'Indy Cars-Surfers Paradise.'
Don't you just love it when a short break turns out to be more than you expected? This is what happened to us.
(This is my contribution to #beautifulsunday by @ace108 and #sublimesunday by @c0ff33a)
John and I came down to the Gold Coast to attend an Il Divo concert at HOTA (Home of the Arts) at Surfers Paradise and we decided to stay for the week prior to booking. But nobody told us that the 2018 Indy Car racing event would be in full swing over the weekend........and our holiday apartment was only one street away from all the action.
So, naturally I had to see if I could get close enough to capture some of that action and investigate the source of the extremely loud sounds filling the air.
And, instead of putting my feet up and watching a movie at the end of an eventful and fun day, I decided I'd rather share my day with you by putting this blog together. On the way to the noise.....I spotted a group of officials taking a break.
Many of the Surfers Paradise streets were blocked off and of course, a police presence is necessary for occasions like this, due to the sheer number of people crowding the area and for the safety of all concerned.
Just for fun, I am including a mixture of photos for you that have been digitally manipulated to provide an interesting variety. Well, that's my intention anyway.
After walking a short distance from our apartments I was able to see the cars speeding around the corner behind some very sturdy fences. I zoomed in as well as I could from the distance I was standing.
The adrenaline rush these drivers must experience when racing would be incredible I imagine and I was thankful that none of my family members drove racing cars for a living. It is a dangerous sport and from what I heard, there had been quite a few close calls already.
A camera man with equipment somewhat more impressive than mine was shooting from a high vantage point looking down an uninterupted section of the racing circuit.
I headed towards the world famous Surfers Paradise beach and noticed people buying some of the merchandise on sale.
Some hefty looking transport trucks were parked in strategic places ready to transport racing cars back to the where they came from post Indy 2018.
I wandered around the streets dodging the crowds to the best of my ability and some time later I retraced my steps back to my apartment. My timing was impeccable because I was fortunate to capture a few cars being taken to the trucks for transportation. Here they are
........Vroom...........
And 'Operation Loading' was underway.
I may have missed out on all the action on the track but watching this hive of activity happen right before my eyes made up for that......sort of.
And then a pile of dismantled bonnets were hearded onto the trucks.
Well, that was how I spent a large portion of my Sunday. But the day was not over yet. An inviting pool surrounded by palm trees complete with its own mini waterfall awaits........and then there was my appointment I had with a cool, refreshing cocktail on the terrace as the sun descended into the distant hills.
Sounds good doesn't it? Unfortuantely the Gold Coast was hit by a vigorous summer storm and the deep throaty roar of V8 engines humming over burning tyres was replaced by dramatic staccatto echoes of thunder ripping across the skies following fluorescent streaks of jagged lightning.
I took a shot from our deck anyway after the storm abated but it was rather disappointing, so I digitally exaggerated the colours and contrast as a hint of what is to come. There will be a beautiful sunset tomorrow, I promise.
THANK YOU FOR VIEWING. HAVE A GREAT DAY.
