chip shop has stepped in to fill the gap, and doesn't do too bad a flat white.

We spent the first couple of days doing very little, enjoying the river and reading books. There are new cushions on the settees and lounge chairs, a very welcome addition. The chairs were quickly moved to the patio, and have been well used.


We did pay a visit to the yacht club while waiting to get into the apartment.

During the week we took a bus over to Sunshine Beach and walked into Alexandria Bay from there. It is a shorter but much more up and down route than going from the Park headquarters. We realised how much fitter we were than last year, all of our walking has certainly paid off.

And of course, we had to go and pay a dollar to join the RSL. We went on Thursday night and enjoyed a meal while we sang along to the live music.

Ann-a-Gram
😎